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Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

West Virginia Scenic Train Rides

Join us for scenic train rides in the heart of the West Virginia Potomac Highlands!

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Welcome to the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

From the moment Potomac Eagle opened its doors in 1991, they have been offering beautiful historic scenic train rides that passengers can enjoy from the moment they arrive to the moment they get off.

With a rich history dating back to 1875, they certainly know how to deliver an experience you will never forget.

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The Adventure You’ve Been Waiting For!

From the gorgeous views of the Trough to the immersive river scenery found along the historic South Branch, Potomac Eagle offers a scenic train ride tour that is unlike any other.

No matter what route you take, most importantly you’ll be guaranteed a visually stunning ride that will want you coming back for more. Plan your excursion today!

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A View from a Different Perspective

Planning a short adventure or an entire day, the selection of routes and fares will align with all your needs.

Take a day trip in First Class to Petersburg, or spend the afternoon in coach viewing the beautiful tree line.

Above all the choice is yours!

Historic Narration

The Potomac Eagle’s journey began in 1991, inspired by a vision to create a scenic train experience. This vision evolved into a beloved tradition, connecting our trains with the rich heritage of local communities and their cultural stories.

Onboard, our live narration enriches your trip with insights into the region’s past, including significant local history and cultural traditions. Our knowledgeable guides and friendly staff enhance your experience by spotting eagles for you in Trough Canyon, sharing the fascinating story of the bald eagles, and helping you explore this storied landscape.

Dining Services

Create your perfect train travel experience by choosing from five great classes of service! Whether you opt for the luxurious Club Service with its comfort and dining, or the relaxed Coach with its convenient concessions, these excursions promise a delightful blend of comfort, adventure, and captivating historic narration for the whole family.

 

Nature Sightings

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as you spot wild animals right along the river during your excursion! Make the most of your wildlife viewing experience by discovering fascinating facts about the creatures you might encounter along the way.

American Bald Eagle

The bald eagle, a symbol of freedom and namesake of the Potomac Eagle, thrives in The Trough, a remote canyon in West Virginia. Accessible only by walking, boating, or the Potomac Eagle train, this sanctuary provides clean water and fish-rich rivers, creating an ideal habitat. Known for their size, bald eagles build nests on rugged canyon walls, visible from the train and reused each year.

Recovery: Once endangered by DDT, bald eagles made a significant recovery after its ban in the 1970s. Their return marked a milestone during Potomac Eagle’s first cruise in 1991. Today, Potomac Eagle is the only passenger train through The Trough, offering a unique chance to see these majestic birds in their natural setting. Bald eagles are a keystone species, vital to the canyon’s ecosystem.

American Black Bear

Spotting a black bear in the wild is an exhilarating experience for Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad passengers. These sightings, whether of solitary bears or mothers with cubs, add excitement to our excursions. Black bears, adaptable and resilient, are often seen crossing tracks or moving through dense forests along our route, thrilling passengers with their presence.

A thrilling sight is a mother bear with cubs, who stay with her for about a year and a half, learning survival skills. Adult black bears can weigh between 100 to 300 pounds, while cubs are smaller and more agile. These summer sightings highlight the rich wildlife and thriving ecosystems along our route. Join us on the Potomac Eagle to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron, with its striking appearance and graceful movements, is a captivating sight along the South Branch Potomac River. Often seen wading or perched on riverbanks, these elegant birds add serene beauty to the landscape for Potomac Eagle passengers. Skilled hunters, they primarily feed on fish, and their patience and precision are marvelous to observe.

As you journey through The Trough, watch the riverbanks for herons wading gracefully. Their wingspans, up to six feet, are stunning, especially in flight. Seeing a heron take off as the train approaches is a memorable experience, enhancing the scenic beauty. The presence of Great Blue Herons indicates a healthy ecosystem, enriching the Potomac Eagle journey.

White-Tailed Deer

The white-tailed deer, a symbol of North America’s wildlife, is crucial to West Virginia’s natural heritage. Early 20th-century conservation efforts, including importing deer from Michigan, restored their population. Today, these deer thrive along the Potomac Eagle train route, often seen grazing, drinking from the South Branch Potomac River, or crossing the tracks.

These sightings underscore successful conservation efforts, enhancing the Potomac Eagle journey’s scenic experience. The presence of white-tailed deer connects passengers to the rich wildlife tapestry of the region. Encounters with these deer, whether a solitary buck or a doe in the woods, remind us of West Virginia’s natural beauty and vitality.

Explore Route

Departing Frequently - North to Green Spring, WV or South to Peterburg, WV

Explore your excursion route with this interactive map! Discover breathtaking sights and historical landmarks along the way. Start planning your adventure today!

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Come experience a scenic West Virginia train ride!

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Fun Train Ride

"This is a great family activity. We saw bald eagles. It's informative, relaxing and all of the staff are so pleasant. Great and inexpensive snacks for sale on board. Beautiful scenery!"

– Carol H., Tripadvisor
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Potomac Eagle 4th of July

"We enjoyed our trip. We were in superior dining and even though it was more expensive, it was worth it. Food was lovely, and service wonderful. The scenery was beautiful and narration interesting."

– Elizabeth B., Tripadvisor
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Excellent Trip!

"The whole trip was just beautiful.. from the Potomac Eagle staff customer service, their hospitality, their kindness and helpfulness was just outstanding. The train ride was gorgeous through the river. Enjoyed it very much."

– Hema P., Tripadvisor
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Scenic Railroad

"Very enjoyable and super comfortable club car train ride and a very tasty dinner was enjoyed very much. All train staff were very professional and operated in a fast manner as all food served was hot."

– Norman B., Tripadvisor

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