Just thought I would start a non April fool subject.

Are there any remnants worth seeing of the Cliffside or other deep south railroads that are gone. I am planning trips for later in the year and thought ya'll could use a new subject.

I can speak to western NC/eastern TN:

Nothing left at Cliffside at all. Maybe less than nothing.

Some remnants of the Lawndale, including the now shut-down Cleveland Cotton Mills and a small museum at Metcalf's.

Some fantastic remnants and scenery of the Carolina & North-Western.

Ditto for the ET&WNC- including access to the spectacular Doe River Gorge with very friendly hosts.

The Alexander Railroad- an 18 mile shortline that still runs a 44-tonner and Alcos, and again, friendly management.

Y'all come down, we'd love to have you!

Matt Bumgarner

There is an unknown part of the Tweetsy outside Elizabeth, TN, Many years ago, track was relaid in the original road bed and now the Doe River Gorge has a 3 ft. train and 2 speeders operating during the summer camps at the church campgrounds. It operates from just east of Highway 321 (I think that is the number) up to a tunnel and the existing bridge at about the state line. The line is open to groups and individuals attending the church activities, not to the general public or rail fan).

Actually, they do have open days up there, in which the general public and railfans are invited to attend....and the ET&WNC Historical Society convention in June usually takes time to visit Doe River. They really do have a wonderful little operation up there with the 4% grades, 2 tunnels, rock wall, etc. It may be narrow gauge, but it had to be something back in the day. The railroad is a small part of what they do, as the camp is so much more. Hampton, TN is the specific town (east of Elizabethton) for anybody interested.

I'm not sure what the most recent status on it is, but Ken Riddle and company are in the process of getting a steam engine running again up there, but I believe we are still a few years out.
Kevin