Custom Search

Atlantic Coast Line

Rocky Mount to Fayetteville, NC

CSX logo

Introduction

Historically, if a shipper had freight, and wanted to get it from, say, Miami to New York City, it had to travel on several different railroads. Today, CSX will do the entire job for you. This is the long-sought "seamless service" that CSX and NS used to justify much of the sense behind the break-up of Conrail. We're in the process of putting together a tour that you can use to follow the rails all the way from the Shared Assets Area in northern New Jersey to southern Florida. Several segments are now complete, and the overall tour site is here.

For information about the Other Tours within Frograil, go to the Frograil Tour Guide. If this will be your first tour using data within the Frograil system of tours, you really should explore the Tour Guide thoroughly before venturing forth -- there is a lot of good, basic information contained therein, which could save you some serious grief, while increasing the overall enjoyment of your outing.

The tour segment contained on this page is from Rocky Mount to the station in Fayetteville, a distance of about 90 miles. If you want to just quickly drive the route and hit some highlights, you can do it in 3-5 hours. However, if you want to see some trains and enjoy yourself, it's easily an all day tour. For lots more info about this piece of railroad, check out the Supplemental Data below.

Remember, the segment from Fayetteville to North Charleston is also complete, so you can do a continuous tour from Rocky Mount to North Charleston -- a distance of 269 miles. Go for it!

Contents And Navigation

CSX loco About This Tour

CSX loco Other Tours

CSX loco Contributors

CSX loco Help

CSX loco Site Listing

CSX loco The Tour

CSX loco Supplemental And Back-Up Data

Other Tours

For information concerning the other Frograil tours which have been put together, go to the Tour Guide. A comprehensive packing list and other advice are also in the Tour Guide -- these will save you time and grief.

Contributors To This Tour

Train Gifs. All train gifs used within this tour are from the Ed Bindler's train gifs site, which is here.

Peter Furnee, CSX logo

Tony Hill, Webmaster, content provider and owner

Help

If you'd like to contribute to this, or any other tour, please contact me at webmaster@frograil.com, and let me know what you'd like to do. We'll work together: You supply the data/info, and I'll do the HTML stuff and upload it. You'll get a chance to review the fruits of your efforts before the general public sees the finished product, so you can let me have your corrections, additions and changes.

FURX loco gif CSX loco gif CSX loco gif

Supplemental And Back-Up Data.

Life Support. You'll be close to I-95 all the way between Rocky Mount and Fayetteville, and life support is not at all a problem. While epicurean food might be limited, it's not like you're in the middle of nowhere, about to starve, run out of gas, and die of dehydration. Indeed, the fact that you're in the country for much of this Tour, and yet the interstate is just minutes away, is one of the real assets of the Tour. Enjoy rural America, and when you're ready to eat, hit any one of the food outlets along I-95.

The Railroad -- Background. This complete segment is part of the CSX main line from the northeast to Florida. It was the Atlantic Coast Line's A-Line, and carried many passenger, perishable and time freights in years gone by. It still does. Mile points start at the James River in Richmond, and extend continuously numbered all the way to Florida.

The Railroad -- Geography. [NOTE: This discussion is limited to this segment of the tour, only.] The railroad is in the Coastal Plain for the entire length of this segment. That means you'll be in flat, mostly open countryside, with sandy, almost white soil. The soil absorbs water very quickly, so there are relatively few boggy areas next to the tracks. One very nice thing about the countryside is that you can pull off the road almost everywhere, and have a nice, safe, solid area to park. There are many minor streams, and no major rivers. All in all, this is one of the easiest railroads to fan you're going to find anywhere, and this is made all the more so because there are no major towns, other than Rocky Mount and Fayetteville, and you'll avoid much of the built-up areas of both of them.

NOTE WELL: The bias of the railroad is relentlessly northeast - southwest, and this goes against our typical thinking that this is a north - south railroad. Actually, the bias is so varied that photographers have to re-evaluate their lighting angles and visiting times to accommodate this basic fact -- don't arrive thinking you'll have a simple north - south line to contend with. As you read this tour and make your visit plans, remember that when I use absolute compass points (north, east, south and west), do not assume 0°, 90°, etc.

The Railroad -- Physical Plant. For the long term survival and growth of CSX, this route is vital. The physical plant is in very good condition -- not just the track work, but everything is obviously well maintained, and the right-of-way is cleared of brush and grass. When CTC was installed, the Coast Line left several miles of double track, then several miles of single, etc., so rather than lots of single track with some sidings, you actually are touring a railroad which might be considered a 1 1/2 track main line. Capacity-wise, that was a smart decision, because this road can handle a lot more traffic than it's seeing today. Trains run fast, and they can be easily fleeted, because of the large amount of double trackage available to the dispatcher in Jacksonville.

However, most of the "2nd main track" is jointed rail (yes, Virginia, there still is jointed rail on a mainline in the early part of the 21st Century), and that seems an anomaly for this railroad that wants to be the I-95 of the railroad world. Also, expert railfans in the area tell me that it is routine to run Amtrak, intermodal, and all other classes/types of trains over the jointed rail sections of "double track".

The Railroad -- Traffic. You can, and will, see almost anything on the line. Remember that this is the I-95 of the railroad world, and it serves to connect the northeast metropolitan areas with the southeast and Florida. As you would expect, there are several Amtrak trains a day, as well as CSX's intermodal fleet. Manifest freight trains and unit coal trains round out the basic traffic, but unit grain trains and other non-regular movements will be seen.

As far as the number of trains, the numbers are pretty consistent between the 2 end points of this tour. Figure on 22-28 per day, and you'll probably not be far off. There is a slight drop off south of Contentnea Junction, because the traffic heading towards Goldsboro is lost. Very hot or cold weather is the biggest variable, as the number of coal trains can increase substantially.

Another thing you should remember: This railroad is flat, and has relatively few curves. Therefore, expect the trains to be fast and quiet. Be ready and be alert at all times.

Station List.Go here for CSX timetable data. You'll want to print out the appropriate material and study it before you begin your tour.

Mapwork: Much of the tour is not easy if you have no detailed map for back country roads. I definitely recommend you get a DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer, study it before your trip, and copy pertinent pages for your field work. You can find information here about Railfan Maps that are available.

Photographic Considerations. Most crossings' photo ratings will be described in a standardized method as in the following example: NE3, SE1, SW4, NW4. This means that going clockwise from the northeast quadrant of the crossing, each quadrant is rated, with 1 being excellent, and 4 being non-existent. Note that this refers to the relative field of view, not the photogenic quality of the location (which is a personal decision). A quadrant with a rating of 1 is "wide open" for photos. Note that a 4 may mean that the quadrant is solid trees right up to the ROW, there's a severe drop-off trackside, there's a farmer's field snug against the tracks, etc. In the example given, you'll note that this is definitely a morning site, as both western quadrants are bad.

