The Chesapeake Western was a shortline that ran in the foothills west of the lower Shenandoah Valley. The remnant of the original route that remains in service is now part of Norfolk Southern.
The track originally extended west from the current end-of-track at Dayton, through Stemphleytown, Bridgewater, Spring Creek, Mossy Creek, Mount Solon, Stokesville and North River Gap. The track beyond Bridgewater has been gone since the 1930s or earlier, although the right of way can still be located in some areas. The right of way on the south bank of Mossy Creek is still visible, and some cuts and fills near Mount Solon are still in place but overgrown.
The last section of the right-of-way between Stokesville and North River Gap is now used as a road, so named the C and W Railway Road.
The route through Bridgewater can still be traced in some parts. Former rail customers Ethan Allen furniture and Perdue Poultry are at the end of Depot Street.