Exploring the vast beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains is an unforgettable experience, and taking a train tour offers a unique perspective you simply can’t get from a car. If you’re looking for a guide to these scenic journeys and want to see hidden spots, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know.
When people talk about train tours in the Smokies, they are almost always referring to the excellent Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR). This historic railroad operates out of its depot in Bryson City, North Carolina, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It uses a restored 53-mile stretch of the Murphy Branch, a former line of the Southern Railway.
Riding the GSMR is like stepping back in time. You’ll travel in restored vintage train cars pulled by either a powerful steam or diesel locomotive. The journey takes you through remote valleys, across historic bridges, and along the banks of beautiful rivers, offering views that are completely inaccessible by road.
The GSMR offers two primary excursions, each providing a distinct and memorable experience. Both are round-trip journeys that last several hours, including a layover at a scenic destination.
This is perhaps the most popular route, offering dramatic mountain scenery and a journey into the wild heart of the region. This 4.5-hour, 44-mile round trip follows the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers.
The highlight of this trip is crossing the historic Fontana Lake Trestle, which stands 100 feet above the water and stretches 780 feet across a scenic inlet of the lake. From the train, you get an unobstructed, panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The journey continues into the stunning Nantahala Gorge, often called the “Land of the Noonday Sun” because its steep walls only allow direct sunlight to hit the gorge’s floor when the sun is directly overhead. During a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, you can watch kayakers and rafters navigate the whitewater rapids or simply relax by the river.
If you’re interested in a more pastoral and historic journey, this is the route for you. This 4-hour, 32-mile round trip travels east from Bryson City through quiet countryside and charming valleys. It follows the path of the Tuckasegee River, passing through the famous Cowee Tunnel.
A major point of interest on this trip is the stop at the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll have a 90-minute layover to explore its unique collection of artisan shops, craft galleries, and charming cafes. This route also passes by the famous train wreck scene from the 1993 Harrison Ford movie, The Fugitive, which remains a popular photo opportunity for passengers.
The ad’s promise of seeing hidden spots is not an exaggeration. The railroad tracks were laid long before modern highways, following the natural contours of the land and the paths of rivers. This gives train passengers a front-row seat to landscapes that are otherwise hidden from view.
The GSMR allows you to customize your trip based on the type of engine and the level of comfort you prefer.
The railroad operates both steam and diesel engines. Many visitors specifically seek out trips pulled by the legendary No. 1702 Steam Locomotive, a massive engine built in 1942. The sights, sounds, and smells of a historic steam engine add a powerful layer of nostalgia to the experience. Diesel engines pull the train on other days, offering a smoother and quieter, yet equally scenic, journey. The railroad’s schedule clearly indicates which engine is running for each excursion.
You can choose from several classes of service, each offering different amenities:
Throughout the year, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad hosts a variety of special themed excursions that are incredibly popular.
To make the most of your train adventure, keep these tips in mind:
How long are the train rides? The two main scenic excursions are round trips that last between 4 and 4.5 hours. This includes a layover of 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the route.
Are food and drinks available on the train? Yes. Concession cars sell snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. First Class tickets include a full meal as part of the fare. You are also allowed to bring your own small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Is the train ride suitable for children? Absolutely. Kids love the excitement of a real train ride. The Tuckasegee River Excursion is often recommended for families with younger children due to its slightly shorter duration and calmer scenery. Themed rides like THE POLAR EXPRESS™ are designed specifically for families.