Submitter Names: Let’s Go Railfanning (Ian and Rob Thaeler)
Site Name: Point-of-Rocks
Address: 4000 Clay Street, Point-of-Rocks, MD
Description: The site marks the point where the CSX Old Main Line joins the CSX Metropolitan Sub. The predominant feature is the historic Point-of-Rocks Station, a historic passenger station built by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1873. Now boarded up, the station still provides an architectural backdrop for railfanning at this site. The station site is CSX property and is used as a MARC passenger rail station.
Additional Description: The broader Point-of-Rocks site offers other locations suitable for railfanning. Views of trains from Point-of-Rocks Community Commons and from Commerce Street at the crossing to the Point-of-Rocks Boat Ramp are good, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath trail can be used to access other sites, such as the Point-of-Rocks tunnel.
Railway Companies: CSX, Amtrak, MARC.
District: Old Main Line and Metropolitan Sub / CSX Baltimore Division
Approx. Number of Trains / Day: Something like 30.
Appealing Aspects: The Point-of-Rocks Station is the highlight of this site given its historical and architectural significance, as well as its central location. Photography opportunities are good given the Station and overall setting, although light angles can be challenging both during early morning and late afternoon. Close to two defect detectors on the Metropolitan Sub so scanner users can usually figure out nearby trains. Trains generally run track speed through the area.
Significant Junctions / Yards / Stations: The closest CSX facility is Brunswick Yard in Brunswick, MD. Point-of-Rocks and Brunswick are both MARC stops. Point-of-Rocks is the junction of the CSX Old Main Line with the CSX Metropolitan Sub.
Milepost: 42.8 on the CSX Metropolitan Sub.
Scanner Frequencies: CSX Road – AAR 8 – 160.230. CSX BC Dispatch – AAR 14 – 160.320.
Restaurants: Not many choices here… try Aroma House (pizza, etc.) or Big Belly’s. Both are well-reviewed.
