Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains aboard a historic train. Scenic routes, festive events, and unforgettable journeys awa...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains aboard a historic train. Scenic routes, festive events, and unforgettable journeys await.
"Absolutely, we ride it almost every year. Nantahala gorge is worth it, particularly if you go in the open air cars."
🎯 Book Polar Express Early!
This popular holiday train sells out months in advance. Book ASAP!
💺 Open-Air Cars Recommended
For the best views, especially in Nantahala Gorge, opt for open-air cars.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Bryson City, NC
A breathtaking 4.5-hour journey through the stunning Nantahala Gorge, offering unparalleled mountain views.
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Bryson City, NC
A scenic 32-mile round trip along the Tuckasegee River, perfect for a shorter, charming train ride.
Polar Express™
Bryson City, NC
A magical holiday experience for families, bringing the beloved story to life with Santa and hot cocoa.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets Early!
Choose Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Polar Express Early!
This popular holiday train sells out months in advance. Book ASAP!
💺 Open-Air Cars Recommended
For the best views, especially in Nantahala Gorge, opt for open-air cars.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Some stops lack facilities, so pack essentials for longer rides.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The scenery is stunning; bring your camera for incredible shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Polar Express Early!
This popular holiday train sells out months in advance. Book ASAP!
💺 Open-Air Cars Recommended
For the best views, especially in Nantahala Gorge, opt for open-air cars.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Some stops lack facilities, so pack essentials for longer rides.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The scenery is stunning; bring your camera for incredible shots.
🎟️ Advance Tickets Essential
Always purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for its scenic beauty and engaging experience, especially the Nantahala Gorge route and the magical Polar Express. Staff are frequently commended for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the overall journey. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some note the need for advance booking and limited facilities at certain stops.
"These guys are all volunteers!! Very sweet people and the ride was fun!! The trolley operators were very knowledgeable and told us stories throughout the ride which was cool. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and were able to walk inside multiple train cars and take photos. Definitely a must to get your tickets in advance to reserve your space."
Amanda Holman
"This place is fantastic.
Our grandson turned four this past week, and he loves trains, and so we booked a ride here at Craggy Mountain Line.
We got checked in for the ride. They have other train cars and memorabilia to explore while you wait. We got underway, and the staff told us a little about the trolley itself, as well as a bit about the area we were riding through. Our grandson got to ring the bell!
The staff is great and we had a wonderful time."
Brian Smith
"Really nice ride, after Helene the tracks where replaced, it's almost 4 miles one way out, make sure to take something to drink, there's no water or bathroom facilities at the out bound stop Silver-park. Asheville and the surrounding towns are doing a great job on the recovery..."
Robert Paganuzzi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is primarily accessed via Bryson City, North Carolina. It's a scenic drive through the mountains. Many visitors combine a train ride with exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Yes, there is parking available at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
Public transportation options directly to Bryson City are limited. Most visitors drive. Consider ride-sharing services if you are coming from a nearby town, but check availability beforehand.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Bryson City. The journey itself offers beautiful mountain scenery, making it part of the overall experience.
Shuttle services are not widely advertised. It's best to check with local tourism boards or your accommodation in nearby towns like Asheville or Gatlinburg for any potential transport options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased directly through the official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website or by calling their reservation line. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular excursions like the Polar Express.
Ticket prices vary depending on the excursion chosen, seating class, and age of the passenger. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing for specific dates and routes.
For popular times like the fall foliage season or the Polar Express, booking several months in advance is strongly advised. For other times, a few weeks might suffice, but early booking is always safer.
Yes, the railroad typically offers various seating options, including standard coach, first-class, and sometimes open-air cars, each with different price points and amenities.
Cancellation policies can vary. It's crucial to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the railroad directly for information on refunds or rescheduling options.
🎫 🚂 Onboard Experience
Excursion durations vary. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is approximately 4.5 hours, while the Tuckasegee River Excursion is shorter. Always check the specific details for your chosen trip.
You'll experience stunning mountain scenery, lush forests, river views, and charming small towns. The Nantahala Gorge route is particularly known for its dramatic landscapes. +1
Yes, most of the train cars are equipped with restrooms for passenger convenience during the journey.
Passengers are generally allowed to move between cars to take photos and enjoy the views, especially on longer excursions. Some cars may have restricted access.
Absolutely! The train rides are very family-friendly. The Polar Express is a particularly magical experience for kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some excursions may offer snacks and beverages for purchase onboard. For longer trips, it's advisable to bring your own snacks and water.
Generally, you can bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Check the specific policies when booking, but it's usually permitted.
Bryson City has several restaurants and cafes near the depot offering a variety of cuisines. It's a great place to grab a meal before or after your train ride.
The Polar Express typically includes hot chocolate and a cookie, served during the journey to enhance the magical experience.
If you plan to purchase food onboard or on special excursions like the Polar Express, it's best to inquire about dietary options when booking or directly with the railroad.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire journey offers fantastic photo opportunities! The Nantahala Gorge, riverbanks, and mountain vistas are particularly photogenic. Open-air cars provide unobstructed views.
Yes, you can take photos from inside the train cars, but views might be partially obstructed by windows. Moving between cars can offer better angles.
Yes, the Polar Express is very festive and offers great opportunities for capturing holiday magic. The onboard entertainment and Santa's arrival are key photo moments.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for sweeping mountain views. Consider a camera with good low-light performance for evening rides.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits, so it's best to check with the railroad if you plan extensive shoots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the Tuckasegee River Excursion for a shorter trip that's perfect for younger attention spans. Bringing snacks and drinks is a good idea, as facilities at stops can be limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Opting for an open-air car can provide unobstructed views and better angles for your shots. Beyond the scenery, the train itself is a photogenic subject. Capture it winding through the mountains, crossing rivers, or steaming into a station. The Polar Express™ also provides unique photographic moments with its festive decorations and holiday characters.
🍂 Fall Foliage Seekers
To maximize your fall foliage experience, book your tickets well in advance, as this is an incredibly popular time to ride. Consider an open-air car for the most immersive views of the colorful canopy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Scenic Route
Many travelers recommend the open-air cars for this trip to fully appreciate the panoramic views and fresh mountain air. For a shorter, yet equally charming experience, the Tuckasegee River Excursion provides a delightful 32-mile round trip. This route winds through picturesque valleys and past historic sites, offering a more relaxed pace. It's an excellent option for families or those with less time, typically lasting around 3 hours.
Both excursions depart from Bryson City, North Carolina, providing a convenient starting point for your rail adventure. Beyond these regular routes, the railroad is famous for its Polar Express™ event during the holiday season. This special excursion transforms the train into a magical journey inspired by the beloved children's book, complete with Santa, carols, and hot chocolate. It's a highly sought-after experience that often sells out months in advance, highlighting its popularity among families.
The Magic of the Polar Express™
Passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas, just like in the book, adding to the immersive fun. The conductors and staff fully embrace the theme, making the experience memorable for children and adults alike. It’s a chance to create lasting holiday memories and recapture the wonder of childhood.
Due to its immense popularity, securing Polar Express Great Smoky Mountains tickets requires significant advance planning. These excursions typically run from mid-November through December, and booking often opens in the spring or early summer. Missing out on booking early means missing out on this quintessential Smoky Mountain holiday event.
Capturing Your Smoky Mountain Rail Adventure
For the best shots, consider riding in the open-air cars, which provide unobstructed views and allow for easier photography.
Beyond the landscapes, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad photos can also include the unique atmosphere of the train, the interactions with staff, and the joy on passengers' faces, especially during special events like the Polar Express.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit