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* * * Mountaintop lodging at the legendary Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia. * * *

A trip on the Cass Scenic Railroad gives the rider an authentic look at an important part of Pocahontas County's history, plus an excursion into one of the most remote and breathtaking areas in the country. The railroad terminates at a viewing area just below Bald Knob which, at an elevation of 4,842 feet, is one of the highest summits in West Virginia. The railroad offers both eight-mile (1 1/2 hour) and 22-mile (4 1/2 hour) trips scheduled daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Special Fall Foliage schedules are offered September thru October. Each Saturday during the summer, the railroad's extremely popular Evening Dinner Trains feature an exciting train ride to Whittaker Station, an outdoor old fashion barbecue, bluegrass entertainment and lots of fun for everyone in the family. For Cass Train Schedule, Reservations & Rates call 1-800-CALL-WVA.

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers two scenic rail excursions. The first takes you on a leisurely trip along the beautiful wild Greenbrier River. Depart the 1902 Durbin Depot in an open gondola car and 1920's caboose. Enjoy the river's ever-changing scenery, alive with great blue heron, beaver, eagle, deer and bear. The 80-minute ride glides past rock outcroppings, crystal clear trout pools and big turtles basking in the sun. The Rail & Trail Store features 'Big Scoop' ice cream cones, snacks, and special railroad gifts and souvenirs.

The Cheat Mountain Salamander, a custom built and comfortable Leyland railbus travels the highest main line track east of the Mississippi River. The two-hour trip crosses several bridges and travels deep into the Shavers Fork Wilderness. Spruce, Sugar Maple, and an abundance of wildlife inhabit these territories. I highly recommend this high alpine excursion. For Train Schedules Call 1-304-456-4935.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank is one of the leading centers for the growing science of deep space exploration in the United States. The largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world is under construction now at the Observatory and will feature an innovative design with clear aperture, a collecting area of 2.3 acres and a computer controlled reflecting surface of 328 ft. x 360 ft. NRAO chose Green Bank as the site for these tremendous telescopes because of the area's lack of manmade noise. Tours are offered daily during the summer and on weekends during September and October. For current tour information call 1-304-456-2150.

Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is the largest area of bogs in West Virginia. If flowers and plants are your interest, you will enjoy seeing a variety of rare plants common to the northern tundra growing here in this Alpine setting. A convenient, half-mile boardwalk will allow you to take a leisurely stroll through two of the bogs.

Over 60 percent of the parkway is above 4,000 feet, making it the highest major roadway in West Virginia and one of the highest in the East. Along the highway, a number of overlooks and outstanding vistas line the route. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to experience the parkway. Although the Highland Scenic Highway is not maintained during the winter season, it can provide ideal conditions for the cross-country skier and snowmobiles.

Located in Hillsboro and built in 1892. This home contains some of the original furniture and memorabilia of Pearl S. Buck and her family. Pearl won the hearts of Americans with her famous novel, The Good Earth, for which she won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1932. She was also awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1938. Ms. Buck is the only American woman to ever receive both of these awards. This museum is open May through October and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Call 1-304-653-4430 for tour information.

One of the most intriguing scenic areas in the state, Beartown is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain. The park is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop and Pottsville Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian Age. Faulting and erosion of the sandstone capping the mountain has created a unique system of 'sunken streets' in this 'town of rocks'. Park is open May through October.

Gaudineer Scenic Area is an area of virgin red spruce, some over 300 years old. Explore nature as it was centuries ago. Scenic trails and a picnic area are available to visitors.

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Alpine Summit Reservations: 1-843-522-8866
Please feel free to call or e-mail if you have any questions,
comments or if you're ready to reserve! mkarnath@islc.net