Norfolk Southern's Saluda Grade

From Google Earth...travel up Norfolk Southern's famous Saluda Grade, one of the steepest mainline grades ever built. So steep, in fact, last I heard it's not being used because it's too dangerous. From Landrum, SC to Saluda, NC it gains 2,000 feet in elevation in just a few miles without the use of loops. You'll be flying about 600 feet above the ground over the entire route. Enjoy the trip!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• trains
• Norfolk
• Southern
• Saluda
• NC
• grade
• Landrum
• SC
• railroad
• railfan
• Google
• Earth

[Trainmasterryan]

do you know where they have rerouted the trains now instead of the grade

[boardman49]

Since Saluda is closed, trains going to Asheville have to travel all the way from Greenville, SC to Salisbury, NC, take a left at the wye, go through Hickory and Morganton and up the loops at Old Fort to get to Asheville.

[Trainmasterryan]

thats totaly rediculous. they shoud have a contracting crew go up there and level out the grade so the trains can go directly through

[boardman49]

It's a long way around, no doubt about that.

[o00o00ozy]

That's like the NS's version of the Marias Pass. That be sweet if it was used, I noticed more than one main in certain areas, there should at least be one set of trains using it a day, I wonder if there are any impressive filming locations. You should google earth other routes as well.

[boardman49]

I have some more routes in the works.

[Boss302fan]

Oh. You are aware of the costs of engaging in such a project and therefore you know it would be so profitable that not doing so would be ridiculous?

How did you come to such knowledge as it pertains to the operational profitablility of the tonnage moving over this district?

[csxketh1]

I heard about that!

[tony46214]

I had an opportunity to see N & W 611 go up and down the famous Saluda Grade back in 1993....American Alta Vista has 2 videos for sale with the famous 611

[BudmanPackfan]

I just read NS is reopening Saluda with upgraded safety features and track stabilizers. Late 2009.

[BudmanPackfan]

this is the southeastern approach to go over the Appalachain Mountains. THis isn't just some litte hill. a tunnel would not be feasible. Like he stated, this is a 2000 foot climb from the Atlantic seaboard over the mountains. THis is the same thing faced by western roads over the rockies, just the approaches are flatter than this location. even the tunnels out there are only at the pass, trains climb several thousand feet of elevation to get there.

[ncrailfan]

It might suck that the line is closed but it gives me more trains to see in the Hickory/Conover area.