Abbreviations. I try to limit the number of abbreviations to very common terms, such as CSX and NS. However, some terms get used repeatedly and are given here to help you understand them.

AG. "At-grade" -- It may or may not be a railfan location, but you can be assured that the tracks and street/road are on the same level.

NAG. "Not at grade" -- Usually, a NAG crossing is a poor place to take pix, but not always. However, you should be warned if a crossing isn't at grade, and that's why I try to always clue you in.

NARL. "Not a railfan location" -- In my humble opinion, this location is not worth the visit; indeed, it is probably to be avoided. NARL's result from no photo access, dangerous conditions, or personal security considerations.

WEBMASTER'S NOTE: I do not recommend, or even condone, walking along the tracks, as this means trespassing or exposing yourself to danger. You will have to be creative, in some instances, to avoid trespassing while getting to the detailed locations included herein, but you will either have to be creative or not visit those sites. At no point in this tour guide, or any other tour which is part of Frograil, is it recommended that you trespass or expose yourself to danger. If you are a fool and have a leg cut off (or worse), don't come crying to me: You have been warned. Trains are big, powerful, and often surprisingly quiet. Don't end up being a statistic.

Selma - Fayetteville, NC -- Railfan sites:
Alphabetical Sequence Sequential Order:
North (East) to South (West)
------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
Aycock Crossing Rocky Mount -- Charlie Baker A120.0
Bagley Rocky Mount -- Henry Street
Beard Sharpsburg -- AM Location
Beard -- Dobbins Sharpsburg -- PM Location
Benson -- Brocklyn Road Elm City
Benson -- Downtown Wilson -- Van Slyke Road
Benson -- Raleigh Road Wilson -- London Church Road
Dixie Wilson -- Station Area
Dunn -- Candy Kitchen Road Wilson -- Wilco Boulevard
Dunn -- Downtown Wilson -- Contentnea Jct A139.0
Dunn -- Duke Street Dixie
Dunn -- Stewart Road Lucama
Dunn -- Wake Street Lucama -- UBCC Road
Elm City Aycock Crossing
Fayetteville -- Cargill Kenly -- Station
Fayetteville -- Milan Yard Kenly -- Downtown
Fayetteville -- Orange Street Bagley
Fayetteville -- Station Area Micro
Four Oaks -- Camelia Road Selma -- Lizzie Mill Road A159.63
Four Oaks -- Downtown Selma -- Station Area
Four Oaks -- Parkertown Road Selma -- Raiford/Ricks
Godwin Selma -- US-70 Overpass
Kenly -- Downtown Smithfield -- Peedin Road
Kenly -- Station Smithfield -- Lee Street
Lucama Smithfield -- Brogden Road
Lucama -- UBCC Road Smithfield -- Wal Pat Road
Micro Four Oaks -- Downtown
Rocky Mount -- Charlie Baker Four Oaks -- Parkertown Road
Rocky Mount -- Henry Street Four Oaks -- Camelia Road
Selma -- Lizzie Mill Road Benson -- Raleigh Road A176.3
Selma -- Raiford/Ricks Benson -- Downtown
Selma -- Station Area Benson -- Brocklyn Road
Selma -- US-70 Overpass Dunn -- Stewart Road
Sharpsburg -- AM Location Dunn -- Candy Kitchen Road
Sharpsburg -- PM Location Dunn -- Wake Street
Smithfield -- Brogden Road Dunn -- Downtown
Smithfield -- Lee Street Dunn -- Duke Street
Smithfield -- Peedin Road Godwin
Smithfield -- Wal Pat Road Wade -- Earl McLellen Road
Wade Wade
Wade -- Defect Detector Wade -- Defect Detector MP200.5
Wade -- Earl McLellen Road Beard
Wilson -- Contentnea Jct Beard -- Dobbins
Wilson -- London Church Road Fayetteville -- Cargill
Wilson -- Station Area Fayetteville -- Milan Yard
Wilson -- Van Slyke Road Fayetteville -- Orange Street
Wilson -- Wilco Boulevard Fayetteville -- Station Area A ~209.9
The Tour

Rocky Mount -- Charlie Baker. For those even remotely familiar with Rocky Mount, the only place to begin a tour of the CSX (ex-ACL) towards the south is at Charlie Baker. Named after a former ACL employee, Charlie Baker is more than a merely curiously named railroad point. In fact, it's really a series of points that start as the Nashville County Railroad comes in from the west and meets the ACL main line, the Tarboro line comes in from the east and meets the ACL main line, a set of double crossovers directs and redirects trains north- and south-bound, and in- and out-bound yard traffic is separated and joined. In short, this point is the "what's happening" railroad point directly north of the Rocky Mount yard. Technically, it's MP A119.9, but you'll more easily see the 120 mile point marker from where I'm going to direct you.

From the intersection of US-64Business and US-301Business close to downtown, go south on US-301Business, Church Street. You'll pass the ex-ACL Amtrak station, but that's not really part of this tour, so we'll skip it for now. You'll shortly cross the Nashville County Railroad, and then come to Bassett Street. Take a left on Bassett, go one block, and then take a right onto Friend Street. At the southeast corner of Bassett and Friend, there is a large parking lot that will be covered in the Richmond - Rocky Mount section of the Frograil CSX East Coast Tour, but we want to get to Charlie Baker, so continue south on Friend, pass the CSX brick building, until just before Friend swings 90° to the west to become High Street. Between the end of the CSX building and the beginning of a posted dirt road running into the yard itself is a fairly large, non-posted, open parking area. You can park well back from the tracks here and not be guilty of trespassing. Be sure to stay out of the way of the many textile/uniform service trucks going in and out of the Textilease facility just to your west.

Everything coming north out of the yard is wide open to excellent photo fields, but the light will fight you most of the day. This is more a place to just relax and enjoy the action. Also, trains from the north will not be visible until they clear the CSX building, so this further limits your viewing. Finally, the trains coming from the east out of Tarboro go thru the ex-ACL shops area (that entire area is most decidedly off-limits to railfans), so you'll only see those from a distance. So why even come here? Hey, Charlie Baker is a cool place, and you'll want to spend some time here.

One word of caution: This is not a place to be at night.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Rocky Mount -- Henry Street. Depart Charlie Baker by going west on High Street to get back out to US-301Business/Church Street and turn left. Take your 3rd left onto Henry Street, and go the one block until it ends. Park to your left, in the grassy area. Walk up into the grassy field and stay well back. This affords, probably, the best view of the engines posing on the east side of the yard throat. Even so, they're probably 70 yards away. As you go further south, the probability of cars blocking your view increases very rapidly, so this is a good, quiet place to see what's coming in and out of the yard. W1, E4.

If you want to set up lawn chairs and relax, I'd suggest you have at least one male friend with you, as this might be considered a less than ideal neighborhood.

