Was wondering if there was a freight hopping scene in Fairfax. For those unfamiliar with the hobby of freight hopping, it's where you jump onto a moving train and go to wherever it is going. I imagine the CSX yard is a good connection for trains heading north and south bound. Any good crew change spots around here? Also are there any hobo jungles near the various train yards? Trying to catch a hot shot down to Florida.

In my youth, riding the train was a great way to head south. Forget the CSX yard; you will be caught. There is a junction near Newington where all the freight trains stop long enough to hop on. But it's much tougher these days. For one, they close and lock the box cars so you will not have shelter. The designs have changed to make it much more difficult (and dangerous) to climb on. Fewer people traveling this way, so the social aspect is not there. And when you are caught, they don't let you go anymore. They turn you over to whatever local police happen to be nearby, who after asking a bunch of tough questions usually deliver you to a Greyhound station.

Good to know! Thanks for the info. Any jungles near by? Usually the best source for info from the other transients. Out west it's still pretty popular and in the mid west as well. GA and mid FL are also good junctions to get out to the west coast. Do you know how far south they go? Trying to get to FL and then hop out to the west coast California, Oregeon, or Spokane. Weather's starting to warm up so the high line will be hopping all the way through ID and MN. Yes, rail cars have changed and so have the rules. You can still get a good grainer, refridgerator car, or gondolla. Them suicide cars will fuck you up though.

Hobos then...Crustpunks now...

https://squattheplanet.com - you can meet other hoppers there

Get a rail atlas, helps a lot. My favorite were the graners!