While researching railfan spots for my South Carolina Railfan guide I found a beauty yesterday. The little town of Chessne has a public park right next to CSX’s former Clinchfiled main line. The park is locted right on SC Route 11 (Exit 5 off I-26) and offfers a great view of the line. You also have the Carolina Foothills Artisans center and other small shops to poke around while waiting for a train. In the hour and a half I spent there, I saw one empty northbound coal train. I would have stayed longer but it was really hot and humid, as South Carolina is known to be this time of year.
This being ex-Clinchfield trackage, I suppose the majority of trafffic on the line is unit coal trains. There are two short sidings located on the south side of the Route 11 grade crossing and a small shack with several antenas just north of the crossing.
The townsfolk in Chessne seemed very friendly. The one police officer I saw waved to me. You can reach Chessne by taking I-26 to Exit 5 and folloiwng Route 11 north (Compas east) or by taking I-85 to the US Route 221 exit and heading north. This spot is definitly worth a look.