When Henry Street ends, it bends 90" to the right to become Southwest Main Street, and it runs along the west side of the yard for several blocks. However, you've either got to stand in the middle of the road or someone's yard to take pix, and parking is non-existent along the street. You're better off back at the grassy area.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Sharpsburg -- AM Location. In Rocky Mount, as you drive south on SW Main Street, it will end and bend 90° to the west and become Nashville Road. Take this one block to Church Street and take a left to continue south. You'll pass several streets that go to the left for a block or so to the tracks, but standing cars and neighborhood conditions make these NARL's. For the better part of 2 miles, the only way to drive across the yard is via Kinston Avenue/Sutton Road, which gets across the yard via an underpass. It is obviously a very busy street. To the east of the yard, I've never personally found a spot off railroad property for photos. Therefore, continue south of Kinston/Sutton, and the next road to the left, Rosa Street, will take you to the foot of an overpass over the yard tracks near the yard tower and office. This overpass used to be a favorite railfan location, but it's decidedly off-limits now, and the entire area must therefore be considered a NARL.

Continue south on Church Street/US-301Business south, and go right out of Rocky Mount. Near the actual south end of the yard, US-301 will join US-301Business, and Tarboro Road crosses both. Tarboro goes over the extreme south end of the yard area at grade, but I did not visit the crossing, so cannot comment on it. In less than a mile and a half, you'll come to the busy Mill Branch Road/East Main Street intersection. This intersection marks the location of the small town of Sharpsburg, and the beginning of what will be many good railfan locations as we head further and further southwest. Take a left at the light onto East Main Street (the sign may read Mill Branch, but the turn is definitely to the left. Go over the tracks, and take an immediate left onto Batchelor Road (this may be signed as Railroad Street, but just take your first left after the tracks). This will shortly veer off to the right, but you want to continue straight -- watch out for on-coming traffic on Batchelor Road, because it has the right-of-way over those going straight.

The small road going north of Batchelor Road is very lightly traveled, and is very quiet. Park and relax. There is a row of poles, unfortunately, so you won't get broad, sweeping pix, but it's still a decent photo location: E2, W4. While there is no photo access from the west, we'll remedy that in our next location.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Sharpsburg -- PM Location. Go back to East Main Street via Batchelor Road, and go back over the tracks. Take an immediate left onto what is probably West Railroad Street, but there may not be a sign. Directly behind the Police Station is a nice open area for parking and viewing. It's a lawn chair and cooler spot, although it's more noisy than the AM location. Before spending any time there, it would be a good idea to kip inside the station and let them know who you are and what you'll be doing. W1, E4 Note that the pole line is now on the opposite side of the tracks from you.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Elm City. As you leave Sharpsburg via US-301, you'll pass Divers Road to the left. Divers is AG, but is a NARL because of access problems. You'll not be able to get trackside for awhile, so sit back and enjoy the drive to Elm City. North of the latter, US-301Business splits off to go into town, and US-301 heads southeast and over the tracks on a NAG NARL. Continue on into town via US-301Business. Once in town, there are any number of ways to get trackside, and any number of places that offer excellent viewing and photo ops. From US-301Business, take a left and go to the crossing via Main Street. The Main Street crossing is: NE1, SE1, SW1, NW1. Even so, the bias is very much north-south, so you're going to be shooting southbounds, mostly -- the sun will work against you for most northbounds.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wilson -- Van Slyke Road. Perhaps the easiest way to continue the tour is to head south via US-301Business, and then take a right onto Upchurch Road. If you come to the junction with US-301, you've gone too far. The crossing via Upchurch is so-so, and only recommended if you have to get trackside in a hurry. Instead, take a left onto Van Slyke Road just before the Upchurch crossing, and parallel the tracks southwest. You'll be very close to them, but the tracks are completely treed in. No matter, as Van Slyke will shortly veer sharply to the west to cross the tracks. The Van Slyke crossing is NE2, SE1, SW3, NW1. All in all, a pretty good location, especially for afternoon southbounds.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wilson -- London Church Road. Continue over the tracks and west on Van Slyke Road, which will end at a T with London Church Road. Take a left and continue southeast all the way to the tracks. The photo ratings are as follows: NE1, SE3, SW1, NW1 The northeast and northwest views are, at least in my opinion, close to absolutely perfect. You can get some very fine pix here.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wilson -- Station Area. Continue southeast on London Church Road, and take a right at the T with NC-42/Herring Avenue. After several blocks, you can take a right onto NC-58/Ward Boulevard, but the crossing is NAG/NARL, so I'd advise continuing on Herring into the downtown area. Just after crossing the tracks, take a left onto Railroad Street, and continue to the station area.

NOTE 1: In November of 2002, the entire station area was torn up, with extensive road/beautification work being performed. Be flexible in your approach to driving to the area. As an alternate point of reference, from the intersection of Lodge and Nash streets, go south to the tracks on Nash.

NOTE 2: This is the oldest part of Wilson, and is not overly attractive or safe. Be sure to railfan here with at least one male friend, and do not fan here at night. Use common sense.

Notwithstanding the concerns expressed in note 2, the viewing all thru this area is superb on both east and west sides of the tracks: E1, W1. There is plenty of available parking, and a good photographer will be able to work some of the old urban backdrops into a series of nice railroad photos. Hopefully, when the station area work is completed, this will be an even better photo location.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wilson -- Wilco Boulevard. From the station south for several miles, it's difficult and/or impractical to get trackside, so this is the route I suggest. On Nash Street, go back northwest to Lodge Street and turn left. After about 5 blocks, you can take US-264Business to the left, but its crossing is a NAG/NARL, so skip it. Cross the NS tracks and take a left onto Norris Boulevard South, and continue on as it goes to the north and then curves back to the southeast and south. Just where it turns to the south is a dirt road leading to a large open area with some large, old tobacco warehouses behind it. The junction is just behind these buildings, but is invisible because of trees and the buildings themselves. There is a bright yellow pipe gate over the dirt road. Back in the early 80's when I first visited Wilson, you could walk back to the crossing of the NS (ex-original Norfolk Southern Railway line between Raleigh and Chocowinity) and what is now CSX. It's all heavily posted now, and is NARL.

Continue on Norris as it bends to the south and becomes Phillips Street South, which in turn will end at a T with US-301. Take a right and after a short distance, take a left at the traffic light onto Wilco Boulevard. Just before crossing the tracks, take a right into a large dirt parking area. To the south, there is a posted road leading to the CSX Wilson yard facility. Park well back from Wilco, the road to the yard, and the temporary office structure in the area. There is plenty of room for off-railroad property pix both north and south of Wilco: NE3, SE4, SW1, NW1. The street is very busy, especially with all manner of trucks whizzing thru, and the heavy pole line on the east side is a significant impediment. Unless you have a really strong reason for wanting to get a pix from the east, I would not advise walking across the crossing to do so.

