Cassandra Overlook Motel
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Located between detectors 253 and 259 at milemarker 255.9
                                 
     
The "Cuts", the deepest on the Mainline, were dug in 1898 as part of the new Pennsylvania Railroad Line between Lilly and Wilmore.
    
             
The straight away between the "cuts" in the mountain is almost 3 miles long and can be viewed from the old Iron Bridge.
             
The single lane Iron Bridge, once open to vehicular traffic was once part of the old Alleghany Portage railroad. After the completion of the Cassandra bypass in 1935, the bridge was finally closed to all motorized traffic in 1936.
                 
       
     
Currently on a daily basis, over 60 Norfolk Southern trains roll under the old Iron Bridge. Amtrak also runs 2 trains a day.
     
Since being rediscovered in 1998, the Cassandra Railroad Overlook has become a world renown train viewing area. Visitors from the United States, Canada, and countries as far away as Australia have come to enjoy the view from the Cassandra Railroad Overlook.
         
     
         

The location of the Old Iron Bridge allows rail fans to obtain spectacular pictures and videos of eastbound and westbound trains.

We have included some sample pictures of different camera angles.
         
       
         
A "Welcome Rail Fans" sign greets all visitors at the entrance to the railroad overlook.
             
           
 
Before leaving, stop by the Cassandra Railroad Overlook Motel. Take a few minutes to sign the guest book and browse around the store. You will find museum pieces of railroad memorabilia, souvenirs, snacks and drinks for the road.