Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Bryson City, North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Bryson City, North Carolina

There probably isn't a more beautiful way to see the Great Smoky Mountains than to take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.  The train ride will give you the opportunity to journey across fertile valleys and through river gorges of the Mountains.  Here in western North Carolina offers a widely changing view of both vegetation and fantastic landscapes.

Beginning in Bryson City the ride can be for either half a day or a full day with more to do in conjunction with the train ride.  You can take a whitewater river raft the whole length of the Nantahala River.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad was formed in 1988 with many entities of the former railroad companies were combined to run excursions.  Rolling stock was purchased from various railroads around the nation to form the line that gives you such a fantastic trip.

Excursions departing from Bryson City  - Nantahala Gorge Excursion, Rapid Transit w/NOC & Raft-n-Rail w/Wildwater, Peanut's Easter Beagle, Peanut's Pumpkin Patch & The Polar Express.

When you are looking at which type of car you want to make your reservation on you may like to know that both the Coach and Crown Coach cars are traditional train cars with seating in sets of two that face each other. The Crown Coach is climate controlled with both air conditioning and heat, and has large picture windows. Our Coach cars are heated and have windows that open and close for ventilation.

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion trip is 4.5 hours in length with a layover of one hour at the river in Nantahala Gorge.  Here you can relax and enjoy the scenery prior to your return trip.

If you are taking your children along with you on the rafting/train combo you will need to know the following: Children must weigh a minimum of 60 pounds or be at least 7 years of age. This is a NC Forest Service regulation.  Rafting companies may weigh them at the depot if weight is suspect.

Obviously you will want to see the mountains on your ride.  The train route is located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Depending on your route of travel, you must travel across The Great Smokies, Blue Ridge or Balsam Mountains. Therefore, all train excursions have distance views of these beautiful mountains.

If you are taking the Gatlinburg to Bryson City Depot ride you can count on the normal travel time from Gatlinburg to our Bryson City Depot is 2 to 2.5 hours. Travel time during peak periods (usually July, October and holiday weekends) may be significantly longer.

If you want to ride Coach you will be in a restored vintage coach dating back as early as 1920.  These cars have windows that open, ceiling fans and heat in cooler weather.  If you choose an Open Car you will be in a car that is constructed from retired baggage cars and flatbed cars.  They have long padded seats which are great for taking pictures on your ride.

If you choose a Crown Coach you will need to add $12 for and adult ticket and $6 for a child.  These restored coaches date back from the 1925 era, feature large windows, climate controlled rides and a restroom in each car.

The Club Car takes an upgrade of $20 over the cost of regular ticket prices and are available for adults (over 21) only.  These cars feature a variety of seating form club chairs and booths.  There are tables and or/cocktail tables.  Seating throughout is first come, first serve.  The cars are climate controlled and have restrooms in each car.  Morning train departures includes: Outbound: Breakfast Danish, fruit, coffee, and Coke products.  Return will include light fare hors d'oeuvres, cheese & crackers, Coke products, champagne or sparkling cider.  The Afternoon train departures include: Light fare hors d'oeuvres, cheese & crackers, Coke products, champagne or sparkling cider.  The bar service is available for your purchases.

Regular ticket prices are: Jan-Mar. Adult $34, Children 2-12 at $19; April, May, June, July, August, September, November, December, Adult $39 and Children $29.  The month of October has Adult at $53 and Children $31.  Prices subject to change without notice.

Should you choose to order a picnic lunch here is the information: Picnic Lunches

Available Year Round on Nantahala Gorge Excursions.

$9.00 per adult • $5.50 per child (includes tax)

Adult: Choice of Turkey, Ham or Roast Beef Sandwich with
Cheese, Chips, Cookie & Beverage in a Souvenir Cup

Child: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich, Chips, Cookie & Beverage.

Vegetarian Option Available

Conductor’s Hot Dog Lunch

$8.50 per adult (includes tax)
Two (2) 100% Beef Hot Dogs, Chips,
Cookie, & Beverage in a Souvenir Cup
Lil’ Conductor’s Hot Dog Lunch

$6.00 per child (includes tax)
100% Beef Hot Dog, Chips, Cookie, & Child’s Beverage
Available after 11:00 am on days with a 1:00 pm or 2:05 pm
Tuckasegee River Excursion or Available on the Conductor’s Café Car on board
morning 9:00 am or 10:30 am Nantahala Gorge Excursions.
Fried Chicken Dinner

$24.99 (serves four & includes tax)
Whole Fried Chicken, Cole Slaw & Potato Salad, (4) Four Rolls & (4) Four Beverages in Souvenir Cups.
 
Phone: 800-872-4681