Do not park in front of the sewer pump station on the NE quadrant of the crossing.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Let's take a food break: Go back up Wilco to US-301 and take a left. You'll shortly see Forest Hills Loop on your right, and that will take you to Forest Hills Road. Take the right to go north, and you'll soon see a big sign proclaiming "Bill's" on your right. Turn in to partake of some of the Holy Food (Bar-B-Que, of course!). There are many, many types of BBQ, and Bill Ellis's is perhaps the archetype of the down east North Carolina pork/vinegar/pepper style. It's wonderful, and you can get a few pints or quarts and freeze them when you get home. It holds up very well to freezing, and is most appreciated when it's 20° outside, the snow is blowing sideways, and you're a long ways from this part of the country.

If more formal fare is what you crave, at the foot of Forest Hills Road and US-301, on the south side of the latter, is Griff's Steakbarn. They have a nice salad bar, several seafood offerings, and some very good beef entrees. Their wine selection is not extensive, but it's also not expensive, so that's OK. I can personally vouch for their prime rib, and our guest said she really liked the stuffed flounder. A very nice place to enjoy good food, good company, and the memories of a great day of railfanning.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wilson -- Contentnea Junction. Continue southbound on US-301, and then go south on US-117. Note that in November of 2002, US-117 was being upgraded to freeway status, and the work was almost completed. However, to railfan Contentnea, get on the old US-117, not the new, as the former will have you whizzing along overhead at 65 MPH, when you should be down below at 0 MPH. I'll write the instructions assuming that the new US-117 is now open.

Go south on US-301 beyond the US-117 overpass and the turn left to enter the highway. Take the second left past the overpass, which is old US-117. Follow these instructions carefully, because the new highway has eliminated the old method of getting to the junction. Continue south until you cross the ex-ACL main line to Fayetteville and Florida. Take your first left onto Aycock Church Road, cross the ex-ACL secondary line (originally, however, THE main line to Wilmington) to Wallace, and then take an immediate left to head north on Lattice (?) Road, which will follow the tracks to the area of the junction, and cross them just south of it. Find a place to park, which is difficult, and walk back to the crossing. You might have to walk quite a ways.

The junction itself is just north of the crossing, and you'll see the MP A139 sign, although the interlocking is technically at 138.9. The original main line was from Rocky Mount on an almost north-south bias down to Wilmington. As time went by, however, the line up from Florida via Fayetteville became more important, and overshadowed the older line. Today, a local goes towards Wallace from here, as do several unit grain trains. Therefore, the traffic from here south on the line we're following will be slightly diminished. We'll still see plenty of trains, never fear.

There are 2 significant things that detract from fanning this area: Parking is a bear, unless you get permission to park in the nursery's lot (which isn't guaranteed), and there is nowhere to relax. The only public property is the street itself, as there is no parking or off railroad area that isn't part of the nursery or other agricultural fields. So you're pretty much required to stand still, as far off the road as possible, and deal with the hand geography has given you. On the other hand, there are some really, really nice photo possibilities for those who know how to manage natural light.

Walk east on Lattice, and after about 50' look back towards the line from Goldsboro: Wow! A broad, sweeping curve over a flat farm field with the new highway overpasses as the backdrop. Light is tough, but it's a great scene. The same is true if you walk west on Lattice about the same distance. Look back towards the east, and you've got the 2-track main line sweeping in from the west -- a great, very late afternoon shot. If you can get a meet on the 2 tracks, it would be one for TRAINS Magazine. The area of the road between the 2 lines gives unobstructed, excellent viewing of both lines, but you're looking much more directly south, and will probably have more problems with the light. The view to the north from the west is so-so, but the view north from the east is non-existent. An interesting and challenging location for serious railfan photographers.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Dixie. At Contentnea, the main line swings to a much broader northeast-southwest bias -- probably more like 45° rather than about 85°. This has serious implications for the guys who want to shoot pix, because it makes it much easier to find a good angle for many more lighting conditions. Leave Contentnea the way you entered, and get back to old US-117 and head right to go north. Once past the main line, take a left to go southwest on Dixie Inn Road, which will shortly end at US-301. Continue southwest on US-301, but you'll very shortly take a left onto Sid Tomlinson Road.

The crossing at Sid Tomlinson rates a NE4, SE1, SW1, NW2, so it's a very good location for shooting any southbounds in the afternoon, and northbounds fairly early in the day. Worthy of note is that this is the end of 29 miles of double track which started well north of Charlie Baker. The railroad point is "South Contentnea", and the mile point is A141.0

There is virtually no parking in the area, unless you can talk the folks at the Lely Company to let you park on their property. Other than the parking problem, this is a good location. Actually, parking off US-301 and hoofing it to the crossing isn't that big a deal.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Lucama. Continue southwest on US-301. You'll pass Creech Road which has an AG crossing, but it's a NARL. Once into the village of Lucama, take a left at the stop light, and then a right to parallel the tracks. Catching trains along here is like shooting fish in a barrel. Continue on to the southwest a little, and your photo ratings are E1, W1, and there is plenty of room to move about to get that best photo field.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Lucama -- Upper Black Creek Church Road. As you continue southwest on US-301, you'll come to a left at Upper Black Creek Church Road. Take the left and park near the crossing. The crossing is unremarkable, and really is NARL, but there is a defect detector ["Lucama MP A145.6"] immediately north of the crossing, for those who are keeping score.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Aycock Crossing. Approaching the crossroads of Aycock Crossing, you'll see a big sign directing you to the Nahunta Pork processing company. When you get to the crossroads, take a left and park in the vicinity of the crossing. The crossing itself is not bad at all, at NE2, SE3,SW2,NW2, but the attraction is the start of double track southbound at the "Aycock" interlocking, which is just south of the crossing, at MP A146.8. There are clearly visible southbound signals to help those without a scanner.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Kenly -- Station. What? There's a station in Kenly? You bet, but you've got to know where to look. Just head southwest from Aycock Crossing, and you'll pass a crossroads at Kirby's Crossing. This is an AG crossing, but NARL. You'll cross the Johnston County line, and shortly enter the town of Kenly. Take your first left and head towards the tracks. This road will end, and you should take a right onto South Corbett Street. You'll shortly see a Royster-Clark fertilizer dealer. In the southwest corner of Royster's lot is a red board and batten building. On the west side of it is the classic "pooched out" agent's window area. Apparently, the station was moved from trackside many years ago, because trees on the west of the building preclude any photos from that side.

