My family and I enjoyed a fantastic 3 days of autumn in the Mountains of Cabins, West Virginia beginning on October 18, 2013; and I wanted to share the magnificent beauty and country atmosphere of a place that took me back years in time. The Geographic Names Information System indicates that Cabins has also been known throughout its history as Cabin, Corner, Corners, and Hyre’s Rocks; the Board on Geographic Names officially decided on a permanent name “Cabins” as the community’s name in 1965.
We stayed in a lovely log cabin featuring floor to ceiling windows with a view of mass brilliant fall foliage in various colors as we looked out over the North Fork South Branch Potomac River in Grant County, West Virginia; and if you’ll take a good look, you’ll also see a variety of trout fish swimming (gold ones too) in the river enjoying an occasional jump for a gnat or other insects along with a backdrop in the distance Dolly Sods and far-off in the distance Monongahela National Forest. Each cabin has its own hot-tub for use throughout the day and night.
I might mention there are several nice log cabin rentals in the area and all of them look nice and are close to the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. The view is unbelievable in every direction.
The small town of Cabins, West Virginia is nestled in the valley of the foothills of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. The scenery caused me to be in awe as I looked at the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area and its glorious beauty. The colorful foliage caused me to wonder just how many colors I could count. For those people who have never visited this area in West Virginia, I believe you’re missing seeing a beautiful area which offers the discoveries of hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing, skiing, golfing, fly fishing, trout/bass fishing, hunting, and horseback riding.
It’s my opinion this is an outdoor activities retreat area and to miss it would be a mistake. There are a lot of area attractions all within a 45 miles radius such as: Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, Smoke Hole Caverns, Canaan Valley, Seneca Caverns, Black water falls, Smoke Hole Recreation Area and Cass & Potomac Eagle Scenic Trains.
A large family could stay at least a week and probably not have enough time to enjoy all of the attractions.
Our family along with friends enjoyed a family train trip on the Autumn Splendor Dinner Train from Petersburg, West Virginia, departing October 19, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. and returning at 7:00 p.m. the same day. A wine tasting is available from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. and guests can purchase their choice of a wine to take aboard the train to enjoy with their Appalachian Specialty Dinner.
I have to rave about the arrangements the family took in seeing that every aspect of the meal was superb. There was a serving of Blue Smoke Salsa and Chips for every table as salads were being prepared; and when the salad arrived it was one of the best I’ve had in any restaurant, it was served with a Wilted Lettuce Dressing which is made by the Appalachian Specialty Foods.
Next to arrive was a plate full of delicious foods which are prepared right at the South Side Depot; and I might add, this food was prepared in an elegant and delicious manner and it consisted of: Tender Beef Brisket, Steamed Spiced Shrimp, Hot Potatoes and Green Beans with almonds. The Beef Brisket was so tender it could easily be cut with a fork and the food was truly delicious. There was plenty of hot bread, tea, lemonade, and coffee available too and the service was excellent. The deserts were the best I’ve ever tasted: Homemade Chocolate Fudge Turtle Cake or Pumpkin Cake with a butter icing and served with a pumpkin warm sauce and served with whipped cream and a shaped like the state of West Virginia piece of chocolate.
The train cars were beautifully carpeted with blinds and each table was decorated in an autumn scene. The train route lead passengers along the South Branch of the Potomac River through the Potomac Highlands, making its way from Petersburg to Moorefield, West Virginia; passing rivers, parks, farms, antiquated homes, pasture lands, and the sights of the colorful mountains surrounding us was bursting in colors. The scenery was absolutely magnificent and educating as to the ways people live in the small towns.
The South Side Depot Store sells a great variety of foods, wines, arts and crafts, and miscellaneous other items. I must confess I was loaded down with many of their homemade foods and crafts. This was a treat in itself since I knew the foods and wines were West Virginia made.
It’s my opinion this was a train trip I’ll never forget and I’m glad I had the opportunity to take this joyous trip.
If you’re interested in booking a train ride and meal out of Petersburg, West Virginia, contact South Side Depot, 126 South Main Street, Petersburg, West Virginia 26847, and Telephone: 304-257-9264. If you’re interested in visiting the area in Cabins, West Virginia, research the area on the Internet. It’ll be a trip you won’t ever forget.
Barbara Kasey Smith, Writer of This Article.