The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of scenic train excursions through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina. Based in Bryson City, the railroad operates rail excursions with onboard dining, traveling through tunnels, across rivers and lakes, and into a deep river gorge. Destinations include the small town of Dillsboro, NC, and the Nantahala Gorge.
Scenic Train Rides
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad provides two main scenic train rides:
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Nantahala Gorge Excursion: A 4.5-hour round-trip excursion that carries passengers 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back, with a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). This trip takes you through the beautiful Nantahala Gorge, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
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Tuckasegee River Excursion: A relaxing ride through the quiet countryside to small-town life in western North Carolina along the Tuckasegee River, with a one-hour and 20-minute layover in Dillsboro. This excursion allows you to experience the charming town of Dillsboro and the scenic Tuckasegee River.
Special Events and Packages
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad also offers several special events and packages throughout the year:
- Polar Express: A popular holiday event where passengers enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening to the magical story of “The Polar Express.” Santa Claus boards the train at the North Pole, greeting each child and giving them a silver sleigh bell.
- Bunny Hopper Express: A springtime event featuring an Easter egg hunt, giveaways, and a yummy Easter treat.
- Smoky Mountain Beer Run: An adults-only specialty train featuring local craft beer samples onboard and at Innovation Station in Dillsboro.
- Uncorked: A wine-pairing experience with a narrator presenting each wine pour and sharing knowledge of the four wines to passengers in an all-adult first-class car.
- Moonshine Experience: A triple-distilled moonshine sampling experience along with a meal on Nantahala runs.
Dining Options
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers the following dining options:
- Boxed Lunches: Pre-purchased boxed lunches available for Crown and Coach class passengers, packaged picnic-style.
- Rafting Add-On: Includes a one-way trip to raft down the Nantahala River.
Schedule and Tickets
- Schedule: Excursions operate year-round, with varying dates and times depending on the season and event.
- Tickets: Available for purchase online, with options for different classes of service and special events.
Location and Contact
- Address: 226 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713.
- Phone Number: (800) 872-4681.
- Website: gsmr.com.
Nearby Attractions and Accommodations
- Bryson City: Offers downtown shops and galleries, paddleboarding, and nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies for camping, hiking, trout fishing, and tubing.
- Yellow Rose Rentals: Provides a variety of cabins scattered throughout the small North Carolina mountain towns surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Bryson City Lodging: Offers log cabin rentals, boutique hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and campgrounds.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad provides a unique and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains region. Whether you choose the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, the Tuckasegee River Excursion, or one of the special event trains, you’re sure to have a fantastic time on this scenic railroad journey.