THINGS TO KNOW:
Spruce Knob's observation tower in the Monogohelia National Forest is the highest point in West Virginia. It is free and definitely worth the drive to the observation tower. There is a short, easy walk from the parking lot on a gravel walkway to the observation tower. The tower is 2 flights of stairs up, no elevator. There is a 1/2 mile "hike" that begins at the base of the tower. This pathway is just as easy as the path to the tower. There are 3 or 4 gorgeous places to stop and sit or climb around on some rocks while you enjoy the great view. There are also several picnic tables. There is no visitor center nearby, but there are some restrooms.
Seneca Rocks is also part of Monongohelia National Forest. Admission is free. The Discovery Center consists of a 12 minute video, a few interesting and informative displays about the animal and plant life in the area, a decent gift shop, and a little learning area for young children with picture books and puppets (oh yeah, let's not forget the important stuff: clean restrooms, diaper changing stations, and water fountains).
You can begin the hike to Seneca Rocks at the Discovery Center, but don't let anyone fool you--that's not where the trailhead is. From the Discovery Center, you'll walk a quarter of a mile or so on a sidewalk that leads you through the parking lot of the Sites' Homestead. The trailhead is just opposite of the home site. The hike is a challenge and a great workout, but it is do-able. At the observation deck you stand with the rocks to your back and have a beautiful view of the valley below. It is a fun hike with switch-backs, steep climbs, and stairs in some places. There are places to stop and rest on the way up, but there are not any overlooks and views of the distance until you reach the observation deck at the very end of the trail. The best view of the rocks themselves is actually from the parking lot of the Discovery Center.
Seneca Caverns is several miles away from Seneca Rocks. It is privately owned and only open seasonally and for several days a week--check the hours before you go. The guided tour for the cavern starts inside the gift shop where the tourists are handed hardhats (for those of you who have hat-sharing concerns, we noticed that they did spray the hats after each use). They come in useful for the times when the ceiling is low. This cavern is more primitive than Lurray Caverns. There are a few sets of stairs, several narrow openings, and low ceilings. The walkway is entirely unpaved (a fact that Seneca Caverns employees are proud of), but it is not physically demanding. It can get cool, so layers of clothing are a good idea but not imperative. Carrying a child in a hiking backpack is difficult due to the low ceilings.
In addition to the caverns, there are also a few other minor attractions. There is a structure set up to pan for gemstones. Purchase a bag of mining rough from the gift shop and take it outside to search for a treasure. The gift shop guarantees that each bag will provide something. Chose a bag labeled “gemstones,” “arrowheads,” “fossils,” or “emeralds.” This was a huge hit with our kids. No need to wear any sort of special clothing for this event. The other attractions offered are: a restaurant, a small and very simple put-put golf course, and a playground and picnic area (none of which we utilized, so we can’t tell you much about them).
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park's museum is small (only one room) but it provides a lot of facts about the railroad and the town. Be prepared to invest time there if you want to develop an understanding of the history. The displays are informative, but they are not a quick, easy read. The information provides perspective on where the train will take you, so if this interests you, allow yourself the time to read through it. The general store has a lot of fun souvenirs, as well as ice cream for sale and public restrooms in the back.
The train itself is an open-car train with wooden benches to sit on. It is general seating and people begin boarding about 30 minutes early. We were among the last riders on the train and the only seats left were right by the engine, which our kids loved. There is an announcer providing a lot of information throughout the entire ride, but we had a hard time hearing him, and I’m wondering if the proximity to the engine was the cause. The train whistle is LOUD and a fun highlight for the kids. Be prepared for the soot to rain on you if you stand up and look out the windows. If you want to avoid the soot, you’re probably pretty safe if you stay seated on the bench in the middle of the car. Layers of clothing are a good idea in case you find the breeze a little chilly.
There are two trips you can take: 1) a trip up to Whittaker Train Station and then back to the Cass Station, or 2) a longer trip which stops at Whittaker for about 30 minutes, then continues on to the top of the mountain where you can get off and look around for about 45 minutes, then returns to Cass without a stop at Whittaker. We chose to go all the way to the top and we were glad we did so we could enjoy the view. However, if we’d only gone as far as Whittaker, we would’ve felt satisfied with a fun train ride and a nice view. There is a snack shop at Whittaker, but nothing available for sale at the top. Take cash if you want to buy something. There is plenty of time for a picnic at either stop.
The three hikes we did in Blackwater Falls State Park are mainly in the shade and are fairly easy. As you drive to the Lindy Point trailhead, there is a sign about 1 mile before the parking lot which leads people to believe they need a 4-wheel-drive to make it there. This sign is misleading. The point where you need a 4-wheel vehicle is actually beyond the Lindy Point trailhead, so don't worry about driving the mile and parking next to the trailhead. The parking lot for the Lindy Point trail only has room for about 4 cars, so be prepared to park further away if it’s crowded. While there was no waterfall to be seen from the Lindy Point Overlook, it was a great view. The Elakala Falls trailhead is in the parking lot of the lodge (plenty of parking). It is a small waterfall with a bridge going right over the top so you can see the water on both sides of you. The Blackwater Falls is a more impressive size, but you can’t get quite as close to it. That particular hike is mainly stairs--more than 200--but it’s worth the view. That trailhead is in the parking lot of the Trading Post--also plenty of parking.
