We often think about legacies, the things we will leave behind. Have we done enough with the time we were given? Bruce Wingo’s legacy can be seen when you step foot into parks like New River Trail, High Bridge Trail, Staunton River Battlefield and Natural Tunnel. Each park is tied together with rich railroad history that, through his deep devotion, Bruce sought to bring to life. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership and service.

A Norfolk Southern diesel crossing the High Bridge Trail before it was the walking trail we know and love today

With a passion for Virginia’s rails, Bruce found ways to bring his knowledge and introduce them as opportunities for conservation and recreation. He worked closely with park staff and teams at Norfolk Southern Railway, leading to major land donations that helped create such beautiful parks. Bruce had a knack for seeing the promising future in railways left abandoned, and he worked hard to turn those dreams into reality.

Whether you are walking on the New River Trail between Pulaski and Galax, suspended over the Appomattox River at High Bridge Trail or on a trestle at Staunton River Battlefield, you are traveling railroad history that Bruce played a part in preserving.

An old train trestle has been turned into a walking trail at New River Trail State Park.

And one at Staunton River Battlefield State Park

A sign now stands in view of the Natural Tunnel in dedication to Bruce and his efforts. While serving as Norfolk Southern Railway’s Resident Vice President- Government Relations for Virginia, he worked with park staff to help Natural Tunnel gain the financial funding needed to create a walkway across the railroad tracks and the observation area.

This walkway created a whole new experience for park guests. Now visitors can get a closer view of the tunnel and enjoy a more immersive park experience. It also created space for special events like Natural Tunnel’s Railroad Day. Sometimes you are lucky enough to see a Norfolk Southern freight train roll through. When Bruce was a representative of Norfolk Southern, he worked with Park Manager Chapman to create this event, and it has quickly become a railfan community favorite.

Bruce was well known in the railroad community as well as throughout the Natural Tunnel family. He was a dedicated volunteer who spent a lot of time getting to know visitors and spreading his knowledge. His presence in the park and railroad will be greatly missed, but his work will speak on his behalf for years to come.

Bruce’s legacy will live on for generations as the knowledge he gave to the parks lives on in the minds of those who come. As trains roar through the Natural Tunnel, Bruce’s picture sits nearbyso he will always have the best view. You can share this view in the W. Bruce Wingo Observation Pavilion and find the beauty in the railroad, just like he did. He wouldn’t want it any other way.