Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Ride vintage steam trains through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, enjoying breathtaking vistas and unique onboard experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall foliage
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Best Time
Vibrant fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride vintage steam trains through the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, enjoying breathtaking vistas and unique onboard experiences.
"The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is absolutely worth the trip, offering stunning scenery and a fun atmosphere."
🎯 Open-Air Cars for Views
Opt for open-air cars for the best photos and immersive mountain air experience.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
Excursions may run longer than scheduled; factor this into your day's plans.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Bryson City, NC
A breathtaking 44-mile round trip through the heart of the Smokies, offering stunning mountain vistas.
Open-Air Gondola Cars
Various excursions
Experience unobstructed views and fresh mountain air for unparalleled photo opportunities.
Moonshine Tasting Experience
Onboard select excursions
Sample local moonshine paired with a delicious BBQ lunch for a unique culinary adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Choose the Right Excursion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Open-Air Cars for Views
Opt for open-air cars for the best photos and immersive mountain air experience.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
Excursions may run longer than scheduled; factor this into your day's plans.
🍽️ Pack Snacks or Lunch
While food is available, bringing your own can save time during layovers.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are stunning, especially during fall. Don't forget your camera! 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Open-Air Cars for Views
Opt for open-air cars for the best photos and immersive mountain air experience.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
Excursions may run longer than scheduled; factor this into your day's plans.
🍽️ Pack Snacks or Lunch
While food is available, bringing your own can save time during layovers.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are stunning, especially during fall. Don't forget your camera!
🚸 Family-Friendly Fun
A great adventure for all ages, offering a unique way to see the Smokies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for its stunning scenery, relaxing atmosphere, and unique experiences like the moonshine tasting. The open-air cars are highly recommended for immersive views, and the staff's entertainment adds to the enjoyment. While excursions can run longer than advertised, most find the journey well worth the time.
"Our family took the Nantahala Excursion Steam Engine on Oct 3rd and it was amazing. We definitely recommend the open air car if the weather is nice, like it was when we went. The views were great and the overall ride was a good length. The website said 4.5 hours total but we arrived back at the station 5 hours after we departed. It gives you time to take plenty of pictures and videos as well as time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the views. During the layover, we opted to grab lunch from the food car and eat at the picnic tables by the river instead of attempting to get food at one of the restaurants at the NOC. It looked busy and an hour isnt enough time to make the walk, get your food, eat and be back on-board in time. We really enjoyed the ride and highly recommend it."
BrianTami Holley
"I recently had the chance to ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and it was an experience I will never forget. One of the highlights was the Moonshine Tasting experience, which included eight different moonshine samples paired with a BBQ lunch. I was not expecting much from the BBQ plate, but it completely surprised me. The meat was tender, the flavors were spot on, and all of the sides were just as delicious.
Our guide made the ride even better by keeping everyone entertained with jokes, fun facts, and plenty of energy throughout the trip. The train offers both enclosed and open-air cars. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend the open-air option since there is no window glare in your photos and you get to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Between the stunning scenery, great food, fun atmosphere, and wonderful staff, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is absolutely worth the trip. I would love to do it again in a heartbeat."
Kierstyn Myers
"The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad was such a lovely and relaxing experience! The scenery throughout the ride was absolutely beautiful—rolling hills, rivers, and trees as far as the eye could see. It felt like stepping into a postcard. We picked up some cute souvenirs at the gift shop and got our photo taken before boarding, which made for a fun keepsake. Onboard, they offered both sweetened and unsweetened iced tea (which I appreciated!), along with chips and snacks that kept us going during the ride. Everything was comfortable and well-organized. A perfect mix of nature, nostalgia, and a little bit of adventure. Highly recommend if you're in the area and want to slow down and take in the views!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs from the historic depot in Bryson City, North Carolina. It's accessible by car, with parking available at the depot. Many visitors combine a trip here with visits to nearby Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
Yes, there is parking available at the Bryson City depot. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you find a convenient spot.
Public transportation options directly to Bryson City are limited. Most visitors drive. If coming from further afield, consider flying into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) or McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and renting a car.
