Thurmond

"It is a bit ironic to list Thurmond as a highlight of the trip as it is in the top-3 fewest utilized Amtrak stops in the country almost every year. However, the reason for it being recognized is not to get off and expect some grand town (as can be seen in the pictures, there isn’t), but to be prepared for scenery. Again, unless Thurmond is your final stop or you have someone meeting you, I DO NOT recommend exiting the train here, but I do recommend setting an alarm as a reminder of the beautiful scenery, particularly in the spring and fall. Thurmond is the first Amtrak stop (EB) in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve and the first after the beginning of the trip along New River, which spans for roughly the next 35 track miles. Shortly before stopping at the station, the train passes beneath the New River Gorge Bridge and the station building has a visitor center. As the train continues south along New River, it passes through Prince and Hinton. The latter is the best option of the three along the river to spend a night as there is more of a town and a lodging option."