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I'm taking the Hiawatha/Cardinal from Milwaukee to Prince, WV in August. I know the scenery after Charleston is supposed to be very nice. Will I have seen most of the best part by the time I get off at Prince, or will I miss something spectacular? I have never been to West Virginia (or anywhere in the Smokies?, Blue Ridge? whatever that area is called).
RRRICH Member # 1418
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The scenery all through West Virginia and Virginia on the Cardinal is beautiful -- of course Prince is right in the middle of the New River Gorge, but if you are traveling eastbound from Charleston, you will pass beneath the New River Gorge bridge at Fayetteville before you get to Prince. Were you to continue eastward past Prince, you would continue to see some very nice scenery all the way into Virginia. The Cardinal has many great views of the Blue Ridge Mtns in western Virginia between Clifton Forge and Charlottesville, and you pass through the area in daylight going both directions.
Also, the Cardinal uses the bi-level Superliner equipment with a Sightseer lounge, which you will enjoy the scenery from (of course, the last time I rode the Cardinal, which was back in 1998, the Sightseer Lounge was not running on the day I rode!)
Enjoy your trip!
CarterB Member # 1439
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The Eastbound Cardinal is indeed a scenic trip. Westbound, the best parts are after dark. If you are returning to Milw via train, I would suggest you head on East from Prince to Washington DC. then take the Capitol Ltd. back to Chgo. You would see all the rest of the Cardinal trip as well as very nice scenery and ride on the Capitol Ltd. heading back.
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