Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) is a heritage railway in western North Carolina, carrying visitors on vintage trains through the rugged Great Smoky Mountains region. Based in the small mountain town of Bryson City at a historic 1908 depot, it operates on 53 miles of the former Southern Railway “Murphy Branch” line that was built in the 1880s to connect isolated Appalachian communitiesgsmr.com. This line was an engineering marvel of its era – it climbs to over 3,100 feet at Balsam Gap (once the highest rail elevation in the eastern US) and bores through the 836-foot Cowee Tunnel, which was considered a major feat when constructed. Saved from abandonment in 1988, the railroad has since been preserved as a tourist attraction and now welcomes around 200,000 passengers each year, making it one of America’s most popular scenic railroadsen.wikipedia.org.

Nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest, the route offers an immersion in nature that railfans and travelers adore. The GSMR winds alongside crystal-clear rivers, across fertile valleys, and into deep river gorges that cars cannot reachvisitnc.com. Passengers cross 25 bridges – including a dramatic trestle over Fontana Lake – and pass through two historic tunnels on a journey into remote mountain landscapesromanticasheville.com. Towering hardwood forests envelop the track, displaying lush greenery in summer and brilliant foliage in autumn. For railroad enthusiasts, the GSMR is also a living history exhibit: it preserves not just the rail line but also classic locomotives and coaches from the mid-20th century, including a World War II-era steam engine that still pulls excursion trains today. In short, this railroad combines spectacular Appalachian scenery with rich railway heritage, creating an unforgettable trip back in time.

Summer (June–August): 

Railfans and history buffs will find plenty of reasons to be excited about the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. First and foremost is the historic rolling stock: GSMR’s star locomotive is a restored 2-8-0 steam engine (#1702) built in 1942 for the U.S. Army – an authentic “Steam of the Smokies” experience complete with the whistle echoing off the mountainsides. Watching this iron workhorse in action (or photographing it up close before departure) is a highlight for many visitorsgsmr.com. The railroad also operates vintage diesel locomotives and beautifully preserved 1920s passenger coaches, so every train ride feels like stepping into a bygone era of rail travel.

Beyond the trains themselves, the route is a railfan’s dream. It features dramatic civil engineering landmarks such as the Fontana Lake trestle and the legendary Cowee Tunnel, as well as steep mountain grades and tight curves that showcase classic railroad engineering. The line’s history is palpable at every turn – old signal posts, historic depots, and even a famous movie scene location. (Fans of the film The Fugitive will recognize the wreckage site along the Tuckasegee River excursion, where a train crash scene was filmed and the remains are still visible.) The GSMR also stands out for its themed excursions and special events: from Railfest gatherings of railfans to seasonal rides like the Easter “Bunny Hopper Express” and the immersive Polar Express holiday train, there is always something unique happening on the rails throughout the yearvisitnc.com. Whether you’re into steam power, mountain photography, or just the romance of the rails, this destination offers a rare combination of heritage, scenery, and rail culture that is hard to find elsewhere.

Expect a leisurely, nostalgic journey with plenty of comforts and scenic thrills along the way. Train excursions typically last 4 to 4.5 hours round-trip, departing from the Bryson City depot and traveling at a relaxed pace through the mountains. Depending on the day, your train might be steam-powered or diesel-powered, but either way you’ll ride in historic railcars that have been updated for safety and comfort. You can choose your preferred class of service: 

• Coach Class gives you a seat in an open-window vintage coach from the 1920s (ceiling fans for warm days, heaters for cool days), or you might opt for an 
• Open-Air Gondola car, which has long padded bench seats facing outward for unobstructed panoramic views and that fresh mountain air. 
• Upgraded options include Crown Class, offering cushier seating in a 1920s coach with larger windows, climate control, and a souvenir tumbler to take home. 
• At the top end, First Class passengers ride in luxury lounge or dining cars from the 1940s, with plush seats, air conditioning, a private attendant, and an included meal (plus commemorative glassware) served at your table. 

All trains have a concession car selling snacks, drinks (including local beers or even craft cocktails on special departures), and restrooms are available on boardromanticasheville.com. The staff are known for being friendly and informative, often sharing local history or pointing out photo opportunities. If you require wheelchair access, the railroad can accommodate with a lift-equipped car – just be sure to request assistance ahead of time.

As the journey unfolds, you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery and memorable moments. On the westbound Nantahala Gorge Excursion, the train hugs the banks of the Nantahala River, where you’ll likely exchange waves with kayakers and rafters floating downstreamwanderlog.com. The track crosses a lofty trestle over Fontana Lake’s emerald waters before diving into the deep Nantahala Gorge, a canyon of lush forested slopes. At the turnaround point, the train stops for a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, a riverside adventure hub – you can stretch your legs, watch whitewater rafters, grab a snack or craft beer by the river, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere. 