Driving is the most common method. If you're coming from cities like Charlotte or Raleigh, it's a scenic drive. For those coming from further away, flying into a nearby airport and renting a car is a good option.
Yes, Andrews Valley Rail Tours in Andrews, North Carolina, offers a unique rail bike experience through the Blue Ridge Mountains, which can be a great alternative or addition to your trip. +2
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the excursion and seating class. Expect prices to range from around $50-$100+ per person. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular fall excursions.
Tickets can be purchased directly through the official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website. It's advisable to book online to secure your spot and choose your preferred seating.
Operating hours and excursion schedules vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule and departure times for your desired date.
Yes, the railroad offers various seating options, including enclosed cars and open-air gondolas. Open-air cars are highly recommended for the best views and photo opportunities, weather permitting.
Cancellation policies can vary. It's crucial to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking. Generally, tickets may be non-refundable or subject to change fees.
🎫 🚂 Onboard Experience
Excursions vary in length. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is approximately 4.5 hours round trip, while the Tuckasegee River Excursion is shorter. Some rides may run slightly longer than advertised.
You'll experience stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains, including rolling hills, rivers, forests, and potentially wildlife. The Nantahala Gorge route is particularly scenic.
Yes, food and beverages are available for purchase onboard, including snacks, meals, and drinks. Some special excursions, like the Carolina Shine, include a BBQ lunch and moonshine tasting. +1
Restrooms are available on the enclosed passenger cars. Open-air cars typically do not have onboard restrooms, so plan accordingly.
The layover is typically at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), where you'll have about an hour to explore, grab a drink, and enjoy the riverside scenery before re-boarding.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The open-air gondola cars offer the best, unobstructed views for photography, eliminating window glare.
Fall is incredibly popular for its vibrant foliage, making it a prime time for stunning photos. Spring also offers beautiful greenery and wildflowers.
The entire journey offers picturesque scenery. Keep an eye out for river views, mountain vistas, and charming rural landscapes. The layover at Nantahala Gorge also provides great photo ops.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most. If you're serious about photography, consider a zoom lens to capture distant details and a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes.
Absolutely! The layover period at the Nantahala Outdoor Center is a great time to capture photos of the train, the river, and the surrounding natural beauty.
🎫 🍂 Fall Foliage
Yes, the railroad is renowned for its fall foliage tours. The open-air cars provide an immersive experience of the vibrant autumn colors in the Smokies.
Peak fall foliage typically occurs from mid-October through early November, but this can vary slightly each year. It's best to check local foliage reports closer to your travel dates.
Fall excursions are extremely popular and sell out far in advance. Book your tickets several months ahead, especially if you want specific seating like open-air cars.
Both the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River excursions offer beautiful fall scenery. The longer Nantahala Gorge route provides more extensive views of the changing leaves.
Dress in layers, as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the layover. A light jacket or sweater is advisable, even on sunny days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Nantahala Gorge Excursion offers a longer journey with a layover that provides a chance to stretch legs and explore. Consider booking open-air cars for maximum engagement, but be mindful of safety and weather. Bringing snacks and drinks can also be a lifesaver for younger travelers. 🍂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Don't forget to bring a zoom lens for distant mountain details and a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas. The layover at Nantahala Gorge also presents unique photo opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Excursion
+1The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a shorter, more relaxed ride, typically around 32 miles round trip. This excursion offers a delightful journey along the Tuckasegee River, passing through charming small towns and picturesque countryside. It's a great choice for families or those with less time. Both excursions offer different seating options, including enclosed cars and open-air gondolas, allowing you to tailor your experience to the weather and your preferences.
+1The Open-Air Experience
Travelers rave about the open-air experience, noting that it significantly enhances the scenic beauty and allows for clearer, glare-free photos.
+1Culinary Delights Onboard
Beyond the specialized tasting, standard concessions are available on most trains, offering snacks, beverages, and light meals. For those on longer excursions like the Nantahala Gorge, the layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center provides an opportunity to grab food from their picnic area or the food car.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit