Railfaning in Tennessee

[pedrop]

I am planning a trip to Tennessee and I would like to know about railfaning spots there. Which are the best locations to see trains in Tennessee?

 

[westbnsf]

What part of the state will you be in? I spent several years in Chattanooga, and it has quite a bit of traffic with both CSX and NS. The NS line running north to KY is very scenic in places and fun to railfan. Also lots of good stuff between Chattanooga and Nickajack lake (grades, high bridges, lots of curves, and then some lakeshore running. The Nashville and Eastern Railroad has lots of cool old power to see. I am not sure of their schedule. If you want more info or specifics on something, I would be happy to try and help you out. Finally not sure on your timing, but if you can schedule the trip for later October that is usually the best fall colors around those parts.

 

[NSthomas]

I would say what part as well i'm on the east of TN and west NC I see alot of NS going from asheville to knoxville or to bristol and i get some csx when i go to knoxville got some good shots on the river line going in to the mountian pass throw newport TN or hot springs NC.

 

[Mr. Pick]

I'm in middle Tennessee, and while not as scenic as east Tennessee, there is still a lot to see here. Like those above have suggested, narrow it down to what part of the state you're heading to and we can give you some ideas.

 

[pedrop]

What part of the state will you be in? .

My first idea is to visit Memphis, but I think I can travel around it for one week.

 

[Damon Hill]

Is the TennKenn still in operation way up the very NW corner of Tennessee? Runs up to Hickman, KY.

 

[pedrop]

What part of the state will you be in? I spent several years in Chattanooga, and it has quite a bit of traffic with both CSX and NS. The NS line running north to KY is very scenic in places and fun to railfan. Also lots of good stuff between Chattanooga and Nickajack lake (grades, high bridges, lots of curves, and then some lakeshore running. The Nashville and Eastern Railroad has lots of cool old power to see. I am not sure of their schedule. If you want more info or specifics on something, I would be happy to try and help you out. Finally not sure on your timing, but if you can schedule the trip for later October that is usually the best fall colors around those parts.

Westbnsf, thanks for the hints. I will study them carefully. I am planning a trip to July 2013. Since it will be intenational trip, I must start to plan with a good time in advance, as I did in 2011 and 2012 while visiting west and east coasts.

 

[NSthomas]

If you come to the east of TN you got to see the river line that run's from asheville NC to newport TN there some great shots there...

 

[Davidellias]

Westbnsf, thanks for the hints. I will study them carefully. I am planning a trip to July 2013. Since it will be intenational trip, I must start to plan with a good time in advance, as I did in 2011 and 2012 while visiting west and east coasts.

Tyson Park in Knoxville has three different lines running through it. This includes Willoughby Interlocking where NS and CSX crossover.

 

[BJudd85]

Among Chattanooga as being the best place, theres actually quite a few places of interest to railfan. If you like pushers Cowan is the best place for that. I've been up and down at numerous places on the CSX Chattanooga sub and have seen some scenic areas to photograph trains. Chattanooga is definitely the place if you love NS. I'd stay away from Nashville tho, tried to railfan in that city but there isn't any good spots to be honest. I've heard Memphis offers good places as well with some in rough areas tho. If you don't mind driving a bit more south of Chattanooga, Dalton in Georgia offers an excellent spot for NS and CSX since they have a diamond there and a restored freight depot for you to railfan at.

 

[pedrop]

If you come to the east of TN you got to see the river line that run's from asheville NC to newport TN there some great shots there...

Thanks for the hint. I took note of it.

 

[pedrop]

Tyson Park in Knoxville has three different lines running through it. This includes Willoughby Interlocking where NS and CSX crossover.

Three lines in the same location looks great. Thanks for the hint

 

[pedrop]

Among Chattanooga as being the best place, theres actually quite a few places of interest to railfan. If you like pushers Cowan is the best place for that. I've been up and down at numerous places on the CSX Chattanooga sub and have seen some scenic areas to photograph trains. Chattanooga is definitely the place if you love NS. I'd stay away from Nashville tho, tried to railfan in that city but there isn't any good spots to be honest. I've heard Memphis offers good places as well with some in rough areas tho. If you don't mind driving a bit more south of Chattanooga, Dalton in Georgia offers an excellent spot for NS and CSX since they have a diamond there and a restored freight depot for you to railfan at.

Bjudd85, thanks for the good hints you gave me. I will study each one carefully. Sure Chattanooga sounds a good spot to visit. I will start looking up on it on the Google to plan a visit there.

 

[NSthomas]

Tyson Park in Knoxville has three different lines running through it. This includes Willoughby Interlocking where NS and CSX crossover.

I got a video there the other day......great place to see trains and the csx yrd is right down the road too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PGMtVl467w&feature=share&list=UUA1yMZJdC3bsZeTOYICDD7Q

 

[pedrop]

I got a video there the other day......great place to see trains and the csx yrd is right down the road too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PGMtVl467w&feature=share&list=UUA1yMZJdC3bsZeTOYICDD7Q

Thanks for the link. It looks an interesting place to watch trains.