Then & Now Comparisons These are always fun to see and some are drastically different
John Sauer
John Grogan
Going toward the NC line from Whitetop is mile post 34. Seen here in this photography by John Sauer, c. 1970, the railline was nearing its end. In the right photograph, I captured these rare riders exploring the trail toward the NC line. Notice the mile post now rests quietly beside the trail, few riders even notice it.
N&W Archive Photo
John Grogan
This photograph was taken in Taylors Valley and shows the train depot. This was the only two story depot and it was said that the depot manager had his living quarters on the upper floor. Now this are serves as a great rest stop for riders. The cool shade of the trees and the Whitetop Laurel Creek provides a cool spot. There is also the Creeper Trail Cafe for food and ice cream.
Photo Collection, Public Library, Winston-Salem, NC
John Grogan
This is an interesting comparison. Originally I think this was a panoramic image and show a lot more. Today this are is used as a Farmer's Market bringing fresh vegetables for purchase.
Photo Collection, Public Library, Winston-Salem, NC
John Grogan
These two images show one of the best trestles along the line. It goes accross private property so a trestle was put in place rather than make such a great change to the terain. I have not seen it for myself yet, but I heard there was considerable damage to this trestle during the tornados last April.
N&W Archive Photo
John Grogan
The Holston River Trestle is the longest trestle on the line. This image was taken after 1956 because it shows dissel engines pulling this train.Again take notice of the absence of passenger cars. This images seems to be taken from the caboose. Passenger service on the Abingdon Branch had been reduced to nearly nothing. Better area roads made it impractical to travel by rail.
* The header photo depicts the crossong at Tuckerdale Church (Tuckerdale, NC)
