Local News

New Tygart Flyer to return July 1

ELKINS -- Residents of downtown Elkins will once again hear train whistles blowing as the New Tygart Flyer is set to make a triumphant return to the tracks next month.

Trains in Durbin and Cass that are part of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad have already been up and running, but the New Tygart Flyer won't make its 2021 debut until July 1.

"We are very excited to be welcoming customers back," said Adam Williams, the railroad's package coordinator. "The Flyer out of Elkins won't start until the first of July, but the Cass and Durbin trains have been running for a bit

The New Tygart Flyer will make trips out of the Elkins Railyard Depot four days a week, running Thursday through Sunday through the month of August. Rides on the train will be available until the end of October.

A trip on the New Tygart Flyer is a four-hour, 46-mile round trip that offers guest miles of mountain views along Shavers Fork. The trek also includes a stop at High Falls on the Cheat River.

The New Tygart Flyer features climate-controlled passenger coaches. Lunch is provided as part of the ticket price and there are upgrades available.

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad has several special events planned in the upcoming months, beginning with this weekend's Parade of Steam at Cass.

"It's a showcase of all of our steam engines and a great opportunity for people to see them in action all in one place," Williams said.

During the first weekend in August, Durbin will host its annual Wild West Weekend. This event will give residents the opportunity to ride steam-driven Heisler No. 6 with a cast of Western characters.

No decision has been made as to whether or not the Polar Express train will be running through Elkins this holiday season.

"We don't know anything yet (about the holiday train) and when we do we will make those announcements," Williams said.

The entire 2020 season for the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.