The vintage diesel locomotives will have you traveling back in the past with its quaint vibe, starting from the sound of low-humming engines, down to its retrofitted couches, and extended to the feels of utensils used in the dining cars.

Whether you are a train enthusiast or a first-time rider, you will find this experience memorable!

All Aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Train

Where Does The Potomac Eagle Train Go?

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad tourist line runs through old Baltimore and Ohio rails.

Board the train at Wappocomo station in Romney and enjoy a scenic train ride to Green Spring or Petersburg.

The ride is adorned with majestic mountains and vast farmlands.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Train History

It was the West Virginia state Public Service Commission that saw and studied the potential of tourist excursions on the South Branch Valley Railroad. Romney Business and Professional Organization made this into a reality.

The South Branch Valley Railroad became the operator and business began in 1979.

Train trips were during the fall but there were special school field trips and Christmas trains as well. In 1991, an outside company began to market and operate the excursions.

Now, Potomac Eagle continues to provide educational trips and participate in a few seasonal ride events.

Experience

Passing through a 6-mile canyon, the Railroad prides itself in traveling the areas where American Bald Eagles nest.

Spot these iconic birds in their natural habitat or soaring high above the skies.

Marvel at the display of nature’s beauty in the usual three-hour long excursions.

Ride aboard the historic train in any of the following accommodations: outdoor, indoor and classic lounging.

If you prefer an outdoor journey, which most vacationists do, especially during the Fall season, you will be seated in roofless, converted gondola cars.

You’ll have great views from your seat when you ride these cars.

Indoors, the cushioned seats are high-back and bench-style.

The backs are reversible, allowing passengers to ride in either direction. Small cooler and food may be brought inside.

Did not bring any? Food and drinks are available onboard. Cash only purchases may be made from their limited snack bar/concessions car.

Dinner Aboard The Train In The Club Car

Your third option is the Club car—a carefully restored lounge area complements the trip with a 3-course meal, Chesapeake and Ohio railroad china, comfy loveseats and tables, and a climate-controlled environment.

Advance reservations are required as entrée are chosen when making the reservation.

Routes

Potomac Eagle currently offers two regular routes: the Trough trip and an All-Day Trip.

The Trough trip is a 3-hour ride that enters the Trough Canyon to Sycamore Bridge, then back.

The All-Day trip happens on the last Saturday of the month and lasts for eight hours.

The route is a longer version of the Trough trip.

The train moves southward through Moorefield and into Petersburg.

A 1 ½ hour to 2 hour long layover allows passengers to shop and explore restaurants in Petersburg.

Another popular excursion is the Green Spring Special.

It is a northbound train and is a lot shorter and more affordable.

Rail fans enjoy a 1 ½ hour ride and views of the Potomac River and Hanging Rock.

Book a stay at the nearby Capon Springs or Koolwink Hotel.

More things to do in West Virginia include:

Visit 14 Of The Most Haunted Places

West Virginia Waterfalls

West Virginia Scenic Drives

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This city on the border of Ohio and West Virginia and at the confluence of the Little Kanawha River and Ohio River, is home to some historical sites as well as a beautiful setting for outdoor activities.

Grab your bags and head out to Parkersburg and prepare to fall for its natural and historical gems.

History and the Arts in Parkersburg, WV

As soon as you board that sternwheeler riverboat, you are taken back to the early 19th century and travel the way they did in the past.

The riverboat will take you to the Blennerhasset Island Historical State Park where you can ride horse-drawn carriages and visit the Palladian mansion and museum.

The mansion was owned by an Anglo-Irish lawyer and politician Harman Blennerhasset — the mansion in the island is now a replica since it the original burned down.

Outdoor activities include biking, camping, fishing, and hiking.

For a great overlook of the river, a stop at Fort Boreman, should be on your itinerary.

This fort is a series of trenches built during the Civil War.

Built overlooking the Ohio River, the Henderson Hall is another historical site that should be an important stop.

This Victorian-era Italianate style mansion which has 29 rooms was built in 1859 and has been perfectly preserved.

For the artistic travelers or lovers of art, a visit to the Parkersburg Art Center will truly be a delight.

You can view artworks from six galleries with masterpieces from internationally known artists or Parkersburg local children.

Where To Eat In Parkersburg, WV

Eating at Colombo’s, the NET and at Holl’s is also like a historical journey. These recipes have stood the test of time and have satisfied the tastebuds of people from the past. Now you still get to enjoy them.

Jimmie Colombo’s Italian Restaurant was first built in Clarksburg in 1945 but then moved to Parkersburg after nine years. They serve authentic Italian pizza and pasta. They also have pork, chicken, and seafood entrees and sizzling steaks, sandwiches and salads on their menu.

The North End Tavern and Brewery or more popularly known as just the NET, is a much older establishment. Established in 1899, it was originally a pub and then later grew into a restaurant and brewery. Head to the NET for German-American favorite dishes, sandwiches and its famous NET burger.

When it’s time for desert, shop at Holl’s for their handcrafted Swiss chocolates. Fritz Holl, a Swiss trained chocolatier, who immigrated to America, founded the company in 1986.

