For the dedicated photographer looking for quality over quantity, finding the perfect location to capture railroading against stunning backdrops is a never-ending quest. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just looking for a change in scenery, these 10 photogenic railfanning spots — from rugged mountains to scenic waterways and cityscapes — provide exceptional opportunities.
Of course, there are many more scenic locations waiting to welcome you on your next adventure. Let us know your personal favorite in the comments and give a shoutout for those that didn’t make the list.
Bear Mountain, Hudson River Valley, NY
One of the Northeast’s most stunning spots is where the Hudson River squeezes through the Appalachian Mountains. The state-owned Metro-North Hudson Line commuter trains plus Amtrak’s Empire Service and Lake Shore Limited share rails on the east bank while the west bank features CSX Transportation’s River Subdivision connecting northern New Jersey to Albany, N.Y. Bear Mountain State Park offers numerous excellent vantage points for capturing the latter. With a zoom lens, you can even photograph the east shore’s passenger traffic. The namesake suspension bridge not only connects the two banks, but also includes walkways that provide spectacular views of both lines.
Learn more about the Bear Mountain hot spot.
Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, Altoona, PA
This engineering marvel, originally completed by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1854, remains one of the country’s most iconic railroading landmarks. The curve’s unique horseshoe shape allows photographers to capture trains in dramatic fashion as they navigate this famous bend through the Alleghenies. Both the inside, a park-like destination; and outside, just off of Veterans Memorial Hwy., provide outstanding views of Norfolk Southern Corp. freight and Amtrak’s daily Pennsylvanian as they traverse the former Pennsy main line.
Learn more about the history of Horseshoe Curve.
Amtrak Station, Harpers Ferry, WV
The platforms at the Amtrak station in Harpers Ferry provide front-row seats to views of the west portal of the historic namesake tunnel and the bridges spanning the Potomac River. The double-track CSX Cumberland Subdivision serves approximately 25 freight trains and Amtrak’s Capitol Limited trains daily, plus MARC commuter trains on weekdays. The lighting is best in mid- to late-afternoon when westbound trains emerge from the tunnel. A 200mm lens for a better close-up of the tunnel is recommended by Alex Mayes in his top 10 railfan spots.
New River Gorge, WV
What makes railroading through the “Grand Canyon of the East” particularly special is the abundance of historic trackside infrastructure from CSX predecessor the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. It includes coaling towers at places like Thurmond and Hinton and the 1950s station at Prince. Several vintage signal bridges, easily accessible from public property, are located in the White Sulfur Springs area, though CSX is rapidly upgrading and will soon replace these relics. Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted also offers photographers the chance to capture trains at a classic truss bridge framed by the gorge’s natural beauty.
Learn more about railfanning the New River Gorge.
Roosevelt Road, Chicago
Chicago’s cityscape at Roosevelt Road can be quite picturesque, providing an excellent urban vantage point for capturing the convergence of multiple, busy rail corridors. Within a short distance of one another, one can safely observe Amtrak, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and South Shore trains weave in and out of the city at different vantage points. The urban setting adds a distinctive character to photographs, especially during golden hour when the city lights begin to illuminate the skyline.
Learn more about the Roosevelt Road hot spot.
Upper Mississippi River
Southbound from the Twin Cities, the combination of bluffs, bridges, and the Mississippi River itself creates compositions that capture the essence of railroading in harmony with natural beauty. Towns like La Crosse, Wis., and Winona, Minn., offer excellent public access points where photographers can capture trains traversing the scenic river valley — BNSF Railway’s St. Croix Subdivision on the east bank and CPKC’s River Subdivision with Amtrak’s Empire Builder and Borealis on the west. The changing seasons bring different photographic opportunities, from summer greens to dramatic fall colors and the stark beauty of winter snow against the river landscape.
Learn more about railfanning the Upper Mississippi River.
Raton Pass, NM
Traffic over Raton Pass has diminished over the years with Amtrak’s daily Southwest Chief typically the only resident in both directions. Still, the pass remains a must-visit as it’s set against spectacular southwestern scenery with its combination of desert terrain and mountainous backdrops. The real prize for most enthusiasts traveling to the area is the still-standing, Santa Fe-built semaphore signals. However, they’re slowly but surely dwindling as they’re being replaced. So as the old saying goes: get ’em while you can.
Learn more about railfanning the Raton Pass.
Lake Pend Oreille Bridge, Sandpoint, Idaho
The walkway on the east side of U.S. Route 95 (the Serenity Lee trail) as it crosses Lake Pend Oreille south of Sandpoint offers an exceptional vantage point for viewing operations on BNSF’s parallel Kootenai River Subdivision. Since the walkway is to the west side of the railroad, photography is best in the afternoon, but it’s still a fantastic place to watch the substantial volume of rail traffic at any time. BNSF’s 2022 opening of a second bridge creates the possibility of observing meets between eastbound and westbound trains as they cross the lake.
Learn more about the Sandpoint hot spot.
Tehachapi Loop, CA
The famous Tehachapi Loop, where trains cross over themselves as they gain elevation, is the centerpiece of this mountain crossing that connects California’s Central Valley to the Mojave Desert. BNSF and Union Pacific freight traffic ensures a grand theater with trains tackling the steep grades using multiple locomotives. Paralleling the railroad, State Route 58 provides safe public access to the loop with a scenic overlook off Woodford-Tehachapi Rd.
Learn more about the history of California’s Tehachapi Loop.
Horsethief Lake State Park, Columbia River Gorge, OR
Multiple spots are at one’s disposal to watch and photograph trains along BNSF Railway’s Fallbridge and UP’s Portland subdivisions, which run along the Washington and Oregon shores of the Columbia River Gorge, respectively. Horsethief Lake State Park, across the river from The Dalles, Ore., is a personal favorite to Mayes. Viewing is available from an overlook near the parking lot as BNSF freight and the Empire Builder cross a causeway. Visitors should note that a Washington State Park parking pass is required, but the results at one of the must-visit picturesque railfanning spots can be priceless.
If you’re looking for a memorable railfan experience, Hot Spots special issue is your go-to guide for train-watching throughout the U.S. and Canada.
