folkston funnel train viewing platform

LovesTuscany01

Great safe and comfortable place to hang out and watch trains. Picnic tables and BBQ stands, a radio feed and even free Wifi. What more could you ask for?The platform is on the "morning" side of the tracks. In the afternoon the light is on the west side. There are benches on the lawn outside of the museum in the old RR depot. The area isn't fenced in so isn't as good to let your kids run around but it's still a safe place. There's a radio feed on a speaker there as well.There are several food places around including a good ice cream shop two blocks away. In terms of motel accommodation your best bets are probably Waycross or Kingsland (we stayed in the Red Roof Inn there and liked it). There is a caboose you can rent on the west side of the tracks across from the platform that looks like a great place to stay.Thanks much to the city of Folkston and everyone who teamed up to make this happen. Be sure to leave a donation in the box provided.

ttgpn

just dropped by to check on it, it was fun and free to watch train at very close intervals, i can see there are train enthusiast that really wait for the train to pass... in front of a platform is a museum to add up on to your visit...

alcors11

Plenty of train watching opportunities of the merging of two CSX lines. Many Photo opportunities. The platform has a scanner feed and electricity. If you are a CSX fan then this is the place for you.

janicaj

This is a must stop place to visit. Not only will you find out why people are always standing by the tracks & watching the trains go by that never stop. You will also find out the role trains played in area history

ronaldbyram

wife and I stopped there while in the area. found train enthusiasts there waiting for the trans 30-60 in 24hrs pass thru. The observation platform even has electric if you wanted to hook up a coffee pot and a radio so you can hear when the trans are a headed thru. The longer you sty the more trans you see,

mahhk

My kids had a great time running around in the fenced in area where we watch the trains. The radio wasn't working but we didn't mind we saw plenty of trains while we were here. It also has free wi-fi and electrical plugs if you're traveling through

207patricial

If you love everything about trains, this is the place. The platform has seating on it as well as picnic tables out in front. There's also an in-ground grill there if you have a mind to have a BBQ and spend the whole day train watching. From the speaker attached to the platform, you can hear the Engineers talking back & forth to one another. Good parking along either side of the platform.

276jerryb

PROS: Lots of trains to watch roll by, scanner speaker piped into platform, free wifi while you wait for next train.Platform is between two grade crossings....horns are long and loud. Bring ear protection.No other train action to see (such as switching, crew changes, etc.) Trains all just roll by.

tedcrawford

If you love trains, this is the place to go. You can see them, hear them, and feel them as they pass by, within 25 yards of you.

malecoach

After well exploring the Okefenokee Swamp, my friend and I dined in Folkston and enjoyed the Folkston Funnel. A unique viewing spot if you are into trains. In about an hour we experienced about 6 trains roaring by, both north and south, including the AutoTrain. It is quite an experience and invigorating to be close to and hear the sounds of the trains as they blow their whistles and roar past. Quite a thrill.

606zpx

Nice platform, radio to listen to the trains, electricity and wifi so you can play on laptop if you want. Restrooms. Lots and lots of trains.

MJGoldfarb

Over head fans & lights, internet, a scanner to hear when a train is coming + seats & electric. What is not to like. There are MANY trains through here in a day including Amtrak & the Tropicana orange juice train. The road in front of the platform is now blocked off so there is no through traffic. From my experience, Monday is a SLOW day for train frequency. There is akso a rest room nearby. Don't forget to visit the museum across the tracks!

Sheila0866

We had gone to the Okefenokee Swamp earlier in the day and saw info on the Folkston Funnel so decided to make the short trip into town. Folkston reminds me of small twin USA of days gone by. There is the train funnel on one side of the tracks for viewing including speakers to hear the train scanner traffic and on the other side is a train museum with ample shaded viewing areas. The museum was closed when we arrived and we heard a train going by as we were approaching town and thought maybe we had missed our chance but that wasn't the case. We had the opportunity to see three pass by within a matter of 20 minutes. It was a nice little free experience. I'm sure those love trains would love it!!

689jamier

Took my 4 and 2 year old here on the way back to Florida. Lovely viewing area, though we sat in the car with the AC. The trains are close and frequent, and excited the boys to no end. Definite out of the way stop.

332colleenh

It was great sitting on the viewing platform to see the trains go by. Great view as the trains go directly by the platform.