Where To Stay in Parkersburg, WV

When you stay at the Townplace Suites, you’ll have access to great amenities such as indoor swimming pool and fitness center.

Your home away from home is conveniently located downtown so you can be close to where you need to go.

If you want to stay in one of the historical places, choose the Blennerhassett Hotel.

The European-style rooms will take you back to the past but still give you the amenities of a comfortable hotel.

Learn more at Visit Greater Parkersburg

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The 4700- acre, multi-awarded, family-owned and operated mountain resort provides guests of all ages a haven like no other.

Upon arrival, it kinda reminds me of the resort from Dirty Dancing (no lake though for epic lifts–lol). This all-inclusive mountain resort in West Virginia is only open from May to November so you’ll want to book dates soon.

This is a place that you go to get away from the craziness of everyday life and enjoy life at a much slower and enjoyable pace.

Currently owned and operated by third-generation family members, Capon Springs welcomes visitors and loyal patrons warmly and give new meaning to how coming “home” should feel.

The Capon Experience

Tranquil, peaceful, rustic and unplugged are the overall ambiance in the retreat center.

Situated two hours away from D.C., people come and visit the place to disconnect from the city’s hustle and noise.

You’ll stay in originally-built 19th-century houses and cottages and unwind in one of the 115 rooms available in varying accommodation.

It’s all a very relaxed atmosphere and within a few hours you’ll find yourself enjoying being disconnected from the outside world.

Capon Springs is laid out like a small neighborhood and everything is within walking distance.

The unique “no internet (except for the meetinghouse), no cell signal, no TV” features all over the area allow guests, staff and nature to form a wonderful camaraderie.

Many families return to Capon Springs year after year and after a visit, you’ll want to return as well.

Capon Springs Food & Water

Come with your appetite to an all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner (all-inclusive of resort accommodations). Home cooked style meals are made from fresh ingredients, harvested and collected from Capon’s very own farms.

Foods keep arriving as pre-dinner and evening snacks are served. Eat without the worries of having to clean the dishes!

I can’t talk about Capon Spring without talking about their epic water. I am an avid water drinker so I know a good glass of water when I taste one and Capon Springs water is top notch!

You can purchase water before you leave (highly recommend). Plus, you’ll be able to drink as much as possible while visiting.

Capon Springs Activities

Be a part of and enjoy the resort’s numerous activities for free—from fishing to tennis and pickleball, to swimming in one of the best retreat pools in US.

Want more? Other indoor and outdoor pastime such as badminton, Frisbee, basketball, ping-pong, croquet, indoor puzzle, hiking and book reading will keep adults and kids on their toes.

Bond with family or make new acquaintances in the annual Capon chase Adventure—a clue solving treasure hunt race introduced back in 2008.

If you’re lucky, the resort might just be hosting a living room concert while you’re visiting and you’ll have the chance to hear a great band like the famous Bluegrass band, Bud’s Collective, in a comfy environment.

Of course, there is a 18-Hole Golf Course. For an additional budget-friendly cost, visit Capon’s two nine-hole golf course. The well-groomed layout is a par 34, measuring 2,888 yards. The other course is a par 3.

FLING GOLF

The “Prep Course” has relatively short distance holes and smaller greens. Golf cars and clubs are available for rent. If you are not into golf, try Fling Golf.

Playing or at least trying Fling Golf is an absolute MUST!

Presented in 2016, it is a hybrid of lacrosse and golf, with a friendlier approach. Im not a fan of golf, but I loved Fling golf.

It was so much fun and let me fling the ball instead of having to hit it. My flinging arm is apparently much better than my ability to hit a small white ball with a stick.

Capon Springs Spa

You all know I’m all about a great spa and the Hygeia Bath House and Spa at Capon Springs fed my need for some additional R&R. Recoup and rejuvenate as you soak in a 6 x 8 x 3 tub, filled with Capon water, each tub is housed in private individual rooms.

Personalize your baths with your choice of scent and minerals for a minimal charge. Family baths are also available several times a week.

Treat yourself more with a skin-revitalizing facial therapy, hand, feet or body massages or reflexology, all performed by trained professional therapists.

Create your own package and get a discount. Come out refreshed and recharged!

The moment you enter Capon’s premises, you will immediately feel the excellent care and services they provide.

People receive a lasting impression of their experience and keep coming back year after year to this place.

It is no wonder why they have been recognized multiple times for various awards and have received wonderful reviews from guests.

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Oh, and if you want to visit a haunted location that has incredible architecture and good stories during your travels check out the Trans Alleghany Asylum Ghost Tour.

Best Scenic Drives in West Virginia

Historic National Road (15.7 miles)

The perfect drive when you’re short on time!

Travel back in time without ever stepping out of your vehicle.

The Historic National Road, also known as the Cumberland Road, was the nation’s first federally funded interstate highway.

The 620-mile (1000-km) road opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people.

The road spans East to West, from Cumberland, Maryland all the way to Vandalia, Illinois and includes a section in Wheeling, West Virginia.

One of the key highlights of this historic thoroughfare is the Wheeling Suspension Bridge.

