durbin wv

[billyb]

anyone stayed at durbin wv and rode the durbin rocket steam train

[rosegramma]

We spend the summers in Pipestem, WV (homebase is near Tampa, FL). 2 yrs ago we took a tent camping tour of Eastern WV, because we were leary of getting our 39ft Class A stuck on some backroad switchback, but wanted to explore the beauty of WV.
Did not go to Durbin, but did go to Elkins. There is a train there, but don't remember the name. We didn't ride it. We went to the music theatre there, think it was called American Music Theatre. Really enjoyed it. Stayed at a nearby Monongalhala forest campground without hookups (nice bathouse available). 33ft Rv would fit on some sites there.
Went to Senaca Rocks. Interesting visitor center and old general store across the street. Pretty decent campground there for RVs(Nat'l Park, so used our geezer pass for 50% off). From there took a daytrip to Blackwater Falls. Very nice, but long walk up a couple hundred steps. Don't know about camping there.
Went to Cass Scenic Railroad. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Took the town tour (short, 45 minutes), and the 'Fiddles & Vittles' train ride. 1 hr train ride, had BarBQ buffet at top, enjoyed a little mountain music, toured the area, then rode back down the mountain. Quite enjoyable. Asked and was told RVs can park overnight in the paved parking lot (nice grassy area with picnic tables adjacent) if you plan on riding the train the next day. Also heard there are 2 other campgrounds nearby Cass, but I think the reviews were not encouraging.
The most interesting thing on the whole trip was Greenbank Radio Observatory. NRAO Green Bank Home Page I'm not generally interested in anything science related, but this was so intrigueing, and all free. We spent 4 hrs there and could have spent the whole day. The museum was fascinating, as was the informative busride out to the huge dish. Small lunchbar at visitor center. No cell service in the whole area, due to the restrictions required for the observatory.
We also visited the Cranberry Glades (okay, but not great). BearTown state park was more interesting. Cool, shady walk amongst strange tall rock formations, about 1 hour. Making the turn into the park from route 219 should only be attempted if you are southbound in an RV. Extremely sharp angle onto narrow drive if coming from south.
Droop Battlefield wasn't much to see.
Stayed at Watoga Lake state park. Not fancy, but ok campground. Nice park on Greenbrier river.
Since no one else responded to your query, hope this helps if not too late. You didn't mention a timeframe.

Lois Miller