Climb aboard, take a seat, and relax, for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, one of the most the visually stunning tours through western North Carolina’s river gorges, valleys on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. All train tours depart from the railroad’s Bryson City, NC depot, where guests can ride in vintage 1940’s railroad cars while passing through breath-taking natural scenery. Passengers who purchase First Class tickets are served a delicious meal by a private car attendant, and receive a souvenir tumbler and a special gift from the railroad.
Nantahala and Tuckasegee River Excursions – The Nantahala Gorge excursion is 4 ½ hours and travels 44 miles while passengers listen to bluegrass music and Appalachian stories. You’ll travel along the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers until the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where you’ll have a one hour layover to relax by the river or enjoy area sights. The four hour Tuckasegee River Excursion travels 32 miles round trip, past the site where
The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford was filmed, to the town of Dillsboro for a 1 ½ hour layover. Dillsboro offers more than fifty shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country Inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.
Shine and Dine – This unique “shine and dine” experience features a taste of North Carolina moonshining. You’ll learn about the Appalachian tradition of bootlegging and home brews, and hear stories about local legend Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Passengers can enjoy moonshine samples of Midnight Moon spirits (owned by NASCAR legend Junior Johsons) like apple pie, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry and strawberry moonshine. Moonshine cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa are also available. Passengers receive a refillable Carolina Shine mason drinking jar, a Midnight Moon official shot glass, and a souvenir GSMR tote bag.
Fall Foliage – The Blue Ridge Mountains light up with fiery sugar maples, buttery poplars and crimson oaks during the fall foliage season. Passengers can ride in one of the Open Air Gondolas to see the beauty of the North Carolina’s countryside.
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