SmokyMtnRailroad

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Nantahala Gorge Excursion PLUS Smoky Mountain Train Museum

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is the most popular and scenic of all excursions on the Smoky Mountain Railroad.

This beautiful area also includes the southern crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah, Cherokee, and Nantahala National Forests. Hundreds of years ago, glacial and volcanic movement left etchings still visible on the land. Today, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad provides visitors a way to explore the mountains and enjoy the natural beauty of Western North Carolina.

Trains depart from the historic mountain town of Bryson City. This 4-1/2 hout, 44-mile round-trip will take passengers along the Tuckasegee River. The ride goes over the Fontana Lake Tresle, spanning the enourmous Fontana Lake, and into the Nantahala River Gorge. There is a 1 hour layover at Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Upgrades:

Crown Class Seating:
Relax in restored coaches dating from 1925, featuring larger windows for better viewing and climate controlled for passenger comfort. Crown Class passengers receive their own souvenir tumbler to pick up and fill with a fountain soda in the Conductor's Cafe Car.

or

First Class Seating
Champion, MacNeil, Harper & Silver Meteor Cars
Travel in comfort and style in 1940s-era bar, lounge and dining cars that feature seating at well-appointed tables and lounge/restaurant style chairs.

First Class passengers receive an all inclusive, delicious lunch served by the car's private attendant, a souvenir tumbler with a fountain soda and an exclusive souvenir gift from GSMR. These First Class Cars are climate controlled with restrooms available. Age 21 and over only.

Afterwards, spend time at the Smoky Mountain Train Museum, with its collection of 7,000 Lionel™ engines, cars and accessories, impressive operating layout, children’s activity center, and gift/toy shop. The vast collection dates back to 1918 and features such classics as the 1934 Blue Comet Passenger set and the more recent Joshua Lionel Cowen Challenger steam locomotives. The kid in you - and the kids - can push buttons and operate the trains and over 20 accessory items. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates year round, offering a variety of schedules.

Have you ever dreamed of playing with toy trains on a huge layout with many trains running at the same time, people playing and working, a waterfall taller than you, loud whistles, flashing lights, dark tunnels and big bridges? Well, now is your chance!!

Come see the museum at Smoky Mountain Trains – you will find..

- A train layout almost as big as a basketball half court
- A scavenger hunt challenging you to find over 30 items and scenes on the layout
- Over 2,500 Lionel ™ trains on display, many older than your parents
- A store with all of your favorite train toys, books and videos

Check out also the Tuckasegee River Excursion