A Family-Friendly Blue Ridge Train Adventure
One of the highlights of vacationing and visiting attractions in Blue Ridge, GA is the chance to take a step back in time and ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Toccoa River to Copperhill, TN/McCaysville, GA - sister towns split by the Georgia-Tennessee border.
Begin your adventure at the historic Depot, built in 1905, in Downtown Blue Ridge Georgia, and choose to ride in climate-controlled or open-air railcars. Most enjoy the train ride in the open cars during the seasonal months as it allows for awesome photographic moments!
As you traverse along the picturesque Toccoa River and North Georgia Mountains you will enjoy being immersed in the beauty all around you. You'll even pass by some of our Toccoa River luxury Georgia cabins near the Cherokee Indian Fish Trap!
Upon arriving in the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, enjoy a 2-hour layover that provides opportunities for picnicking, antique shopping, or dining in the surrounding restaurants along the quaint streets. Neat restaurants and boutiques are on the Toccoa River, which turns into the Ocoee River on the Tennessee side.
Ask about their Rail Bikes as well and pedal your way along the historic train rides. Who doesn't love working out with a view?
Things To Know Before Your Trip
Hours of Operation
Please note that the railway does not operate from January-mid March. Other than that, they operate every day from 9am to 4pm. Check their website for official schedules.
Concessions
Do you want something to eat on the way? To buy popcorn, a soda, or some candy for your ride, stop by our concession car on board....
A Family-Friendly Blue Ridge Train Adventure
One of the highlights of vacationing and visiting attractions in Blue Ridge, GA is the chance to take a step back in time and ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway along the Toccoa River to Copperhill, TN/McCaysville, GA - sister towns split by the Georgia-Tennessee border.
Begin your adventure at the historic Depot, built in 1905, in Downtown Blue Ridge Georgia, and choose to ride in climate-controlled or open-air railcars. Most enjoy the train ride in the open cars during the seasonal months as it allows for awesome photographic moments!
As you traverse along the picturesque Toccoa River and North Georgia Mountains you will enjoy being immersed in the beauty all around you. You'll even pass by some of our Toccoa River luxury Georgia cabins near the Cherokee Indian Fish Trap!
Upon arriving in the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, enjoy a 2-hour layover that provides opportunities for picnicking, antique shopping, or dining in the surrounding restaurants along the quaint streets. Neat restaurants and boutiques are on the Toccoa River, which turns into the Ocoee River on the Tennessee side.
Ask about their Rail Bikes as well and pedal your way along the historic train rides. Who doesn't love working out with a view?
Things To Know Before Your Trip
Hours of Operation
Please note that the railway does not operate from January-mid March. Other than that, they operate every day from 9am to 4pm. Check their website for official schedules.
Concessions
Do you want something to eat on the way? To buy popcorn, a soda, or some candy for your ride, stop by our concession car on board.
They have two gift shops, one in Blue Ridge and one in McCaysville, all of which are conveniently placed. T-shirts, Christmas ornaments, conductor hats, and more are available to take home the memories.
Seating & Timetable
Train Timetable
45 minutes prior to departure, boarding begins. Every train leaves on time. Unfortunately, they are unable to hold the train for latecomers. Please arrive one hour before your scheduled departure.
During their respective seasons, the most popular Fall Foliage and Holiday Express trains depart at various times throughout the day. When purchasing your tickets, please double-check the available timings.
Seating
Cars, not seats, are assigned. Late arrivals are not guaranteed to be seated together. Please contact the ticket office if your group would like to be seated in the same car with another group. For the return trip, they require all passengers to switch sides of the train, as this offers views of the beautiful Toccoa River.
Rules
No pets allowed. Although they are an animal-loving crew and community, they are unable to let dogs aboard the train unless they are registered assistance animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary for me to make reservations?
They strongly advise making reservations in advance because they frequently sell out, especially during Fall Foliage.
Is it possible to make changes to my reservation?
Yes, but please keep in mind that there is a $5.35 change fee (non-refundable). Please contact their ticket office at 877-413-8724 if you need to make any changes.
Do you provide any discounts?
Seniors (65+), Military Members (active or retired), First Responders (active or retired), and Teachers (current or retired) with valid ID are eligible for discounts. They also offer group discounts to groups of 15 or more people.
*Please keep in mind that each ticket purchased at a reduced price must be used by an eligible member of one of the above-mentioned groups. A valid photo ID is required.
Can I walk in and buy tickets on the day of the event?
Yes, but they cannot guarantee that tickets will be available. Please book ahead of time to ensure availability.
Where can I get my tickets?
Pre-paid tickets can be picked up at their pre-paid ticket window, located on the back side of the depot, facing the train, on the morning of your ride.
How does Blue Ridge Scenic Railway handle cancellations?
They have a cancellation policy of 48 hours. If you need to cancel, please do so at least 48 hours before your trip to receive a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours, they will issue you a Missed Trip Pass, which is valid for an entire calendar year, allowing you to reschedule your trip.
Is it possible for my group to sit together?
There should be no issues if everyone in your party arrives early and waits to board at the appropriate time. If you arrive late, your group may be split up inside your car because others have already selected their seats.
What are the numbers on the coaches supposed to mean? Are there any distinctions?
The numbers you see on the coaches are the original numbers assigned to them when they were first used as passenger cars. These numbers assist them in differentiating between the coaches. Except for their Premier Class Coach, all of their outdoor coaches are nearly identical, as are the closed coaches.
What time do I need to arrive?
One hour before departure to allow for parking, ticket pick-up, and boarding.
When do they board?
Boarding begins 45 minutes before your departure. Trips on the Holiday Express will board 30 minutes before departure.
Do you offer a group discount?
Yes. The group rate will be applied to groups of 15 or more paying passengers. Please call 877-413-8724 to speak with a ticket agent about booking, pricing, and their group policy.
Is it possible to reserve an entire car for my group, party, or event?
You certainly can. Please call their ticket office at 877-413-8724 for rates and contract details.
Is it possible to rent the entire train?
Yes, you can rent the entire train if your trip does not conflict with one of their regular excursions. For more information, please call the ticket office at 877-413-8724.
