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.
"The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad scenic railroad located in Bryson City is a wonderful experience that should be recommended for anyone and everyone that appreciates the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and Western North Carolina. A great ride for families, couples, individuals, and even large groups, age does not matter. Regardless of the time of year, you will have an opportunity to enjoy endless scenic views. The typical route will last roughly a total of four hours, and can be most enjoyed on an open air car, especially if you are able to secure seats on the south side of the train. This affords the better vantage point. Depending on your class of seats, light refreshments and snacks are available and sufficient for a picnic afternoon, but don’t expect to be wowed by food. The town of Bryson City is also an attraction in and of itself, and the railroad company has installed several attractions and shops for visitors, including a historic train museum.
We selected the Nantahala Gorge route which afforded beautiful views of the Nantahala River, along with a great number of tributaries, lakes, and mountains.
The one very glaring and very negative part of the experience is parking. Parking is an absolute nightmare, especially on days with more full trains. Despite an enormous staff on site to direct guests, there is either not enough parking to accommodate all visitors, or they have not efficiently crafted a method for directing traffic. We arrived on site 40 minutes prior to our schedule train ride (2 P.M.) and did not depart our car in a parking spot until after 2 P.M., despite having traveled less than 500 feet. Thankfully the train was held, but the delay was also unexpected and unnecessary. That would be the only variable preventing us from a second visit. Also, in case of inclement weather, there is no covered seating adjacent to the train station to accommodate visitors waiting to board the train."
April
"Magical ride through the mountains!
We took the Tuskegee Expedition on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and it was an unforgettable experience — especially with the beautiful Christmas decorations! From the moment we arrived, everything felt festive and well-organized. The staff was cheerful, helpful, and really added to the holiday spirit. 🎅🏼🎁
The train itself was cozy and clean, with twinkling lights, garlands, and Christmas music playing softly in the background. The scenic ride through the Smokies was breathtaking — we even spotted some snow-dusted peaks! ❄️🚂
Snacks and drinks were a nice touch, and the narration about the area’s history made the trip even more enjoyable. It’s the perfect mix of holiday magic and mountain charm — great for couples, families, or anyone who loves a good Christmas experience.
We’d absolutely do it again next year! 🌟❤️"
KARLA GONZALEZ
"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
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