Narrated by NBC veteran newsman Roy Neal
Produced & filmed by Robert C. Van Camp & Andy Lockett
Recipient of 2 EMMY Awards

The Cass Scenic Railroad is one of the most beautiful train adventures in America: A West Virginia mountain route that takes passengers on an unforgettable 11-mile journey spiraling up Cheat Mountain. But long before the tourist there was timber. In this exciting PBS documentary, learn the history of the Cass area and hop aboard for a breathtaking ride. "Timber to Tourism" will put you high atop Bald Knob-the highest scenic railroad point east of the Rockies-and will send you traveling back in time where you'll see rare logging and train footage showcasing why this area was once the center of the railroad and timber universe. You'll hear heartfelt first-hand accounts from the men who worked both the rails and saws. See how their dreams were destroyed by disaster and depression and restored by determined dreamers who couldn't stand the idea of two streaks of rust and silent train whistles. Now Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is home to more Shay locomotives than any other place in the world, and the railmen of yesteryear are riding again only this time accompanied by tourist rather than timber. Shot during beautiful autumn, when the Allegheny Mountains burst into brilliant colors, this PBS special will be a lifetime pass to a land rarely reached. It is literally a moving history lesson. One you'll play again and again.