CASS HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Titans of Logging: A Two‑Day Photography Weekend on the Cass Scenic Railroad
A compact guide to the May 2–3, two‑day, photography‑focused event featuring Climax, Heisler, and Shay locomotives in steam and planned runbys and night sessions.
Titans of Logging: A Two‑Day Photography Weekend on the Cass Scenic Railroad.
Set on the mountain grades and river valleys served by the Cass Scenic Railroad, the Titans of Logging Photography Weekend pairs vintage geared locomotives with carefully staged runbys and remote vantage points so photographers can capture rare steam operations in dramatic light. Over two days the event stages a unique first‑time triple‑header and offers scenic stops, short hikes and an evening night‑photography session.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Climax, Heisler and Shay—Together in Steam
For the first time at Cass the event brings Climax, Heisler and Shay geared locomotives together in steam for staged runbys and an opening locomotive ‘race,’ giving photographers unprecedented access to three different geared types operating in concert.
Cass to Bald Knob—A Mountain Climb
Day one climbs the legendary Cass Hill, a 2,390‑foot ascent from Cass (elev. 2,452 ft) to Bald Knob (elev. 4,842 ft) atop Back Allegheny Mountain, with multiple scenic runbys and photo stops along the grade.
Planned Night Photography
The weekend includes a traditional night photo session on Saturday and a Saturday‑night option is offered as a standalone ticket, extending photographic opportunities beyond daylight runbys.
What the day feels like
What the weekend feels like
The two‑day format stages high‑impact photographic moments: an opening triple‑locomotive sequence and runbys on day one as trains climb to Bald Knob, followed by riverside and farm stops along the Cass–Durbin line on day two. Operators provide multiple runbys and access to remote locations; the schedule also reserves time for a controlled night‑photography session on Saturday.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this weekend suits—and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The event runs across two days, May 2 and May 3; ticket options include two‑day and single‑day passes as well as a standalone Saturday night session.
This is a photography‑focused event with planned runbys and a night session—participants should plan equipment and personal items accordingly; a bagged lunch is provided each day (note: the Saturday night‑only standalone ticket does not include food).
Ticket price does not include accommodations or transportation; capacity is limited and several ticket categories have set spot counts, so book early.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and where does the Titans of Logging Photography Weekend take place?
The event runs on May 2 and 3 at the Cass Scenic Railroad, operating on routes to Bald Knob and along the Cass–Durbin Greenbrier River line.
Which locomotives will be featured?
The weekend features a Climax, a Heisler and a Shay—operating together in steam for the first time at Cass, with staged runbys and a triple‑header consist.
What ticket options are available and how many spots?
Options include a Two‑Day Pass ($800, 25 spots), Single Day Saturday (includes night session, $500, 5 spots), Single Day Sunday ($450, 5 spots), and a Saturday Night Photo Session only standalone pass ($75, 10 spots). Overall capacity is limited to 55 patrons max.
Is food provided?
A bagged lunch will be provided each day for attendees of the two‑day and single‑day (Saturday and Sunday) passes; the Saturday night‑only standalone ticket does not include food.
How physically demanding is the event?
The event is described as having a moderate physical level with stops on hillsides and short hikes over rough terrain, so attendees should be prepared for uneven ground.
Does the ticket price include lodging or transport?
No; ticket prices do not include accommodations or transportation to or from the event.