Eastern Railroad Discussion > Hawks Nest State Park, WV: A view from above

Sometimes grandeur and beauty "trump" the absence of daylight trains.  Such was the case recently when my wife and I trusted a weather forecast enough to drive many miles for an overnight stay at the Hawks Nest State Park lodge (motel).  Our "canyon view" room and a warmish night permitted an open sliding glass door overnight so I could "hear" the trains passing by below.

The westbound Amtrak Cardinal passed in the dark at 7:30 pm @ 10-15 mph, flanges squealing.  An eastbound loaded coal train  was the next arrival around 8 pm.  All was quiet overnight, but westbound empty coal trains passed by at 5:30 am and 8:30 am.

1.  The CSX bridge over the New River as seen from a scenic lookout near the lodge.
2.  A balcony view from the lodge.shortly after daybreak.
3.  A restaurant view of a "headless construction worker" taken during breakfast.  Halloween is almost here !

 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/26/20 09:29 by cinder.

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4.  Westbound Amtrak Cardinal in  June 2009.
5.  Eastbound coal train in  June 2009.
6.  Early morning view upriver. October 2020



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/26/20 09:31 by cinder.

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Pretty sad state of affairs for the old C&O traffic wise present day.  It used to be a railroad worth railfanning.

MPCA349 Wrote:
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> Pretty sad state of affairs for the old C&O
> traffic wise present day.  It used to be a
> railroad worth railfanning.

We spent three days in mid September exploring this line and despite the lack of traffic, it is definitely still worth a visit.

Also on one of the nights we stayed at Hawks Nest Lodge and I gotta tell you it should be a stop on every fan’s bucket list.

Great photos!
Dan

Posted from iPhone

Nice work cinder. I need to check that lodge out.
John

You posted some stunning scenic images.
Bob

Great photos, cinder.  Love the first one and I remember being up there many years ago.

Thanks fellow TOers.  Sometimes the settings marginalize the trains ...... as they should.

Superior place  and  photos.  Live  around  there??

No ..... Live in Manassas, VA.  But,  I'm a "Country Boy"  ..... thank God!

The first image is outstanding!

Bill

Nice shots Cinder....my Olive Hill, KY buddy.......Wish I could the the C&O George from that vantage point....

Absolutely a great location, however, the traffic seems to be down  a bit.  
FYI...
Starting sometime between  1 - 11 November, the lodge will be closed for major renovation.  Closed until 30 June 2021, according to the reservation office.
I had a reservation for the end of November, received a call from the lodge cancelling that, and had to change for July 2021.
Beautiful area, and well worth a visit......w/wo train traffic.  IMHO 


 

That first photo is like a Bob Ross painting.  How does he/you do it so well.
excellent color and shadow.. thanks for sharing. 
dave j