This iconic structure links the main channel of the Ohio River and was once the largest suspension bridge in the world from 1849 until 1851.

Highland Scenic Byway (43 miles)

For those with a bit more time on their hands, but don’t want to commit an entire day consider driving the highland scenic byway.

Navigate through a wild and timbered portion of the Monongahela National Forest on the Highland Scenic Byway. Hardwood forests cover rolling, mountainous terrain capped by dark spruce at high elevations.

Traverse a narrow and steep-walled valley with views of clear mountain streams.

This designated National Scenic Byway extends 43 miles from Richwood to US Route 219, north of Marlinton, WV.

Sights include Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake, and Falls of Hills Creek.

The USDA Forest Service have created an audio tour to guide visitors through these iconic landscapes.

Little Kanawha Parkway (77 miles)

I’d plan on a half-day for this drive. Pack a picnic, find a place to hike along the way and make an adventure out of it. 

Skip the highway and take the scenic route. Running parallel to the Little Kanawha River along State Route 5, this scenic drive traverses from Mineral Wells to Flatwoods.

The Little Kanawha Parkway takes travelers through rustic farmlands and quaint rural towns.

Allow 2-3 hours to navigate this byway.

Coal Heritage Trail (98 miles)

Another half-day drive this one through southern West Virginia.

This drive winds you through mountains and valleys of Southern West Virginia showcasing America’s robust industrial heritage.

The Coal Heritage Trail travels through more than 13 counties and showcases the land where thousands of hard-working miners labored to produce the coal which powered modern America.

The Trail is part of the National Coal Heritage Area and begins on Route 52 in Bluefield to Welch, then follows Route 16 towards Ansted.

Washington Heritage Trail (136 miles)

Have a day to spend on an epic adventure? Follow the footsteps of George Washington on the Washington Heritage Trail, and discover the natural and cultural history along 136 miles of the scenic Eastern Panhandle.

See 18th-century towns, 19th-century industrial sites, Washington family homes, springs, rivers and scenic mountain ranges on the drive.

Be sure to plan out a few self-guided tours along the way.

The Morgan County Driving Tour is an 80-mile segment of the trail that is centered around Berkeley Springs and continues on to the town of Paw Paw.

Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (180 miles)

Another day adventure straight through the middle of the state. The Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike is a designated National Scenic Byway.

It spans from the upper Shenandoah Valley in Staunton, Virginia to the Ohio River Valley in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

This historical turnpike served as the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley.

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With excellent reviews from travelers, vintage rooms, modern facilities, plus their 70 years of service will definitely have you coming back for the experience.

Koolwink Motel: A Brief Background

First opened by the Kleins as tourist homes in mid-1930’s, the couple rented out rooms within their residence and cottages.

After retiring in ’55, the original units were sold to their great-nephew Wallace Mauk, and wife, Pauline.

More units and an additional annex building on a hill were designed and constructed by the Mauks in the 60s.

Over the years, the owners maintained and upgraded the motel, keeping up with the changes of times.

Nowadays, son-in-law Robert F. Lee, along with wife Kay (one of Mauks’ twin daughters), has been keeping the place in its superb, noteworthy condition.

Koolwink Motel Amenities

Complete your get-away trips with an authentic retro motel experience as you stay in the Koolwink Motel. Known for their spacious rooms, choose between the traditional roadside units or admire the overlook from one of the hilltop lodgings.

Each room is equipped with modern touches of flat screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, AC, charging stations and Wifi
access. Spend your day away without care by the porch.

Parking is free of charge.

Be impressed with the owners’ attention to details and cleanliness, from the fixtures down to the furnishings, as though it was an extension of their own homes.

Enjoy your stay with courteous and friendly hosts. If that is not enough reason, remember that their room rates are very affordable for the accommodation you will receive!

Koolwink Motel: Nearby Attractions

Nestled on the old route 50 of Romney, West Virginia, the motel is an easy access to just about anywhere:

Step further back in time as you explore antique shops, and hunt for that unique item you have been wanting to add to your collection; or, take home a souvenir from the yard sales across Romney’s area.

Play bowling at Wilson Lanes Bowling Alley right across the motel street. Operating since 1983, Anderson’s Corner is your one-stop-shop for fine jewelry for just about every occasion.

Check out canoes available for rent for a few hours or even a few days and ride the Through River.

If you like the cold, winter season, continue the fun as you visit the“Nature’s Ice Box,” Ice Mountain. Also known as “Nature’s Refrigerator,” the Ice Mountain is open for small groups of hikers as it is under the protection of The Nature Conservancy. Locals and tourists enjoy cool air from the mountain all year long.

See the largest remaining mounds in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, the Indian Mound Cemetery. Standing 7 feet high and 15 feet in diameter, scholars suggest that the mound dates back between AD 500 to 1000, and have been constructed by Hopewellian peoples.

Fancy a scenic rail excursion with Potomac Eagle Train. The three-hour trip will take you around pastures and scenic mountains.

Observe animals in West Virginia Wildlife; or, hunt them around Nathanial Mountains.

Get excited biking, hiking and walking West Virginia!

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