New River Train Watching

[K&ARailfan]

Yes it does, thanks!

[coalminer3]

The C&O station at Thurmond has been compeletely restored by the National Park Service - well worth a visit.  R.J. Corman runs along former C&O Loup Creek Branch.  Prince is a good spot as well.  If you feel like venturing further east, there is a Railroad Museum in Hinton.  The station at Alderson has been restored to former "original" C&O colors.  As is typical with anything in this area, it takes time to get there.  Also if you want to go down to Mercer County, check out the N&W facilities at Bluefield.  You can get good shots from public highways and bridges - no need to get near the property.

Facility at Hawks Nest is a WV State Park. 

Hope this help s

Work safe

 

[K&ARailfan]

Thanks! We have railfanned all over the northern portion of the state, and were hungry for some foaming along the New. On the topic of trackside motels, according to a railfan motel webpage, there is a lodge that's trackside (or at least with a decent view of them) located at Hawk's Nest! Also, is there anything special I should take into consideration while trackside (such as a good, legal place to watch and photograph the action)? Thanks again!

[coalminer3]

Traffic varies widely.  CSX tends to run trains after Amtrak goes by.  For example, it's not unusual to find a westbound sitting between Prince and Quinnimont waiting on #50 on Sundays.  Lately, there have been a fair amount of grain trains interspersed with usual coal traffic.   

Trackside not a whole lot.  Try Beckley or Fayetteville - not sure what your price range is, though; Beckley has a wider variety of accommodations and price ranges.  You doubtless know this already, but avoid the area (if at all possible)on Bridge Day.

Hope this helps

Work safe

[K&ARailfan]

My dad, brothers, and I are planning to go to Hawk's Nest, WV this fall to railfan. I'm familiar with the area (we have a house 70 miles north of there and travel along I-79 & RT 19 about every other month), but was wondering how busy the line is. We know that some manifest traffic comes through along with tons of coal, and AMTRAK's Cardinal. Also are there any nice, but cheap trackside hotels in the area that anyone can reccomend? Thanks in advance!