It was a state Public Service Commission study that first suggested that a scenic excursion train would be successful on the South Branch Valley Railroad. From that study, members of the Romney Business and Professional Organization began their effort to make the idea a reality.

The South Branch Valley Railroad began operating excursion trains in 1979. Most excursions were in the fall but also included special trips for school groups and Christmas trains.

In 1991, it was decided to contract with an outside company to market and operate excursions.  The Eagle Cañon Passenger Car Company began operating Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad from a siding named Wappocomo Station just north of Romney. The excursion was named Potomac Eagle because of the American bald eagles that are frequently seen by passengers traveling through the Trough.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad that has operates scenic train excursions along the South Branch of the Potomac River. It uses a former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line that runs from Green Spring to Petersburg. The West Virginia State Rail Authority (SRA) owns the line, and freight service is provided by the South Branch Valley Railroad.