The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Coach Class offers a unique and family-friendly experience for those looking to explore the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. With open seating in historic enclosed cars, comfortable amenities, and a variety of excursion options, the Coach Class is an excellent choice for families and groups.
Overview of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Coach Class
The Coach Class features open seating in historic enclosed cars with windows that can be opened for fresh air and photos. The cars are equipped with heating or ceiling fans as needed to ensure a comfortable ride. Passengers can preorder a boxed lunch during booking, which can be picked up at the Conductors Cafe onboard the train.
Comparison to Other Classes
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers several different seating classes, each with its own unique features and amenities. Here’s a comparison of the Coach Class to the other options:
| Class | Seating Arrangement | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Plus | Classic train décor, natural wood, and sliding windows at every seat. Table and booth-style seating. | – |
| Crown Class | Seating arranged in sets of four with two facing each other. Beverage station and limited bar service. | – |
| First Class | Assigned seating at a dining table in a climate-controlled car. Meal served by the car’s attendant. Souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea. | – |
Pricing and Excursions
The pricing for the Coach Class is as follows:
- General Excursion Pricing:
- Adults: $66
- Children (2-12 years): $38
- Infants (23 months and under): $10
- October Pricing:
- Adults: $67
- Children (2-12 years): $38
- Infants (23 months and under): $10
The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a popular four-and-a-half-hour roundtrip excursion that departs from Bryson City and takes passengers through the Nantahala Gorge and back to the Bryson City depot. This excursion can be powered by either steam or diesel locomotives.
Booking and Policies
Ticket fares are subject to a 7% Historic Preservation Fee and a 6.75% North Carolina State tax. Schedules and fares are subject to change without notice.
Family Suitability
The Coach Class is suitable for families with young children, as it offers open seating and the option to preorder boxed lunches. However, the Crown Class might be a better option for families, as it features seating arrangements that allow families to sit together.
Additional Information
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad uses both steam and diesel locomotives for its excursions. The steam locomotive, 1702, dates back to 1942 and is available for photo opportunities before departure.
References
- https://www.gsmr.com/classes-service/family-first-class/
- https://www.gsmr.com/crown-class-seating/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/FAQ_Answers-g48984-d789016-t1352028-In_the_coach_class_do_the_seat_backs_move_so_that.html
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g48984-d789016-r487166963-Great_Smoky_Mountains_Railroad-Bryson_City_North_Carolina.html
- https://gsmr.com/nantahala-gorge-excursion/