Durbin Days Diesel Special: 1-Hour Scenic Train Ride in Durbin, WV

Board the "Durbin Days" Diesel Special in Durbin, West Virginia, and trade the city grid for a tight, hour-long loop through the high, green ridgelines and river flats that define this corner of the Appalachians. Departing from 12363 Cass Rd, Cass WV 24297, the excursion runs rain, shine, or snow, and pairs a working diesel locomotive with enclosed vintage cars for a festival-ready, accessible-to-most outing.

The one-hour roundtrip rewards riders with close-up river views where tracks follow the water’s edge, hardwood slopes that burst with spring leaf‑out and a late‑day glow in the fall. The rolling terrain here is classic Allegheny foothills: mixed oak and maple stands, steep hollows, and sandstone exposures that catch light and shadow as the train threads bridges and low cuts. For photographers, the choreography of smoke, steel, and reflection offers straightforward compositions without long hikes.

What sets this trip apart is the combination of historical railcars and short, shareable duration—perfect for families, festival goers, and travelers who want a taste of mountain railroading without committing to a full day. Note the cars are historical in construction: the experience is authentic rather than modernized, and that authenticity shapes boarding and accessibility. Coach Car 835 features bus-style, forward-facing seating with a restroom; caboose 90658 has unassigned seating but no restroom, and caboose riders remain aboard for the full trip. Pets are not permitted, though service animals are allowed.

Plan your visit around the Durbin Days festival schedule for lively platform activity and local vendors. Because trains run in all weather, bring layered rain gear; the ride can be chilly even in summer when the locomotive blasts air across open windows. Boarding involves steps and handrails; the Diesel Special is not wheelchair accessible, so factor mobility into plans.

Tickets are straightforward and typically sold per car; choose Coach Car 835 for assigned, restroom-equipped comfort or pick Caboose 90658 for a more communal, nostalgic perch. Boarding usually begins at the listed meeting point; arrive 20–30 minutes early during Durbin Days to claim preferred seats and enjoy pre-ride platform energy. Staff will announce safety information and seating rules before departure. This excursion is an excellent complement to a half-day itinerary in the surrounding mountains—short, social, and strikingly scenic. Bring a light snack.