
"Rim Rock Railroad" #66; Natural Tunnel State Park, Virginia
Posted by:
PersonsMD
N 36° 42.140 W 082° 44.784
17S E 344001 N 4063273
Old #66 from the "Rim Rock Railroad" stands at rest at the Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia.
Waymark Code: WM5G5C
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 01/02/2009
Views: 22
Old #66 from the "Rim Rock Railroad" stands at rest at the Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia.
The "Rim Rock Railroad" was part of the Rim Rock Recreational Park in Norton, Virginia. This theme park operated from 1969 to 1974 when it closed. The train was a part of this theme park and you can see a video of the train at Rim Rock at this web link: (
visit link)
The brochure from Rim Rock states: "Enchanting Rim Rock is a natural wonder. From its top the Indians gazed over the majestic valleys far below. Scientific studies have proven Rim Rock to have been completely under water at one time.
Ride the endless track: It's happy faces and exciting times ... A perfect blend of scenic wonder and wholesome fun in enchanting surroundings that captivate the imagination ... Rim Rock Railroad and recreation center, atop Little Stone Mountain, in beautiful Southwest Virginia, has a narrow gage railroad almost 2 miles long. An old fashioned replica steam engine, complete with smokestack and whistle, pulls two observation cars transporting passengers to Rim Rock, where observers say, "the scenery is never to be forgotten." from the overlook surrounds with many formations in shapes resembling animals, the grandeur of rolling mountains can be seen in four directions. Also on the 950 acre tract of land is a five acre lake, camping and picnic area, a beautiful "Frontier Town," and a moonshine still concealed under a cliff along the railroad tracks. the beautiful scenery, wholesome atmosphere, and the many recreation facilities at Rim Rock offer fun and excitement for all.
(end)
The marker reads:
"This engine was donated to Natural Tunnel State Park by George Barnette Jr. of Wise, VA. It was moved to the Park from atop Little Stone Mountain near Norton, VA. in 1996. The locomotive was used for the "Rim Rock railroad" which opperated as a frontier town & tourist attraction in the late sixties and early seventies at the Rim Rock Railroad and Recreation Area. Others responsible for this exhibit include: george Hunnicut Sr. & Pepsi Inc. of Norton; Tennessee Railfan Club; Kenny Fannon; Natural Tunnel State Park Staff & Volunteers."
Visit Instructions:Waymark creators for this category are encouraged to create a visit verification question for visitors. See individual waymarks for specific logging criteria.
Photos of visits are encouraged but not required for this category.