While this is not a train watching railfan location, it certainly is a place to stop, spend a few minutes walking around, and imagine the time when this medium sized building was the center of the universe for Kenly, North Carolina. Right behind the station and Royster-Clark, but invisible thru the trees, is the south end of double track, at the Kenly interlocking. This is clearly posted by CSX and is NARL.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Kenly -- Downtown. Kenly is an almost perfect place to watch trains. Continue towards "downtown" and find any place to park. Viewing is absolutely wide open from either side of the tracks, with only some power poles on the south side to mar photo ops. Kenly and Micro are widely regarded as being ideal railfan locations, and I concur, with the following caveat: Kenly is more "wide open" than Micro, but Micro has no pole line to contend with. If you're just sitting and relaxing and watching trains, I recommend Kenly. If you're serious about pix or videos, go to Micro. Also, for reasons that will become clear, if you have small children and you're getting hungry, go to Micro. The towns are only 4-5 miles apart.

The Kenly interlocking's signals are clearly visible about 200 yards north of the downtown area.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Bagley. Between Kenly and Micro, via US-301, is the crossroads of Bagley. The crossroads has Weaver Road to the north and Bagley Road to the south. Take a left on Bagley, and cross the tracks. Take an immediate right onto Peele Road and park to the side. Ratings are: NE1, SE1, SW3, NW1. All in all, a very good place to catch a train if you're between Kenly and Micro and hear a close transmission. However, from late spring to frost, you'd be well advised to bring a weed whacker if you're going to spend any time at the crossing.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Micro. Continue on US-301 into the town of Micro, and take at left at the blinker. This is Main Street. Go 2 blocks to the tracks and park anywhere. As mentioned in the Kenly -- Downtown write-up, this is a superior railfan location, in that there is excellent viewing from all quadrants, and the dreaded power pole line is now gone. In addition, there is a small, enclosed park and playground right next to the street bordering the tracks on the south, where your youngsters can run their little legs off as you wait for trains. Also, directly across Main Street from the park is a cafe, so you can get some grub when needed. As mentioned in the Kenly write-up, Kenly is more wide open, but has the power pole line. You decide for yourself which is best for you, but both are genuinely excellent.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Selma -- Lizzie Mill Road. Continue southwest on US-301, and you'll shortly pass Pittman Road, which has an AG crossing, but is a NARL. Pittman will take you to an entrance onto I-95, however, if you need to get on the freeway. That would be unfortunate, because another excellent location is coming shortly. US-301 is now getting farther away from the tracks, and we'll take the next left, Old Batten Road. This will end at a 90° curve to the west, and it will become Browns Dairy Road. After a very short drive, take a left onto Brown Wall Road. This will cross the tracks, but I did not personally observe this crossing, so you're on your own. However, as you continue on south via Brown Wall Road, it will T at Seafood House Road, the north I-95 frontage road. Take a right and Seafood House will end at Lizzie Mill Road. Take a right to head into Selma on Lizzie Mill Road.

As you approach Selma on Lizzie Mill, you'll very shortly see a mill/silo complex rising over the other buildings in the area. Just before the mill itself, take a right onto Allied Mills Road, go past the miller, and take a left immediately past the chain link fence (go slow -- you in small sedans might want to turn left closer to the tracks).

Along the fence is a nice row of live oaks. On hot summer days, these oaks will be your buddies, and there are even a few crepe myrtles thrown in for some late summer color. Between the fence and the tracks, you've got about 20-25 yards of mown, well-maintained area that stretches about 70 yards to the southwest. There is a pole line at the tracks, but it is far enough back to not be a significant problem. You'll want to get out your lawn chairs, the cooler, and fire your scanner up. Heck, even without a scanner, the signals guarding the North Selma crossovers are just to the south, and you'll hear horns from trains going in either direction.

Allied Mills Road's pavement ends just before the tracks, and continues on across the tracks as a gravel private drive. The area on the west of the tracks, not including the private drive, is also prime railfan territory, and gives wide open views of the tracks in both directions. This is not real complicated: Here are my photo ratings for the crossing: NE1, SE1, SW1, NW1. Doesn't get any better than that.

Without the nice information provided by Eric Corse, I would have completely missed this most excellent railfan site. Frograil extends a super thanks to Eric.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Selma -- Station Area. For those of you continuing the tour from the Lizzie Mill Road location, depart via Allied Mills Road, take a right on Lizzie Mill Road (actually, it's probably Lizzie Mill Road Extension here), and cross the tracks and go into Selma. Take Lizzie Mill directly to US-301, and take a left and go south. After about 5-6 blocks, take another left onto Anderson Street, and head east to the tracks.

For those starting the tour at the Selma station, Anderson Street comes up from exit 98 off of I-95. As you come into Selma north from the interstate, you'll cross the lead from CSX to NS, and then the two tracks of the CSX (ex-ACL) main line.

In the summer of 2002, the station area is not the place to be. That's good, paradoxically, because the station is barricaded, as a full-blown renovation is taking place. Back in the early 1980's, when I first visited Selma, the station was "going to be renovated", and lo and behold, here in 2002, it's actually being done. Hallelujah! The roof is finished [this is written in August, 2002], and men are trundling back and forth with lumber, etc, and things are happening. When the station renovation is complete, it will probably be an excellent place to watch trains, but for now, we want to be well back, so here's a general discussion of the station area -- not including the station itself.

Just east of the CSX twin tracks (via Anderson Street) is a short dirt/gravel road to the south, which leads to the signal and other junction-related areas. Good pix can be had from the beginning of this dirt road at Anderson Street. Don't walk down the road, as it's clearly railroad property. Photo ratings at Anderson Street, then, are NE4, SE2, SW1, NW1. The MP A161.0 marker is just south of Anderson Street.

Assuming the station were open, the photo fields would be 1 on either side of the NS tracks west of the station, 1 at the connecting track between CSX and NS northeast of the station, and 4's on both sides of the CSX mains south of NS, because of trespassing considerations. All-in-all, Lizzie Mill Road is a much better Selma location for CSX, but you'll miss anything on the NS. Since the latter is just a few trains per 24 hours, use your judgment.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Selma -- Raiford/Ricks. Go back west on Anderson Street, cross the CSX, and take a left to go south on Raiford Street. You'll cross the NS tracks, and the 4th street from the tracks is Preston Street. This will get you trackside (take a left) in a hurry if you need to get there, but there's a much better location just a little further south. Continue on Raiford, and it will shortly approach the tracks and bend more to the west to join Ricks Road. At the bend in Raiford is a CP&L utility vehicle facility, and a large area in front of their fence is nicely maintained. There is plenty of parking, and the viewing from the northwest of the tracks all the way between the bend and the Ricks Road crossing is very, very good. The Ricks crossing itself is NE1, SE3, SW1, NW not rated -- go to the northeast area at the CP&L area.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Selma -- US-70 Overpass. The original US-70 thru Selma (not the fairly new interstate-like flyover -- be careful, because MapQuest doesn't even show the new highway) offers a nice down on view of CSX from the south of Ricks Road, and is worth a visit. From the Ricks Road crossing, continue the tour by going east over the tracks on Ricks, which will become southerly and intersect with US-70. Take a right, go up and over the tracks, and find a place to park. Walk back up to the overpass on the north side of US-70. There is no sidewalk, per se, but there is a flat, grassy walkway that's at least a yard wide, and it may be 4 feet. From the overpass, you've got a very nice "railroady" view to the north, and the lighting should be virtually perfect all day. The opposite is true, of course, for photos to the south.

