Railfaning in Tennessee

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pedrop

A Railfan in Brazil
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

Railfan Photographer
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

New Member
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

New Member
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

A Railfan in Brazil
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

New Member
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

New Member
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

New Member
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

A Railfan in Brazil
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.
 




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