The Smoky Mountain Train Ride in Georgia is a captivating journey that takes you through the heart of the North Georgia countryside, offering breathtaking views of the Toccoa River and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. Operated by the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, this unique experience is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Great Smoky Mountains region.
Overview of the Smoky Mountain Train Ride
The Smoky Mountain Train Ride departs from the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia, and embarks on a 26-mile roundtrip journey along the Toccoa River. The entire excursion lasts for four hours, including a two-hour layover in the charming sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
Starting Point: Blue Ridge, Georgia
The train ride begins at the historic Blue Ridge Depot, a beautifully restored train station that serves as the starting point for this enchanting journey. Passengers can explore the depot and its surrounding shops and restaurants before boarding the train.
Route: Toccoa River and North Georgia Countryside
As the train departs the station, it follows the scenic Toccoa River, offering passengers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The journey takes you through the lush, verdant landscapes of North Georgia, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
Duration: 4-Hour Roundtrip Excursion
The Smoky Mountain Train Ride is a four-hour roundtrip experience, with a two-hour layover in the twin towns of McCaysville and Copperhill. This allows passengers to disembark and explore the quaint shops, restaurants, and attractions in these charming communities.
Scenic Routes and Highlights
The Smoky Mountain Train Ride is renowned for its stunning scenery and picturesque landscapes. As the train winds its way through the North Georgia countryside, passengers are treated to a variety of breathtaking vistas.
Toccoa River
The centerpiece of the train ride is the Toccoa River, which the train follows for much of the journey. The Toccoa River is a beautiful, winding waterway that flows through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
North Georgia Countryside
In addition to the Toccoa River, the train ride also showcases the lush, rolling hills and verdant forests of the North Georgia countryside. Passengers can admire the region’s natural beauty, including the vibrant wildflowers and towering hardwood trees that dot the landscape.
Special Event Trains
Throughout the year, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a variety of special event trains that cater to different interests and seasons.
Fall Foliage Rides
During the months of October and mid-November, the Smoky Mountain Train Ride offers a unique opportunity to witness the stunning fall foliage in the region. As the train winds through the mountains, passengers can enjoy the vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow that paint the landscape.
Firecracker Special
For those looking to celebrate Independence Day, the Smoky Mountain Train Ride offers a special “Firecracker Special” train ride on July 4th. This festive excursion is a great way to enjoy the holiday in a scenic and unique setting.
Santa Trains
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway operates a series of “Santa Trains,” which provide a festive and magical experience for the whole family. Passengers can enjoy the holiday atmosphere, complete with carolers, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa himself.
New Year’s Eve Excursion
To ring in the new year, the Smoky Mountain Train Ride offers a special New Year’s Eve excursion, allowing passengers to celebrate the start of a new year in a truly memorable setting.
Ticket Information and Accessibility
Booking your Smoky Mountain Train Ride experience is easy and convenient.
Ticket Purchase
Tickets can be purchased online through the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website or by calling the ticket office at (877) 413-8724. The ticket office is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
Coach Types
Passengers can choose from a variety of coach options, including authentic indoor cars, open-air rail cars, and Premier Class for a more luxurious experience.
Handicap Accessibility
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a handicap-accessible coach, Car 405, which is equipped with stair and lift access, as well as a handicap-accessible bathroom. Reservations for this car must be made by calling the ticket office.
Additional Amenities and Information
To enhance the Smoky Mountain Train Ride experience, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers several additional amenities and important information for passengers.
Concession Car
A concession car is available on the train, offering a variety of cold and hot beverages, snacks, and other treats for passengers to enjoy during the journey.
Arrival Time
Passengers are advised to arrive at the Blue Ridge Depot 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process and a stress-free start to their Smoky Mountain Train Ride adventure.
Conclusion
The Smoky Mountain Train Ride in Georgia is a truly unique and unforgettable experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the North Georgia countryside. Whether you’re seeking a scenic journey, a festive holiday celebration, or a chance to explore the charming towns along the way, this train ride is a must-add to your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary.