A trip to the Clinchfield

My affinity for mountain railroading and anything associated with it continuously fuels a desire to visit and re-visit places that define the term with their tracks that negotiate steep grades, plunge into deep tunnels, and contend with curvature, bridges, and other challenges. I grew up accustomed to such features near the former-Norfolk & Western and Virginian railways mainlines near my backyard, so my heart is with such territory.

When getting serious about my photography a couple years ago, several of my friends suggested I visit CSX Transportation’s scenic and intriguing former Clinchfield Railroad. Until 2011, I had strictly shot Norfolk Southern in and around Virginia and West Virginia, but in May 2011, I went on my first trip to the Clinchfield.

Friends had told me how great the Clinchfield was in terms of scenery and simply being a fun railroad to photograph. I went to Spruce Pine, N.C., on a fine spring morning with high expectations. They were soon met as I began to roam the area, noticing old signals, tunnels, and of course, the famed loops near Altapass. Even though traffic was slow, I managed to get several images and to witness and explore a beautiful piece of railroad.

In September, I was back, looking to explore the area between St. Paul, Va., and Elkhorn City, Ky. Once again, the trip provided great opportunities for photography and the simple joy of watching operations in the rugged mountains of eastern Kentucky and southwest Virginia.

Let's take a peek at several shots from my recent trip:

Afternoon light basks the “Welcome to St. Paul” sign as a train of empty ethanol tank cars parade north through the quaint hamlet and the friendly engineer throws a wave. The train is rumbling across state Route 63. Both Norfolk Southern and CSX use this short section of track as they converge for a mile before parting at control point Boody on the east side of town. The NS track is that railroad’s mainline from Norton to Bluefield, Va., known as the Clinch Valley District.

Further north, a train of empty ethanol tankers emerges from Sandy Ridge Tunnel at Trammel, Va., while splitting classic Clinchfield signals that stand guard at the south end of a short passing siding. Sandy Ridge is the longest tunnel on the former Clinchfield, whopping 1.5-miles in length! With 35 miles to go to Shelby, this train will arrive at its destination in about an hour-and-a-half while running on clear signals without any meets.

Rushing north in early morning light, train Q699-07 parades uphill, swinging through an “S” curve at Carfax, Va., with a trio of high-horsepower GEs pulling the heavy manifest toward the small community of St. Paul. This is one of the more remote sections of the Clinchfield, with little access for nearly 15 miles between St. Paul and Dungannon, Va., but train crews sure have a nice view from the cab!

Shortly after departing the yard at Shelby, southbound loads roll across a viaduct in Elkhorn City, Ky., with a duo of clean YN2 “bright future”-painted AC4400CWs in command. Finding a matching set of clean YN2s these days is getting harder, so this was a nice find!

The helpers on the southbound loads pictured above are now seen exiting the community of Elkhorn City, Ky., as they roar across a beautiful viaduct spanning a gorge just outside Pool Point Tunnel, in “notch-8,” with the throbbing sound echoing throughout the hillside. The train is officially entering the beautiful Breaks Interstate Park on the Virginia-Kentucky border, while it treks through what seems like the most remote and backwoods section of the Clinchfield. For the next 15 or so miles to Haysi, Va., the train will pass through gorges, tunnels, and just flat-out awe-inspiring scenery.

Popping out of Sykes Mill Tunnel in Virginia and into gorgeous afternoon sunlight, our southbound loaded train is making good time as he rolls through the community of Clinchco, Va., continuing its march toward the summit of the grade roughly 15 miles ahead at Trammel, Va.

Conclusion:

What I’ve written in this blog doesn't even begin to describe the beautiful scenery and the plethora of shots than can be had along this railroad. Expect future blog-posts concerning this area as I revisit in the future. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments in the section below. Hope you enjoyed the read and article. Also, don't forget if there is a particular piece of railroad that you'd like to see covered, let me know!