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.

Ticket Information

Tickets are on sale August 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Six seating options with prices ranging from about $120 to $300 per person:

Coach Class: Standard or Premium
Table Class: Table or Booth
Dome Class: Lounge or Upper Dome

Norfolk & Western Class J 611. Photo courtesy Virginia Museum of Transportation.

Boarding

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.

Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 by Guy Frick

Excursion Schedule

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. If you or someone in your group is concerned about boarding the train, please call 866-440-8356 for additional information.
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.

Let the Adventure Continue Off the Rails

Just a short drive from Goshen, the charming towns of Lexington and Buena Vista are rolling out the red carpet for rail fans, families, and history lovers alike. Whether you’re catching the train or just coming to watch her thunder past, there’s never been a better time to turn your ticket into a full-blown getaway.

Spend your afternoon strolling the historic streets of downtown Lexington by foot or horse-drawn carriage, where decorative brick sidewalks and lovingly decorated storefronts house an array of independent merchants and curated shopping experiences. You’ll find gifts, local art, handcrafted jewelry, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Shopping Directory

In Buena Vista, Glen Maury Park and the Chessie Nature Trail and Riverwalk trails offer unforgettable views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a great place to stretch your legs after your train ride or enjoy a picnic by the river.

Nearby, Natural Bridge State Park - a natural wonder that has amazed travelers for centuries - takes on a quiet majesty as summer wanes; nighttime stargazing in this International Dark Sky Park is a must.

Rockbridge Outdoors: Hike, Cycle, Paddle, Fish & Swim

Lodging Opportunities

With so much to see and do, you may be interested in extending your stay in Rockbridge County. We wholeheartedly invite you to do so! You'll find comfort, convenience, and a friendly welcome at a cozy bed & breakfast, boutique inn, or national hotel chain.

Closest Accommodations:

Lodging Directory

Dining Opportunities

While you will not be permitted to board with food, complimentary beverages and snacks will be provided during the ride.

You’ll work up an appetite watching the 611, exploring the countryside, or hiking the scenic Goshen Pass. Our local restaurants, cafés, vineyards, and breweries offer seasonal menus. For a full meal prior to or after your excursion, consider the following:

Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen
Muchacho Alegre
Pure Eats
House Mountain Inn Restaurant (reservations required)

Restaurant Directory

There's Even More Going On!

Special events in September and October include the Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival, a professional disc golf tournament, the Rockbridge Regional Fair and Expo, Mountain Day, Wade's Mill Apple Butter Festival, and so much more!

Calendar of Events

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 Leslie Kipp.
Last Updated August 8, 2025.