NOTE WELL: US-70 is very busy, and you must be mindful of where you are and what you're doing at all times. Do not plan on walking back and forth from the south to north sides of this 4-lane highway.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Smithfield -- Peedin Road. Continue west on US-70, and take a left to go further south on US-301. Somewhere south of US-70 Selma ends and Smithfield begins, but everything really kind of runs together. Watch for East Peedin Road on your left as you come into Smithfield -- it's easy to miss the sign. Take Peedin down to the tracks and cross them, then take an immediate left into a large open area. This entire area is the site of much commercial development, so take this site with grain of salt, because when you visit it, there may be a huge warehouse, office building, or shopping area here. For right now, the crossing is NE1, SE4, SW4, and NW1.

While both northern locations are highly rated, some serious weed whacking by local fans is called for, because the only way to get unobscurred shots is to sit on top of a van, or stand up in the back of a pickup. This is potentially a very good site, however, because southbounds are often held here, as single track starts shortly just south of here. With some judicious trimming done, this would be an excellent photo site.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Smithfield -- Lee Road. Continuing south on US-301 (called Bright Leaf in Smithfield), you'll enter the more downtown area of Smithfield, and access to the tracks ranges from bad to non-existent. You can get very close to the tracks off the end of 12th street area, but the area in not cool, there is virtually no viewing, and it's just a great big NARL. Further south, US-70Business goes under the railroad, and you can get up to the tracks, but the area is heavily posted, and is definitely not photogenic -- another NARL. So continue south on US-301, and take a left on Lee Street. This will take you east to a crossing with the CSX which became single track north of US-70Business. The 2 eastern quadrants are rated as 3's, and the western are about the same, but I did not explore them adequately to give you a proper rating. This is primarily a quick place to get trackside for a shot of a close train.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Smithfield -- Brogden Road. Another location to get trackside in a hurry is about one-half mile south of Lee via US-301. Brodgen is a major intersection, and will carry you southeast to I-95 if you need to get over there. The crossing of the tracks is rated as follows: NE3, SE2, SW4, and NW4. Obviously, for morning shots, this location is a little better than anything since the north side of Smithfield, but there is a much better location just ahead if you have a few more minutes to get trackside.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Smithfield -- Wal Pat Road. Continue a few miles south on US-301, and you'll get quite close to the tracks. There used to be a siding in this area some years ago, and MapQuest still shows it, but it's long gone. Take a left onto Wal Pat Road and go to the crossing. Cross the single track and take an immediate left into a small area that has parking available. Photo fields, at NE1, SE4, SW4, and NW3 aren't much to write home about, but the northeast corner really is very good, and the tracks are on such a bias as to make good photos possible virtually all day, especially of southbounds. This is MP A 169.0.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Four Oaks -- Downtown. At just over 1,400 souls, Four Oaks doesn't really have much of a downtown, but it is a very, very fine town for train watching. From Wal Pat Road, continue south on US-301. North and east of Four Oaks, US-301 veers to the southwest, as US-701 splits off to go southeast. US-301 goes up and over the tracks, NAG/NARL, and after a few miles, it enters the village of Four Oaks. Once in town, take a right at the 2nd light, and go north on Baker Street. Just before the tracks, turn left into a public parking area on the edge of the tracks. This parking area is a fine train watching location.

The northeast - southwest bias is very pronounced here -- in fact, you're almost looking at an east - west railroad, so carefully consider these photo ratings, and remember that "north" means across the tracks from the parking lot just described: NE2, SE1, NE2, NW1. Obviously, this is a darned good location, and a real photographer could nicely work some small town charm into his or her pix. Southbound signals are easily visible at this location.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Four Oaks -- Parkertown Road. As you leave "town", there is a signal and the start of double track southbound ("Four Oaks", MP A172.0). Unfortunately, the street identified by MapQuest as going to the interlocking, "Sawmill Road", is now called something else, does not cross the tracks any more, and is not a place to be. This is NARL. Therefore, continue further along on US-301, and take a right onto Parkertown Road. The crossing is, again, almost east - west, and rates as NE3, SE3, SW1, NW4, with the southwest quadrant pretty much making it worth a visit.

You're in the middle of over 4 miles of double track, and southbound trains are frequently held here, so as to not block roads further north or south.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Four Oaks -- Camelia Road. About a mile south of Parkertown Road via US-301 is Olivers Grove Road, but the crossing is very tight and NARL. Therefore, continue on to Camelia Road and take a right to go north to the tracks. The crossing is so-so at best -- NE3, SE3, SW2, NW2, but if you need to get trackside in a hurry, this will be fine for you. MP A 175.0.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Benson -- Raleigh Road. More than a mile south of Camelia Road is an important railroad point: "Alaska". From US-301, take a right onto Raleigh Road and go north to the tracks. Be aware that this is a busier road than most we've visited since leaving Smithfield, so be alert. Photo ops are NE3, SE3, SW1, NW1. The signals and interlocking are just south of you, at MP A 176.3. One has to wonder if someone with a wry sense of humor didn't name this location. This is the end of double track southbound.

