Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Railroads reached the deep mountains of western North Carolina in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, painstakingly built through gorges and around ridges to haul timber, freight, and passengers into country that had been remote and hard to reach. The lines were engineering feats, clinging to riverbanks and threading tight valleys.

As timber gave out and highways took over, much of the freight traffic faded, but the scenic value of the routes endured. The excursion railroad was established to keep the historic line alive, running heritage trips over the same tracks that once served the mountain economy.

Excursions run on a seasonal schedule from the Bryson City depot, taking passengers through river gorges and mountain valleys with views of rushing water, forested slopes, and mountain hamlets. Some trips follow a river route famous for its whitewater, while others wind through quieter valleys.

Passengers can choose from a range of cars, from breezy open-air seating to enclosed and premium coaches, and the railroad runs both diesel and, at times, steam locomotives. Themed and holiday excursions, including popular seasonal trains, add to the calendar through the year.

The railroad's home, Bryson City, is a small, welcoming mountain town set on the Tuckasegee River at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains. Its compact downtown, gathered around the depot, offers shops, cafes, and outfitters, making it easy to spend a day before or after a ride.

The town is a gateway to some of the best outdoor country in the region, from the national park to the whitewater of the Nantahala and the fishing waters of the Tuckasegee. The railroad ties naturally into that outdoor identity, giving visitors a leisurely way to see the mountains from the rails.

Spring brings blossoms and fresh green to the river valleys, while summer offers full, cool forest and lively excursions, including combination trips paired with rafting and other outdoor adventures. These warm months are a fine time for the open-air cars.

Fall is the showpiece season, when the trains roll through hillsides ablaze with color and tickets sell out quickly. The winter holiday trains, decked out for the season, cap the year with festive rides that have become a cherished tradition for many families.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is an independently owned, editorially selected place to stay.