One of Virginia’s most celebrated seasons has an exclusive offering: steam locomotive foliage excursions.
The legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam locomotive will be riding the rails through the Shenandoah Valley this fall, escorting leaf peepers on a four-hour tour of peak fall foliage. These half-day sight-seeing opportunities will depart from Goshen in Rockbridge County, traverse George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, bucolic Augusta County, and enter historic Staunton. The round-trip tours are expected to run Friday through Sunday during October and early November 2023.
About the 611
While there is obvious appeal to any peak color experience in the Shenandoah Valley, the main draw for this one is two-fold. The nostalgia of a train ride and the engine leading the way: the last of its kind, the N&W Class J 611.
Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611
All 14 Class J locomotives were built by Norfolk & Western at the East End Shops in Roanoke, Virginia. The 611 was the 12th assembled and was placed into service on May 29, 1950. The Class J is one of the most powerful steam locomotives ever created, destined to quickly transport passenger cars while minimally impacting the rail with its high speeds. Its sleek physique and reliable muscle created a dedicated following among train lovers and even those who do not know a thing about trains. It’s one of the sleekest streamliners with red and gold striping atop its shiny black body.
The 611 was retired from service in 1959, restored in 1981, received the title of National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1984, and rested from excursions again in 1994. In 2015 it was returned to service at its home, the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke. The Virginia General Assembly declared it the Official Steam Locomotive of the Commonwealth in 2017. Though it travels to pull passengers for scenic excursions across the country, this fall foliage excursion on the Buckingham Branch in the Shenandoah Valley will be its first.
The Excursion
A rolling landscape of brilliant autumnal colors are the primary vista of the four-hour excursions beginning in Goshen. Victoria Station is just 6 miles from scenic, refreshing Goshen Pass and 22 miles northwest of downtown historic Lexington. From there, the 611 will pull 11 passenger cars through National Forest, past working farms in Augusta County, and into downtown Staunton. A quick stop will allow another vintage diesel engine to take the lead for the return trip; passengers will not disembark.
Excursions will be offered twice daily Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, October through early November. Seating options vary and will be priced from $99 to $249 per person. Reservations will be available by mid-August at VirginiaScenicRailway.com. Sign up on the website to be among the first notified of ticket availability.
Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611
Before and After the Excursion
Take note of things to do in Staunton as you consider a return trip to see what you missed:
- Things to Do – American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Sunspots Studios, Staunton Farmers’ Market, Virginia Scenic Railway
- Beverages – Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room, Redbeard Brewing Company, Queen City Brewing, Yelping Dog Wine, Accordia, and Crucible Coffee Roasters
- Dining – Byers Street Bistro, Depot Grille, Mill Street Café, Shenandoah Pizza, Zynodoa, The Shack
- Stay – Hotel 24 South, The Blackburn Inn, Frederick House, The Historic Berkeley Place
In Lexington, there are various destinations to fill your time prior to and after your glorious fall excursion on the 611. Extend your stay!
- Things to Do – Lexington Carriage Company, Jackson House Museum, Washington & Lee University Chapel & Galleries, Virginia Military Institute Museum, Haunting Tales: Lexington’s Ghost Tours
- Beverages – Heliotrope Brewery, Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen, Road Map Coffee, Ecco Adesso Vineyards
- Dining – Haywood’s, The Red Hen, Blue Sky Bakery, Salerno Wood Fired Pizza & Taphouse, Pure Eats, Bistro on Main
- Stay – The Georges, The Gin Hotel, Grace House Bed and Breakfast, A B&B at Llewellyn Lodge
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Don’t forget to check the schedule for additional train excursions with Virginia Scenic Railway, which also offers trips eastward into Central Virginia.
Photos courtesy of the Virginia Museum of Transportation.