Choo-Choo!! All aboard!!!! You can hear that sound when you are boarding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, located in Bryson City, NC, just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Recently, I had an opportunity to take a train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad where we enjoyed a scenic tour of the Nantahala River on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad features two different types of engines, diesel and steam along with a variety of train cars, including an Open-Air Gondola.
Our specific tour took about one hour and 45 minutes to reach the top of the line where we enjoyed the beautiful foliage and breathtaking views of Fontana Lake. The railroad offers boxed lunches for a fee which we enjoyed during our journey along the Nantahala River. Our guide/server pointed out the different sights along the way in an engaging storytelling fashion.
On the return trip, the train stopped for a scheduled one hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. We couldn’t resist dipping our toes into the river. Brrrr!!! The river is around 56 degrees all year long and even though it was cold, it still felt refreshing on a hot summer’s day.
At the Outdoor Center, you can schedule a white-water rafting trip or zip line tour for you and your family. Since we already arranged a train excursion, we were not able to schedule a rafting trip, but we definitely plan to experience it on our next visit.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center is actually part of the Appalachian Trail and the trail goes right through the center of the establishment. As you cross the road, you will see a sign for the continuation of the Appalachian Trail. If you stand in the middle of the trail you can actually say that you did the width of the Appalachian Trail.
After we explored the Outdoor Center, it was time to jump back onto the train for our return to the depot. Our guide/server encouraged us to switch sides of the gondola so that everyone could see all that the Nantahala River had to offer.
As we dined on our dessert, we saw many families rafting down the river. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face as you watch kids and adults of all ages screaming with laughter as they go over the rapids. Our train ride back allowed us to unwind and relax while we enjoyed the view from the other side of the open-air gondola. Upon our return to the depot, we saw the residents of Bryson City wave from their porches and yards, welcoming us back to their beautiful city.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad also offers special themed holiday events such as the Peanuts: The Great Pumpkin Patch Express in October and The Polar Express in November and December.
Have you taken a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments below.
For more details or to book this trip, please contact Amanda Hearn at amanda@kingdomdestinations.com
Travel Advisor