new tygart flyer

Do NOT arrive an hour early, like suggested! You are told to do this so you can have your tickets scanned and visit the Elves.It takes 15 seconds to scan your tickets, you wait in a tiny gift shop for 30 minutes and, go to another tiny room with absolutely nothing for your kids to do. Elves making wooden toys...as the website says? NO. A zillion people get packed like sardines in a small room with an elf who has coloring pages and another elf at a table to write a letter to Santa. Even if your child is interested, they cannot move in that room.This might be my least favorite experience. ...our tickets said boarding was at 6:45. It is now 6:15. We have already been bored to tears between two tiny rooms. The only alternative was to freeze outside for thirty minutes. So, what did we do?We went back to our car to wait. It was across the street so, no big deal. At 6:45, we scuttle back to the train depot to board. As we arrive, we see people everywhere we assume are boarding. No, these are the folks getting off the first train...fine, we're next to get on...NO. We are now informed we will not begin boarding for an additionsl 30 minutes! We have now been here for 90 minutes, either freezing or jam packed inside the depot with nothing to do. By the time we got on the train, the excitement was replaced by sheer irritation.The only positive was the train ride...what we waited forever to do. The actors were great and the kids liked it. It would have been nice to see something out of the windows, other than darkness. You do stop, at one point, to see Santa and people dressed in Christmas gear.All in all, if we had to do it all over again, we would have arrived at 6:50 p.m., for the seven o'clock train.

Took the parlor car from Elkins to the High Falls of Cheat. The lunch was only ok, but riding in luxury on this train in October was just beautiful. We had assigned seats, but if you ride in one of the other cars, I recommend boarding the train and sitting on the far side (away from the station), you will have the best views.

Took a bit more time than I expected to board everyone. The Tour Guide was very knowledgeable, and was constantly pointing out interesting places, and telling stories. The serving of lunch was basically a disaster, it was to cramped, and you could not pass two people wide in the aisles. The destination of the High Falls was very nice, plenty of time to walk around, enjoy nature etc. All in All I'd do it again !

It was very enjoyable an a nice relaxing ride more people should try this. the food was good and the service was good.

I went with a group on the train. The railroad station is very scenic this time of year. The train was older than I had imagined. The hallways are narrow. The staff were very nice. The views were nice but not spectacular. The waterfall was lovely but it had started to rain and was a little difficult for the older visitors. Lunch was good. The staff helped visitors get back to their seats if needed. Would prefer seats like on a bus...not tables and chairs. Half the people are sitting backwards....If you have inner ears issues you might want to take your medicine.

Brought a busload (56) of people to Elkins for a train ride. The first 2 hrs. were very scenic and interesting. Unfortunately the second 2 hrs. were kind of boring since it was the same scenery, just going backwards. The sandwich and salad that was provided were very good. Unfortunately everyone had to carry their own plate and drink through different cars to and from their seats. The stop at the waterfalls was beautiful. Be VERY careful if you go down on the rocks to take pictures of the falls. We had 2 people slip and fall and bang themselves up. No warning signs about slippery rocks. I asked everyone on our bus to rate the train ride 1 to 5 (With 5 being the best) and it received mostly 3's and 4's. A nice trip, but I think we'll look for something different to do next trip.

I loved the four hour train ride to the highest point in the mountains of West Virginia. Fantastic service, nice people, a wonderful experience.

Went on this trip Saturday, October 4th with some friends and family. A little unorganized in the boarding process. There were not 6 seats together in our car and we were not letting the children sit with strangers. Finally they moved us to the concession car. Very roomy and comfortable. The tunnel was awesome but dark and you couldn't see anything in there. The trip is not as desolate as described, went by a few campgrounds on the way. It really is in the middle of the woods, so you don't really get to see the mountains with all of the leaves changing colors. It was fun though. The kids loved it. There was one annoying person working by the concession area that was listening to everyone's conversations and would comment about what you said even though you weren't talking to her. Lunch was good. But there is no soda pop or anything else to purchase. If that is what you want you should bring it on the train with you.

My husband and I rode o the Cheat Mountain Salamander railroad which is part of the of Tygart Flyer. We had the best time riding in the 1917 railroad car with the windows open,watching the mountains and the river go by. It is truly beautiful, the trees were in full color and to top it off we saw a Bald Eagle splashing around in the river. Just a wonderful time.

Attended the mystery dinner Saturday night. The young chef seemingly effortlessly provided prime rib, pork loin and crabmeat stuffed tilapia entrees with potatoes and brocoli. The appetizer was the teaser: simply fruit with creme fraiche. Then spring greens with a sublime strawberry Sauvignon dressing. Choice of Cabernet or Zinfidel flowed. Homemade yeast rolls accompanied the meal. Follwing a stop at High Cheat Falls dessert (choice of rich moist chocolate cake with both vanilla frosting and raspberry sauce drizzles or triple berry crepes) and coffee were served.Have seen better mystery theatre but this comes from a persoal preference for a viewed interacted scene rather than these monologues at tableside. Cute chef spoof with Raquel Ray, the Shoeless Countes, Jamie Olives, etc.

Great adventure for train enthusiasts. 4 hours was just enough time. Very inexpensive considering lunch service was included.

It is a peaceful, slow, tranquil ride up the mountain. I strongly suggest paying the extra to be in the Parlor Car. Tables were arranged for each group to be together. The service was good. Lunch consisted of a cold cut buffet which was as advertised. Nothing great, but adequate. The scenery is interesting but not breathtaking. It would be good if the responsible parties, the city or the railroad, would spend a few thousand dollars to pick up the trash and generally clean up the area that the train passes through as it leaves the station. That rubbish is the first impression that the passenger gets; it could be better.

Train crew was great...they obviously love their job! What nice people on the train...we were lucky to sit with a lovely couple which made the trip all that much better! Would be ideal during the change in seasons...

We took the Tygart Flyer, which goes to the High Falls of the Cheat River. We chose the Parlor Car and it was worth the higher cost. We had plush leather seats at a reserved table and huge windows to view the scenery. The lunch is average, a buffet with sandwich or salads and chips. Lunch is served on ascent. We were on the side that had a great view of the river most of the ride. It's a pleasant, slow journey. At one point you go through a tunnel. Later the train stops so the engine can move from pulling up front to pushing from the back. During this stop you can go out on the balcony to enjoy the fresh air or take photos.When it reaches the area of the waterfall, the train stops for 30-40 minutes, allowing time to go to two viewing points, one above and another below the falls. Dessert is served on the return trip, retracing the route back to Elkins.It was a very pleasant, relaxed journey, and worth the drive from Davis, Virginia for this day trip.

Did the 4 hour trip to the fall's. They stop at the fall's for about 30 to 45 minute's and have a nice access down to them with upper and lower fall's access. Also noticed that anytime they went past communities, campground's, etc. there would be folk's waving at you. (nice!) The cold cut lunch buffet was nice also. If you go away hungry it's your own fault. The personnel where all very nice including the engineer and conductor I chatted with before we pulled out of the station. (Answered any question you had about the train and or trip.) We are looking forward to their other trip's in the future.