A nostalgic sound in North Carolina — that never stops — is that of rumbling trains chugging by, screeching to slow halts, and whistling off. These exist in every state, but it is something we can set our watches to here and expect with certainty. And their passing brings an overwhelming desire to greet them — whether on foot or bicycle — their presence is met with a smile and a wave. I can’t tell if they see me, but it doesn’t matter if it’s a one-way endeavor — the thrill still comes! Let’s check out some of the cool trains in North Carolina.

For me, the trains are simultaneous reminders of history and progress.
nostalgic sound in North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
I imagine how hard the laborers worked as this picture in Asheville from around 1880 shows. Workers dug, filled, and blasted the Murphy Branch of the Western North Carolina Railroad that stretched 116 miles to Murphy. Read more history on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website.
Trains open up possibilities for all types of businesses and for passengers to see new sights.
nostalgic sound in North Carolina
Duke University Archives/Flickr
They even come through in matters of sports as this photo depicts. This train in the 1920s took the Trinity Football team to Raleigh, North Carolina showcasing graffiti in support of the team.
The 16 Amtrak stations in North Carolina offer exciting destinations to cool big cities and lovely coastal towns.
nostalgic sound in North Carolina
NC By Train/Facebook
Find the stations and schedules on NC by Train.
And the companies do more than passenger rail.
nostalgic sound in North Carolina
NC By Train/Facebook
Read about the N.C. Department of Transportation's Rail Division investments.

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These blaring locomotives mean folks are headed somewhere, goods are being delivered, and people are working.
nostalgic sound in North Carolina
Browns Summit, NC 27214, USA
Cory Claxon/Flickr
They are so loud and are sometimes so close to our homes that it sounds like they are coming right in!
nostalgic sound in North Carolina
New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC 27562, USA
Triangle's Train: New Hope Valley Railway/Facebook
We can't even leave the windows open if we want to sleep, hear the TV, or make a phone call. Enjoy other photos on the Facebook page of Triangle's Train: New Hope Valley Railway.
Like clockwork they come clattering along with deafening horns honking - even in the middle of the night.
Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad, Aberdeen, NC 28315, USA
Gerry Dincher/Flickr
The Duke Blue Crane from Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad in Raeford never looked better. Check out the company's variety of trains on the Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad website.
And while most of the trains driving by don't look like this, we especially love the sounds of the old steam engines.
Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Tweetsie Railroad/Facebook
The Tweetsie Railroad also offers plenty of journeys and adventures.

This nostalgic sound in North Carolina is a comforting reminder that things are rolling along as they should. Discover more about trains in North Carolina on the NC Business History website.

For other interesting facts, read the preserved railroad history in Burlington. And learn how to reserve some cool vintage train car rentals for your next vacation or well-deserved weekend away.

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