On the Tuckasegee River Excursion eastbound toward Dillsboro, you’ll roll through quiet rural valleys and small towns, then experience the eerie darkness of Cowee Tunnel (locally rumored to be haunted) as the locomotive’s headlight pierces the XIXth-century tunnel walls. That trip includes a layover in historic Dillsboro, a charming village where you can browse antique shops, cafés, and a local brewery before reboardinggsmr.com. 

Throughout either trip, keep your camera ready: there are dozens of prime photo ops, from horseshoe curves with the engine up front to mountain vistas opening up on the horizon. In autumn, expect entire hillsides to be aflame with orange and red leaves. And if you’re riding behind the steam engine, you’ll relish the sound of the whistle echoing off the ridges and the sight of white steam plumes against the blue sky – a scene straight out of the golden age of railroading. By journey’s end back in Bryson City, you’ll have experienced not just a train ride, but a moving window into the history and natural beauty of the Smokies.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs excursions throughout most of the year. Regular scenic trips typically operate March through October, with daily departures in peak summer months and reduced schedules in spring and late fall. In the winter, the railroad offers special holiday-themed rides (like November–December Polar Express trains) but has a quieter schedule in January–February. Always check the official train schedule online for current timetables and available dates, as they can vary by season and day of week. If you have your heart set on a steam locomotive ride, note that steam excursions usually run on select days (often summer and fall weekends) – look for the “Steam of the Smokies” dates on the calendarromanticasheville.com.

Dress in layers or bring a light jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly (mornings can be cool even in summer, and open gondola cars get breezes). Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes – the train is in motion and can sway, so for safety it’s best not to wear flip-flops or high heels on boardgsmr.com. Don’t forget your camera or binoculars for wildlife and scenery spotting. Outside food isn’t allowed on the train, but you can purchase meals, snacks, and drinks on board or at the layover stopsgsmr.com. If you’re taking one of the combo adventure packages (like the Raft & Rail or Zip Line & Train offered in summer), be sure to bring appropriate gear such as water shoes, a change of clothes, sun protection, etc., as instructed by the tour operator.

If flying in, you can choose from several airports: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is the nearest, but Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) are also within a few hours’ drive. Charlotte and Atlanta’s international airports are larger hubs about 3.5–4 hours away by roadgsmr.com. Renting a car is the most practical option, as public transportation to Bryson City is limited.

From the north (Tennessee side), note that there’s no direct road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Bryson City, so you’ll drive around the park. For example, if you’re coming from Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, expect about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive via either US-441 through Cherokee or the I-40/US-74 route. During peak tourist seasons (July, October, holiday weeks), road traffic can be heavier – plan extra time if you’re driving through popular areas like Cherokee or the national park.

Bryson City is tucked in the far western corner of North Carolina, so most travelers arrive by car. The closest major city is Asheville, NC (about 65 miles east), and from there it’s roughly a 1.5-hour drive on scenic mountain highways. Other convenient gateway cities include Knoxville, TN (2.5 hours’ drive northwest) and Atlanta, GA (about 3.5 to 4 hours south). 

The GSMR departs from downtown Bryson City. The depot and parking area are at 45 Mitchell Street, just two blocks from Bryson City’s main square. There is a large designated parking lot for railroad visitors; on busy days auxiliary parking may be used. Parking is convenient but bring a few dollars in cash as a parking fee is usually required (the lot is managed for the railroad)gsmr.com. If you’re staying in a Bryson City hotel or B&B, you might even walk to the depot, since the town is compact. RV travelers: inquire ahead about oversized vehicle parking, as spaces may be limited.

Once in Bryson City, everything in town is within a short walk or drive. There is no formal public transit or shuttle service, but many local hotels are just minutes away. Rideshare services may be spotty due to the rural area, so a car is recommended if you plan to explore beyond the train. 

Bryson City and surrounding Swain County offer a range of accommodations, from quaint bed-and-breakfast inns and mountain cabins to a few motels and vacation rentals. For a railroad-themed stay, check out the Stonebrook Lodge or other partner hotels featured in GSMR packages. Just 15 minutes up the road, the town of Cherokee (at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park) has additional hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Further afield, the town of Dillsboro/Sylva (30 minutes east, near the Tuckasegee excursion’s end point) provides more dining and lodging options, as does Maggie Valley or Waynesville along Highway 74 toward Asheville.