The Baltimore & Ohio-heritage CSX main line passes south of Mount Airy through the Mount Airy tunnel. At one time there was a 3-to-4 mile long loop branch that passed through the town of Mount Airy, a couple miles north of the main line tunnel.
The eastern end of the branch is now abandoned. The remaining stub of the branch joins the main line west of town at Mount Airy Junction. Judging by the condition of the branch, there is little rail traffic today (2003).