The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Nantahala Gorge Excursion PLUS Smoky Mountain Train Museum - (save up to $58 per person.)
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.
Mar 12-Mar 27 – 11am departures on Fridays and Saturday
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.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