Just 1.5 hours from Blue Ridge, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad makes the perfect day trip during your North GA vacation. With 53 miles of track, two tunnels, and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains.
This section of Western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever-changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes. Dating back to the 1800s and located on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Murphy Branch allowed access to one of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. By 1988, many entities had come together to form the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which then began running excursions. Rolling stock for the GSMR was purchased from various railroads around the nation. The Dillsboro to Nantahala route was one of the most scenic on the Murphy Branch, and the excursion trains caught on right away. Upward 200,000 passengers enjoy the scenery each year aboard the excursion trains. American Heritage Railways purchased the GSMR in December of 1999. The Great Smoky Mountains Railway operates its North Carolina tours today as the newly organized Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Different types of cars you can ride in include:...
Just 1.5 hours from Blue Ridge, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad makes the perfect day trip during your North GA vacation. With 53 miles of track, two tunnels, and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains.
This section of Western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever-changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes. Dating back to the 1800s and located on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Murphy Branch allowed access to one of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. By 1988, many entities had come together to form the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which then began running excursions. Rolling stock for the GSMR was purchased from various railroads around the nation. The Dillsboro to Nantahala route was one of the most scenic on the Murphy Branch, and the excursion trains caught on right away. Upward 200,000 passengers enjoy the scenery each year aboard the excursion trains. American Heritage Railways purchased the GSMR in December of 1999. The Great Smoky Mountains Railway operates its North Carolina tours today as the newly organized Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Different types of cars you can ride in include:
First Class: Champion, MacNeil, Dixie Flyer & Silver Meteor Cars
Travel in comfort and style in 1940s-era bar, lounge, and dining cars that feature seating at well-appointed tables and lounge/restaurant-style chairs. First Class passengers receive an all-inclusive, delicious lunch served by the car's private attendant, a souvenir tumbler with a fountain soda, and an embroidered tote bag gift from GSMR. The First Class Cars are climate-controlled, with restrooms available. Age 21 and over only.
Family First Class: Champion, MacNeil, Dixie Flyer & Silver Meteor Cars
Adults and children can ride and dine first class! First Class passengers enjoy a delicious lunch served by the car's private attendant, a souvenir tumbler with a fountain soda, and an embroidered tote bag gift from GSMR. Children receive special children's meal and their own child souvenirs.
Crown Class:
Relax in restored coaches dating from 1925, featuring larger windows for better viewing and climate-controlled for passenger comfort. Crown Class passengers receive their own souvenir tumbler to pick up and fill with a fountain soda in the Conductor's Cafe Car.
Coach Class:
Restored vintage coaches that date back as early as 1920 feature windows that open for fresh-air viewing, ceiling fans, and heat for cooler days.
Open Air Gondola:
Created from retired baggage and flatbed cars, these open cars feature long padded outward-facing seats, perfect for the panoramic views. It is a great car for capturing the scents and sounds of the forest or that special photo to remember your trip.
