Arrive Early
Plan to be at the restored Elkins Depot 30 minutes before departure to find parking and your assigned seat.
Ride the New Tygart Flyer: A Vintage Train to the High Falls of Cheat
4.5 Hours • Diesel Train • Miles of Unspoiled Views • Lunch Onboard • Sells Fast- Book Now
Continue ReadingThe first thing you notice as the whistle cuts through the mountain air is how loud the forest becomes — wind in the spruce, a distant gull of the Cheat River, a wood-bench murmur as luggage settles. The restored Elkins Depot folds away behind you and a vintage diesel locomotive coughs into life, pulling a string of climate-controlled passenger coaches into the green spine of West Virginia. Over the next 4.5 hours you will travel 46 miles round-trip, climb gentle mountain grades, thread an “S” curve tunnel, and arrive at a waterfall that feels deliberately remote: the High Falls of Cheat, an 18-foot cascade that spreads 150 feet across the gorge. It is the kind of trip that relaxes you into its pace — a wilderness excursion that doesn’t demand you earn the view, only that you pay attention. Book this experience via the operator’s page for the full details: <a href="https://app.advcollective.com/local-experts/new-tygart-flyer-scenic-vintage-train-high-falls-cheat-wv">New Tygart Flyer scenic vintage train</a>.
Duration4–5 hours
Trail Wisdom
Trail Wisdom
Step-Ready Footwear
Wear shoes with traction if you intend to step off at High Falls — the viewing area can be wet and uneven.
Bring a Rain Layer
All trains run rain or shine; a compact shell keeps you comfortable while exiting at the falls.
Upgrade for Comfort
Consider the Parlor Car for extra legroom, upgraded meals and a private host — book early as it sells out.
Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- The restored Elkins Depot and small downtown galleries
- Quiet river pull-offs visible from the train that make good return hiking reconnaissance
Wildlife
Bald eagle, White-tailed deer
Conservation Note
The Cheat River watershed supports sensitive riparian habitats; guests are asked to stay on designated areas at the falls and pack out all trash.
The route follows valley lines that were industrial corridors in the 19th and early 20th centuries, now repurposed for scenic rail travel.
Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for:Riverside views, Wildflower spotting
Challenges:Rainy conditions, Muddy viewing areas
Spring brings fresh green on ridgelines and higher river flows; expect occasional wet ground at the falls and pack a rain shell.
summer
Best for:Warm weather travel, Birdwatching
Challenges:Higher humidity, Midday heat
Summer offers lush forests and long daylight; trains are climate-controlled but roadside areas can be warm — hydrate and wear sun protection.
fall
Best for:Peak foliage, Photography
Challenges:Popular crowds, Cooler mornings
Fall is prime for color and dramatic photos; book early for best seats and bring a warm mid-layer for morning departures.
winter
Best for:Snow-dusted landscapes, Quiet rides
Challenges:Cold temperatures, Icy platforms
Winter trains run in snow and offer stark snowy vistas; dress warm in layers and use caution stepping on icy surfaces.
Photographer's Notes
Photographer's Notes
Shoot from the window during golden hour for warm light on the ridgelines; use a shutter speed of at least 1/250s to freeze motion from the moving train and frame the High Falls of Cheat from the side platform for scale.
What to Bring
What to Bring
Sturdy Trail Shoes
EssentialGood tread helps if you step off at the falls or walk around the depot.
Light Rain Shell
EssentialKeeps you dry during sudden mountain showers and adds a wind layer near the gorge.
Small Binoculars
Useful for birding and spotting river features from the train windows.
Portable Phone Charger
EssentialEnsure battery for photos — cell service can be spotty in the gorge.
Common Questions
Common Questions
What to Pack
What to Pack
Water bottle (stay hydrated on the platform), Rain shell (for falls and mountain showers), Camera or phone with extra battery (capture the gorge and waterfall), Comfortable shoes with tread (for stepping off at High Falls).
Did You Know
Did You Know
The High Falls of Cheat is 18 feet high and about 150 feet wide, one of the most remote and wide waterfall sites in the Cheat River corridor.
Quick Travel Tips
Quick Travel Tips
1) Book early for Parlor Car upgrades; 2) Arrive 30 minutes before departure; 3) Expect patchy cell service in the gorge; 4) No pets allowed except service animals.
Local Flavor
Local Flavor
After the ride, explore downtown Elkins — the restored depot anchors a small cluster of cafes and community venues. Try a local diner for classic West Virginia fare and pick up a pepperoni roll, the region’s iconic snack.
Logistics Snapshot
Logistics Snapshot
Closest regional airportMorgantown (approx. 60–70 miles). Trailhead
boardingRestored Elkins Depot on Railroad Avenue. Driving distance from nearest town: within Elkins city limits. Cell service: reliable in town, spotty in the Cheat River gorge. Permits
passesnone required for the train excursion.
Sustainability Note
Sustainability Note
This route travels sensitive riparian habitat along the Cheat River; please pack out all trash, remain on designated boarding areas at the falls, and respect wildlife to minimize disturbance.
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