Sep 19, 2008 2 min read

When most people think of taking a weekend train ride, they don’t think Dunbar and Uniontown. However, the Fayette Central Railroad, which began running train rides in 2006, has really become a hit for families in the area. The trips run primarily on Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturdays they run between Uniontown and Dunbar. This trip includes running out onto the bridge over the Youghiogheny River for a spectacular view of the river valley. The trains leave Uniontown at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Passengers can also board in Dunbar at 12:30. Each trip is approximately 2 ½ hours, which includes a half hour layover. Many of our passengers stop in to see the Dunbar Historical Society, which sells snacks, soda and Dunbar Dogs.

On Sundays they run between Uniontown and Fairchance. This trip should be especially scenic in the fall as the leaves turn colors.

“We run to near the end of the track, and there is a view of the mountains to the East,” said Mark Rowan, president of the railroad. “The local boyscouts set up a tent and sell Fairchance Franks. Some of our passengers, as well as the crew, also like to go to the local hobby shop in Fairchance.”

Rowan added that everyone seems to enjoy the train for different reasons. It is both fun and relaxing.

You get to see the county and the scenery from a completely different view than the highway.

It is also nostalgic for some people.

He added that last they had more than 3,000 riders.

“We have an Easter Bunny train, Halloween trains and Santa Claus trains,” he said. “We have the most riders in October, when people enjoy the fall foliage.”

The next special event will be on Saturday, Sept. 27, when the railroad runs cab and caboose rides out of Dunbar for Dunbar days. They also will be running cab and caboose rides for the Fairchance Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 26th.

For more information on railroad trips go to www.fayettecentralrailroad.com.