THURMOND, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Mountain State is seeing one of the snowiest winters in a while and more snow is in the forecast.
Many West Virginians have taken advantage of the picturesque views provided by the snow by visiting local parks, overlooks, and scenic drives.
There’s one other way individuals can explore the natural beauty of West Virginia that many may not know about.
The eastbound Amtrak 50 Cardinal train traverses through West Virginia from Huntington to White Sulphur Springs on its journey from Chicago to New York during the morning on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The same goes for the westbound Amtrak 51 Cardinal which runs in the opposite direction from New York to Chicago on the same days in the evenings.
The ride provides picturesque views of the New River Gorge as the train traverses the entire 53-mile length of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
If an individual boarded the eastbound train, they could ride through the gorge and back all in the same day.
The train makes stops in Huntington, Charleston, Montgomery, Thurmond, Prince, Hinton, Alderson, and White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia.
For example, if one boarded at Charleston, they could ride the entire length of the gorge to White Sulphur Springs explore The Greenbrier, and take the westbound train back to Charleston that evening.
Along the way, riders can witness a snow-covered New River Gorge along with the historical sights of Kanawha Falls, Hawks Nest Dam, New River Gorge Bridge, Nuttallburg, Kaymoor, Sewell coke ovens, historic Thurmond, Prince, Sandstone Falls, and historic Hinton and Alderson.
As previously mentioned, day trips can be made only if catching the eastbound train first and riding only as far as Charleston, Montgomery, Thurmond, Prince, Hinton, Alderson, White Sulphur Springs, or Clifton Forge, VA.
Tickets for the train may be purchased here.
