Virginia’s Most Scenic Fall Prepare Experience Is Again For five Weekends—With a Classic Steam Engine and Peak Foliage Views

Sixty years after Norfolk & Western Railway retired its final steam engine, the enduring locomotive is again on the tracks—simply in time for fall.

This September, Virginia vacationers have a uncommon likelihood to experience behind the legendary No. 611, the only surviving Class J 4-8-4 steam locomotive, a modern black magnificence as soon as hailed because the “Queen of Steam.” The particular version Shenandoah Valley Restricted journey will run for simply 5 weekends, starting Sept. 26, carrying passengers by way of a blaze of autumn colour within the George Washington and Jefferson Nationwide Forests. With its billowing plumes of smoke set towards fiery ridgelines, the tour provides a one-of-a-kind solution to see Virginia’s peak foliage season.

“The N&W 611 is a standalone famous person,” Steve Powell, president of the Virginia Scenic Railway, operator of the Shenandoah Valley Restricted, mentioned. “With over 5,000 horsepower, the 611 sounds, feels, and appears like no different locomotive.”

The Shenandoah Valley Restricted joins Virginia Scenic Railway’s lineup of signature excursions, together with narrated rides by way of the Blue Ridge Mountains and specialty excursions just like the Sip and Savor Specific, which spotlights Virginia wines. The locomotive itself—a 1950 steamer in-built Roanoke, Virginia—comes courtesy of the Virginia Museum of Transportation, made doable by way of a partnership with the Steam Railroading Institute and the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society.

The seasonal journey begins at a Victorian-era depot within the village of Goshen, Virginia, the place passengers embark on a 3.5-hour round-trip experience by way of the Shenandoah’s rolling countryside. Alongside the best way, passengers can get pleasure from water and light-weight bites. Excursions run Friday by way of Sunday, departing at 9:30 a.m. and a pair of:30 p.m., from Sept. 26 by way of Oct. 26.

Ticket choices vary from basic Coach ($128) and Premium Coach ($149) to Desk Class ($202). On the identical time, the coveted Dome Class ($318)—a circa 1948 passenger automotive as soon as owned by outlaw nation legend Merle Haggard—provides panoramic skylight views of the pastoral panorama unfolding past the rails. Little ones two and below can experience free on a ticketed grownup’s lap.

“With the mix of this steam engine, these passenger automobiles, the Shenandoah Valley mountain views in fall, and the mainline observe speeds,” Powell mentioned, “this might be a visit that individuals will keep in mind for years.”

For tickets, go to virginiascenicrailway.com.