Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The railway uses vintage rail cars, both open-air and enclosed, pulled along a scenic stretch of track that follows the Toccoa River for much of the route. The pace is gentle, and the river is often close alongside, so you can watch tubers and kayakers on the water and cast your eye over the forested mountains rising beyond.

The train departs from the historic Blue Ridge depot, a handsome early twentieth-century station that anchors the town's walkable downtown. The round trip makes a relaxed half-day outing, with the rhythm of the rails and the river scenery doing most of the work.

At the northern end of the line sit the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, which grew up together as a single community straddling the state line and the Toccoa, called the Ocoee once it crosses into Tennessee. A painted line down the middle of a downtown street marks the border, and visitors love to straddle it with a foot in each state.

The layover gives riders time to browse the small shops, eat at a local restaurant, and enjoy the riverside setting before the return trip. The towns share a history rooted in the old copper mining district of the surrounding hills, which gave Copperhill its name.

The rail line dates to the late nineteenth century and served the mountain communities and the copper industry that once thrived nearby. The depot in Blue Ridge, built in 1905, has been restored as the heart of the excursion, a reminder of the days when the railroad was the lifeline connecting these remote valleys to the wider world.

These mountains are the ancestral homeland of the Cherokee, who were forced west from their north Georgia and Tennessee homeland in the 1830s on the Trail of Tears; their descendant nations continue in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band remains in North Carolina. The railway today celebrates the mountain heritage of the region for a new generation of visitors.

Spring and early summer bring green mountains, a full and lively river, and comfortable riding weather in the open cars. Summer is warm and busy, with the Toccoa alive with tubers and paddlers visible from the train.

Fall is the marquee season, when the surrounding ridges turn brilliant with color and the excursion becomes one of the best ways in the region to take in the show. The holiday season brings themed trains and festive lights, a favorite tradition for families, while winter runs are quiet and crisp when they operate.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, based in the charming mountain town of Blue Ridge in North Georgia, is a beloved heritage railroad offering scenic train excursions through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains along the Toccoa River. Riding in vintage railcars pulled by classic locomotives, passengers enjoy a scenic journey through the forested mountains and river valley to a pair of quaint riverside towns, where they can stop to explore, shop, and dine before the return trip. A relaxing and scenic way to experience the North Georgia mountains, especially beautiful in fall, it delights families and railroad lovers. With its scenic mountain rides, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a delightful destination in Georgia.

You can ride the vintage train on a scenic excursion through the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Toccoa River, relax in the railcars enjoying the mountain and river scenery, stop at the quaint riverside towns at the turnaround to explore, shop, and dine, and take in the beautiful North Georgia landscape. The scenic mountain and river ride, the vintage train experience, and the charming riverside town stop are the draws, making it a relaxing and memorable outing for all ages. Fall foliage rides are especially popular. With its scenic rides, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a rewarding experience in Georgia.

The railway operates seasonally, generally from spring through fall with special trains at other times, and fall is especially spectacular when the Blue Ridge Mountains blaze with foliage, making the foliage excursions extremely popular, so reserving ahead is wise, while summer offers pleasant weather and green scenery. Because schedules and special trains vary and popular rides sell out, checking current offerings and reserving ahead before you go is important. For spectacular foliage aim for fall and book early, or ride in summer, on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia.

Yes, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a wonderful family destination, with a scenic train ride that delights children and adults, comfortable railcars, beautiful mountain and river scenery, and a fun stop at the riverside towns where families can explore and eat. Special themed and seasonal trains add extra appeal for kids. Checking current schedules and reserving ahead before you go is wise. With its scenic ride and town stop, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway makes an excellent family destination in Georgia.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is in the mountain town of Blue Ridge in North Georgia, within reach of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Toccoa River, the North Georgia mountain towns, and Dahlonega with its gold history to the southeast. That makes the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway a delightful stop to combine with the North Georgia mountain attractions on a visit to Georgia.