As I went further south while doing on-the-ground research for this Frograil tour, I began to encounter major maintenance work being performed. Primarily, this involved replacing road crossings, and I was thus unable to get to several logical railfan locations. That's OK, because we're coming into Benson, and there are any number of decent locations thru the town. I'll highlight only a few of them.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Benson -- Downtown. As you go south on US-301, Gilbert Road will go to a crossing on your right, but we were unable to take that road, as the maintenance crew had completely closed it. We therefore went past I-40 and on into the town of Benson. On MapQuest, there's a Lee Road that runs next to the tracks in the far northeast corner of town. That road does not exist on the ground. Once in town, US-301 goes over the tracks, NAG/NARL, and you're downtown about 3 blocks later. Benson was completely disrupted by the crossing replacement program, and we were unable to do all the research we'd have liked, but the area around South Harnett Street looked like an excellent railfan location. Photo ops are good to excellent. The road has been cut, and no longer crosses the tracks, so there is very little street traffic, and lighting should be your friend almost all day. Keep in mind that the railroad is much more steeply northeast - southwest now.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Benson -- Brocklyn Street. There is, however, one other spot downtown that warrants a separate mention. Brocklyn Street is only 2 blocks south of Harnett, but has an entirely different "feel" to it. You'll have to be the judge of which one you like best. The photo field ratings at the Brocklyn crossing are NE1, SE1, SW1, and NW1. Wow! Get your lawn chairs out, sit back and relax, and let the A-Line entertain you. The southeast corner is especially nice. It would be a good place for a gathering of fans.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Dunn -- Stewart Road. As you leave the Benson area via US-301, you'll pass crossings at Chicopee and Dennings Road, and both were closed to vehicles when we went thru. However, both looked to be OK for a quick shot, but they were also both close to the highway, and would therefore be noisy and probably busy. A better place to grab a quick shot is a little further south at Stewart Road. Here, the crossing photo ratings are NE3, SE4, SW1, and NW1, and it's definitely an afternoon location. Just to the south of the crossing is an intermediate signal which will help those without a scanner. However, if you've got some time to spend, I'd advise going to the next site.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Dunn -- Candy Kitchen Road. Continuing south on US-301, you'll pass Hobson Road, the site of a NARL crossing, and then come to Candy Kitchen Road on your left -- maybe a mile or so past Hobson. As the name might imply, Candy Kitchen Road is sweet for railfans. The photo ratings are not ostentatious, at NE4, SE4, SW1, NW4, but that southwest quadrant makes up for all the rest, believe me. Take a left from US-301 and drive to the crossing. Cross the tracks and then turn right and park. In years gone by, there was a North Railroad Street and South Railroad Street that paralleled the tracks all the way into downtown Dunn. Those 2 streets are still shown on MapQuest, but have been gone (at least as far northeast as this) for many years. A vestigial remnant of South Railroad Street runs a little northeast of the crossing to a church and home, but that's all private property. There are decrepit remains of the candy factory that gave the road its name. The place to be is anywhere along another vestigial remnant of South Railroad Street to the southwest of Candy Kitchen Road.

For those of you who don't like people, don't like vehicular traffic, and don't like any other reminder of civilization, this is the spot for you. It's extremely quiet, and you'll enjoy yourself here, have good viewing, and pretty much have the whole world to yourself. There are worse places to be. The crossing is MP A 184.65.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Dunn -- Wake Street. Get back out to US-301 and turn left to head further southwest and on into Dunn. For those of you who use MapQuest, once again the map will completely let you down as you come into town. Logically, you'll want to take North Fayetteville Avenue south to North Railroad Avenue, but neither road exists as depicted on the map. Whatever North Fayetteville Avenue was is long, long gone, and North Railroad today ends southwest of the location where Fayetteville was supposed to join it. So go all the way in to where US-301 makes a 90° turn to the southeast, and 2 blocks before the tracks, take a left onto North Fayetteville Avenue, which still exists in this part of town. Take the first right south, Wake Street, and drive to the area of the tracks and park.

Vestiges of North Railroad Avenue are still seen, and extend out to the signals at North Dunn, where double track southbound begins at MP A 185.2. However, no traces of South Railroad Avenue can be found, unless you're willing to do some serious bushwhacking. Views west of the tracks all along here are excellent, except for the fact that some aggressive weed whacking needs to be done. If I were going to spend several hours here, I'd cut those offending weeds down to ziltch, and the views would be great. There is no viewing from southeast of the tracks.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Dunn -- Downtown. As was the case in Benson, there are lots of places to watch trains in Dunn, but Dunn is a little bigger, and therefore more crowded close to the tracks. Again, looking at MapQuest, you should be able to follow the railroad all the way thru town on both North and South Railroad avenues, but that's not the case. Those roads don't exist in several places. So, without belaboring the quality of maps and each possible crossing, let me give you a very good location in downtown Dunn.

Stay on US-301 as it crosses the tracks, and then 2 blocks later as it goes right 90° to the southwest. When you get to Harnett Street, take a right and go back north towards the tracks. Just before the tracks, take a left on a vestige of South Railroad Avenue. The single block between Harnett and Edgerton on South Railroad Avenue is an excellent railfan location. Indeed, I'd rate photo access both north and south of the tracks as a solid 1, and commend the location to you for excellent shots. You real photographers (as opposed to us mere picture takers) can probably work some of the small town charm of Dunn into the mix.

You might also want to be aware of the fact that in the vicinity of Cleveland Street (2 blocks northeast of Harnett), the old Dunn and Erwin Railroad went north from the ACL main line. Today, there's not much to see, and only the true railroad historian will want to scope out the area. By the way -- watch out for the cement trucks!

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Dunn -- Duke Street. As you begin to leave Dunn behind via US-301, you'll invariably hear something that says "Get trackside, fast!", and this location can do it for you. Just before leaving town, go north on Duke Street, and park anywhere near the tracks. The crossing is rated as follows: NE4, SE2, SW2, NW2, so the light will be with you virtually all day, and you'll be able to get that last Dunn shot before heading further southwest.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Godwin. In leaving Dunn behind, we enter one of the few stretches on this tour segment that separates the rails from US-301 and connecting roads. There is a NARL at Maggie Dorman Road, and the Black River swamp keeps us away from trackside for some distance -- indeed, all the way into Cumberland County. Once in Cumberland County, we'll go for a couple of miles, skirt a large body of water to the north, and come to McLellan Road, on which we will go right to take us over the tracks. The crossing is unremarkable, and we want to take an immediate left just past the tracks onto Julian Road, which will take us all the way into the Godwin community. Between this crossing and Godwin itself, Julian Road hugs the rails, but there are no railfan locations, as the railroad is completely treed in.

As we come in to Godwin, you'll take a right onto Main Street, which crosses the tracks after 1 block. The photo ratings are NE4, SE2, SW1 NW1, so all-in-all, this is a pretty good spot. The fact that it's quiet is certainly an asset here.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wade -- Earl McLellan Road. Back on US-301, continue south for several miles, until the railroad comes in close to you from the northeast. There will be a wicked turn about 135° back to the northeast here, and if you've got a full sized van like Betsy II, you'd better swing way out to make it. Cross the tracks and immediately park to the right. Photo ops here are NE4, SE3, SW3, and NW1, so this isn't a place to hang out, but you can get quickly trackside from US-301 here.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wade. From Earl McLellan Road, get back on US-301 and head southwest. After about 1+ miles, take a right onto Wade Stedman Road, and head for the tracks. Just before the crossing, take a left and park. This is a dead end road, so keep that in mind. This is an excellent location on both south quadrants: NE4, SE1, SW1, NW2. This is "about" MP 196.8.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Wade -- Defect Detector. Turn around and drive back to Church Road, take a left, cross the tracks, and then take an almost immediate left onto Lee (or Jackie Lee) Road. You'll gradually get away from the tracks as you head westerly, but then you'll make a 90° bend to the south (the first of several you'll see in this segment, so be alert), and come down to the tracks. You'll parallel the tracks very closely for 1-2 miles, but a solid wall of trees gives you no viewing. Jackie Lee [according to the street sign. Note that deLorme calls the entire Wade to this location street "Hair Road", which I never found on any street sign. It was Lee at Wade, and Jackie Lee down here. Who knows? One more reason for doing your map work ahead of time.] ends in a T at Walker Road.

