The early railway played a major roll in the development of the North Carolina and East Tennessee mountain region. Today, visitors to this beautiful mountain vacationland can explore the mystique of an era gone by with a train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
Railroad depots are located in three delightful historic towns. Dillsboro which is a village of crafts and shops, a scenic valley in the Snowbird Mountains named Andrews and Bryson City, NC. Currently all departures are from the depot in Bryson City located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
You can begin to explore the natural beauty of western North Carolina as soon as the train departs the depot. You can journey through pristine mountainside, rushing river gorges and across fertile valleys enjoying beautiful landscapes and ever changing vegetation.
Several train excursions are available allowing people of all ages to experience the historic charm and original character of the region.
Highlights of the 4 ½ hour Nantahala Gorge Excursion are Horseshoe Curve, Fontana Lake Trestle, Little Tennessee River and the Nantahala River Gorge and includes tickets to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City.
The Mystery Theatre Dining Train is an evening excursion featuring a prime rib dinner as guest work to solve a hilarious 3 hour mystery performance.
The Tuckasegee River Excursion features a 1 ½ hour layover in Dillsboro for a shopping and dining experience in a quaint village. The trip is 4 hours and runs along the Tuckasegee River traveling past The Fugitive movie film site and through the historic Cowee Tunnel.
Raft n' Rail is a trip offered by Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in conjunction with Wildwater Ltd. combining a 22 mile train ride through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and up the Nantahala River Gorge with an 8 mile whitewater trip down the Nantahala River. Hot beverages, picnic style lunches, hot showers, changing rooms and return transportation to the depot are all included.
For the young at heart there’s the Polar Express, Lone Ranger, The Great Pumpkin Patch Express and Day Out With Thomas!
There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and a journey to Bryson City is sure to make your Smoky Mountain cabin vacation a memorable one.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
226 Everett Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
800-872-4681 |
