Shenandoah Valley Limited: Fall Train Excursions from Rockbridge County
The legendary Norfolk & Western Class J 611 steam locomotive rolls out of Victoria Station in Goshen, Virginia for an exclusive series of dates this fall. Dubbed the Shenandoah Valley Limited, the excursions highlight the fall foliage the Shenandoah Valley is known for.
Tickets Are Not Yet On Sale
Six levels of tickets will soon be available:
- Coach
- Premium Coach
- Dome Lounge
- Booth
- Table Car
- Upper Dome
Victoria Station was built in 2023 specifically for these excursions. It is located at 340 Victoria Lane in Goshen, VA 24439. Parking is gravel lot and will close when capacity is reached.
The 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. excursions are planned for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on the following weekends in 2025:
- September 26-28
- October 3-5
- October 10-12
- October 17-19
- October 24-26
The route will leave Goshen bound for Staunton, but passengers will not disembark. Excursions last 3.5- to 4 hours.
Important Notes:
- ADA accessibility is quite limited due to the historic rail equipment. An ADA-compliant restroom is provided at the boarding location, however. Call 434-391-9772 after reading the additional info found here.
- There are restrooms on the train.
- The passenger cars are climate controlled.
- Strollers, bicycles, and car seats are prohibited.
- No smoking, vaping, or outside food or drink is allowed.
Lodging Opportunities
Prior to and after your trip, you may be interested in extending your stay in Rockbridge County. We wholeheartedly invite you to do so! Please refer to our lodging options for guidance.
Closest Accommodations:
- Hummingbird Inn
- Amanda's Cabins at Lazy Acres
- House Mountain Inn
- Steeles Tavern Manor & Cottages
- Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast
Dining Opportunities
While you will not be permitted to board with food, complimentary beverages and snacks will be provided during the ride. For a full meal prior to or after your excursion, consider the following:
- BG's 2
- House Mountain Inn Restaurant (reservations required)
- Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen
- Muchacho Alegre
About the Norfolk & Western Class J 611
An icon, the 611 is the last remaining Class J steam locomotive of its kind. It and 13 others were built in Roanoke between 1941 and 1950. The 611 was entered into service on May 29, 1950 and ran regular passenger service until 1959. Its storied history includes the title of National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, per the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The 611 is owned and operated by the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia.
Operation of the Shenandoah Valley Limited is a joint venture among Virginia Scenic Railway, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Steam Railroading Institute, Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society, and hundreds of volunteers.
Header Image by Guy Frick.