July 8th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The  Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is set to open its summer season. A press release was issued Friday afternoon: 

Our most popular excursion is the Trough Trip. This outstanding three-hour journey begins just north of Romney at Wappocomo Station, situated next to a charming homestead with a sprawling view of the mountains. Enjoy the sounds of vintage diesels as they lead you through beautiful pastures and farms dating back to the 1700s. As you wind along the South Branch of the Potomac River, you’ll enter a visually-striking gorge known as The Trough. One of the most scenic spots along the South Branch, the Trough is home to American bald eagles.

 

The first recorded bald eagle nest in West Virginia was discovered along the South Branch of the Potomac River in 1981. Now in our 26^th season, we offer guests the opportunity to view bald eagles in their natural habitat. As the train travels along the South Branch of the Potomac River, our engineer “eagle spots” and radios to the crew where he sees eagles. We then relay this to the guests, giving ample opportunity to see these magnificent birds.

 

Although guests can eagle spot from anywhere on the train, the observation cars are the favorite places to be. One of these cars is an open-air car, a modified baggage car with large open sides that is available any time during your trip. The other is the gondola, a former freight car has no roof. Weather permitting, the gondola is open to guests while traveling through the Trough.

 

Potomac Eagle also offers special all-day trips to Petersburg, West Virginia on the last Saturday of each month. These 8-hour round-trips follow the same route as the 3-hour Trough Trip, but go further south through the countryside of Hardy and Grant Counties. Another special event that we have is the excursion to Green Spring, a once-a-year northbound round-trip, on Sunday, October 30.

 

Two types of seating options are available: Coach and Club. Coach is great for families as the most affordable, yet still comfortable, seating on the train. Seating here is cushioned, high-back, bench-style reversible seats where passengers can move the seat-back to face in either direction. These 1920s era coaches have windows that may be opened as well.

 

Club includes meal service (lunch and/or dinner depending on your excursion), complemented with Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad china. These restored lounge cars offer seating of loveseats with tables and are climate-controlled.

 

To learn more about Potomac Eagle or to make reservations, call (304) 424-0736 or visit www.potomaceagle.info. Season runs from mid-May through October. Advance reservations are highly recommended.