The crossing is so-so, at NE3, SE3, SW1, NW2. Obviously, afternoon southbounds are pretty good. The Wade defect detector is just north of the crossing. MP 200.5.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Beard. From Jackie Lee and Walker Road, go right (north) on Walker, then left on Coleman Road. Coleman will wind around and eventually get to a crossing at Beard. The crossing is actually the northern apex of a "crossing triangle". If you cross the tracks and go one block, you can then take a hard right onto Beard Road, and re-cross the tracks. The triangle can be completed by driving the dirt/ballast road between Beard and Coleman. This is what I'd suggest: The area between the two roads on both sides of the tracks has excellent viewing -- this is where you want to be. Park away from this area, so you don't goof up your photo field. Even though there are two roads here, this is a fairly quiet area. Plan your photos based on the location of the sun and the roads, and you can get very good pix here.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Beard -- Dobbins. From Beard, go northwest on Beard Road, to your first real left onto Dobbins Holmes Road. You'll shortly come to a crossing which is pretty decent for pix: NE4, SE4, SW1, NW1. Note that the tracks are very much northeast - southwest all thru here, so you've got to be on the ground to plan your photos. A deLorme Atlas and Gazetteer is most helpful for such planning.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Fayetteville -- Cargill. Cross the tracks on Dobbins Holmes Road, and continue south all the way to the stop sign on Middle Road. Take a right on Middle, go about 2/3 mile, and take a right onto Underwood Road. Underwood features one of those neat 90° turns, and eventually goes over the tracks at a most interesting railfan location. Park and walk back to the crossing. The big miller/processor to the southwest is a Cargill facility, and is obviously a major CSX customer. Here are the photo ratings: NE3, SE1, SW3, NW4. The latter is the plant area, and you want to stay well away. The other quadrants aren't much to write home about, but the nominal (remember, the tracks are virtually NE-SW all thru here) southeast quadrant is excellent. Because the plant is so busy, you've got a good chance of seeing a road local working the plant. You can get out the lawn chairs, cooler, and just sit for a spell. After all, you're about to enter a city, and a little break is called for. MP 206.2.

BTW, you're going to continue west on Underwood, and will reach the west end on the Cargill complex, but it is quite industrial, mostly private, and not a railfan location.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Fayetteville -- Milan Yard. So far, we've been out in the country, and have seen several pretty nice crossings/locations. However, we're about to enter a city, and we need to take a deep mental breath, and change our mental outlook. We're going to be dodging cement trucks instead of counting cotton cakes, and there are far more dump trucks than cumulus clouds, so ratchet it up a notch and be alert. Let's move on to the big city!

Continue west on Underwood Road to a T at River Road. Take a left and go due south all the way to US-301, I-95Business. Note that the crossing of River and the railroad is not a railfan location. At US-301, you've gotten far away from any tracks, and that's because the railroad traverses a virtual wilderness between River Road, across the Cape Fear River, and to the CSX Milan Yard. Other than using the rather interesting types of soldiers at Fort Bragg or a helicopter, I don't know how you could follow this railroad cross country. We continue: Take a right on US-301/I-95 Business, and head southwest into Fayetteville. Your first major intersection will be at NC-24, and you should take a right and go north on NC-24. Several blocks along NC-24, you'll come to the major intersection with US-401Business/Ramsey Street, and you should take a right to go north.

Just before going under the CSX (ex-ACL), take a right on Drake Street, and go all the way to a left on North Street. Note that MapQuest shows North going across the tracks, but it does not. Follow the small CSX sign at North and Milan Street towards the yard and yard office. You can drive up, take a picture or 2 (don't leave your car), but then I'd drive right out. The yard area is unkempt and overgrown. Unlike many CSX locations, it does not have a professional, industrial appearance. In short, it is not a railfan location. Let's go to some much better locations.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Fayetteville -- Orange Street. For the next urban railfan location, you'll want to fan with at least one male friend. This is a rough part of the city. From the yard, go south on North Street all the way to Moore Street -- this is a T. Note that Moore is called Moore Street west of here and Lemon Street east of the T. Take a right on Moore and drive west to the crossing. To the northwest of the crossing, there is a large, maintained grassy area between Orange Street and the tracks, which is perfect for photos after late morning on. Overall, the photo ratings are NE2, SE4, SW1 and NW1. Remember that the railroad is on a somewhat northeast - southwest bias, and that there are 3 tracks here, so plan your photos ahead of time. To the south, you can see the signals (binocs are useful) for A&Y Junction, where we're headed next.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

Fayetteville -- Station Area. From the Orange Street/Moore Street location, go due south on Chatham Street to NC-24/Rowan Street. Take a right and go up and over both the CSX and NS trackage -- you'll see parts of A&Y Junction to the south, but concentrate on driving, as you're on a major thoroughfare. Stay in the left lane until you're allowed to turn left. This will be Bragg Boulevard, which swings more southerly and will become Robeson Street. Take a left on Hay and go over the tracks, and take your second left into the Amtrak/city employees parking lot. Go very slowly (there are a million slow bumps) ever north until you leave this parking area and enter a very large, apparently unused parking lot. The tracks are on your left, and you should look for a definite path up the low embankment. Park and walk up to the station platform.

The station itself is architecturally unlike any I've ever seen, and the south end of it is now a Subway sandwich shop, so you can get a sandwich, cold drink and munchies right at your railfan location. Part of the station is still in use as an Amtrak stop, and sees four stops a day (two are in the wee hours). The north end of the platform, beyond spot 10, is the place to railfan the area. There is plenty of room off railroad property both to the east and west. Trains are going on a fairly southerly bias, so your photos will be pretty much limited to southbounds, and in the afternoon, you'll want to make sure you don't get the platform as a background. The station and platform are in excellent condition, and there's a fantastic new museum right across Hillsboro street one block west of the tracks. The museum is of airborne and special operations warfare, and is particularly interesting in this day and age. It's worth a journey by itself.

At the north edge of the station area a creek goes under the roadbed, and it's in a rather deep gully. Crossing it on foot is out of the question. There is ample room to cross the creek via the railroad overpass (there used to be a third track), but that's blatant trespassing, and really is unnecessary, because you can see the junction just to the north of the creek, and you're close enough for photos anyway. CSX movements to and from Ft Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, and NS traffic down from Fuquay-Varina cross the CSX main at the junction. There are perhaps 4 movements per 24 hours thru the junction. MP 209.4.

Back to the Site Listing Back to the Top

You are now just over 209 miles south of the James River in Richmond, Virginia. To continue this tour, go here.