THURMOND, WV (SWVO) — For those looking to experience the stunning beauty of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve from a unique perspective, Amtrak offers a lesser-known travel option with views that can only be seen by rail.
The Amtrak Cardinal—Trains 50 (eastbound) and 51 (westbound)—travels through the heart of the New River Gorge three days a week: Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Train 50 operates from Chicago to New York, while Train 51 runs the reverse route from New York to Chicago.
Passengers interested in seeing the full stretch of the gorge by rail can board the eastbound train in the morning and return later the same day on the westbound train.
In West Virginia, the Cardinal stops in Huntington, Charleston, Montgomery, Thurmond, Prince, Hinton, Alderson, and White Sulphur Springs.
To take in the most iconic views—including the New River Gorge Bridge—travelers should board at least in Montgomery and ride as far as Hinton.
For an extended trip, passengers can continue on to White Sulphur Springs or even Clifton Forge, Virginia, and still return the same day.
Three of the Cardinal’s West Virginia stops—Thurmond, Prince, and Hinton—are located within the boundaries of the national park.
Thurmond Depot serves as a seasonal visitor center, making this Amtrak route the only one in the United States that stops within a national park and at a national park visitor center.
The journey offers unparalleled views of scenic landmarks such as Kanawha Falls, Hawks Nest Dam, the New River Gorge Bridge, Sandstone Falls, historic towns like Thurmond and Prince, and remnants of the region’s coal and railroad history, including the Sewell coke ovens.
Tickets and schedules are available at Amtrak.com.
About The Author
