Haysi Virginia

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Clinchfield Railroad
CSX Blue RIdge Subdivision

The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield line south of Erwin is now reopen after the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The first revenue freight train ran on September 21st, and two coal trains followed on September 25th. Ribbon cutting photo by Mark Loewe. . Use this link to see Designs in Orbit’s exceptional video updates with drone footage. Also, Train Chaser Elliot provides wonderful coverage.  Click here to read about the monumental CSX rebuilding efforts on Clinchfield.org. In the weeks ahead we will add much more content chronicling the events of the past year.

Haysi

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Dickenson County, Virginia, Haysi was founded in 1900 and incorporated in 1936. Its location at the confluence of the Russell Fork and McClure rivers was historically known as “The Mouth of McClure”. The town’s early growth was tied to the Yellow Poplar Lumber Company and, later, the Clinchfield Railroad, which transported the region’s rich timber and coal.

Haysi’s history has been marked by resilience in the face of natural disaster, having recovered from several major floods, most notably in 1977. While the decline of the coal industry impacted the local economy, Haysi is now revitalizing itself by leveraging its natural beauty and mountain culture. The town is working to attract tourism with a focus on outdoor recreation, artisan crafts, and music.

Today, Haysi is a gateway to the spectacular Breaks Interstate Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the South”. Visitors can explore Spearhead Trails for ATV riding, hike the Ridgeview Trail system, and experience the scenic beauty of the Russell Fork River. The town’s ongoing revitalization efforts aim to create a vibrant downtown district, highlighting its unique heritage and providing opportunities for both residents and travelers.

Haysi Stats

  • Coordinates: 37°12′20″N 82°17′41″W
  • Elevation: 1,270 feet above sea level
  • Originally known as: Salt Lick and King’s Port
  • Founded: 1936
  • Population: approximately 500 (2024)
  • County: Dickenson

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Clinchfield Railroad

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