Tucked into the piney woods of southern Wake County, just a short drive from Raleigh, the New Hope Valley Railway is one of North Carolina’s most charming heritage railroads. Operated entirely by volunteers and home to the North Carolina Railway Museum, this living history attraction has been delighting families, railfans, and curious day-trippers for decades. Its mission is simple but powerful: preserve the state’s railroading past by putting real trains on real tracks—and inviting you aboard.
About The Railroad
History
Today’s rides are hosted along roughly 4 miles of former original Norfolk Southern Railway trackage between Bonsal and New Hill, North Carolina. However, the origins of this line can be traced back to the original New Hope Valley Railroad chartered in 1904.
It would eventually go on to join the old (original) Norfolk Southern Railway that connected Norfolk, Virginia with Charlotte, North Carolina. Today’s excursions began in 1982 when the East Carolina Chapter, NRHS formed the New Hope Valley Railway. In 2008 the group was renamed as the North Carolina Railway Museum.
Today’s Excursions
The railway’s excursion rides typically last about an hour and cover a few miles of historic track near the unincorporated community of Bonsal (close to New Hill, Apex, and Holly Springs).
Known locally as “the Triangle’s Train,” New Hope Valley Railway offers a surprisingly immersive experience. Instead of static displays behind ropes, you get the sounds of horns and bells, the gentle sway of the cars, the scent of creosote and pine, and the scenery of a Carolina forest rolling by. The passenger consist usually includes open-air cars and vintage coaches pulled by preserved diesel locomotives. On select dates, the railway also operates steam-powered trips, a crowd favorite when available…