Top 5 Scenic Smoky Mountain Train Tours You Must Experience
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains, look no further than a scenic train tour. These delightful journeys offer stunning views, rich history, and an unforgettable adventure through one of America’s most cherished landscapes. In this article, we’ll introduce you to five must-experience smoky mountain train tours that promise to captivate your senses and create lasting memories.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is arguably the most iconic train journey in the region. Departing from Bryson City, North Carolina, this scenic ride takes you on a 32-mile round trip through lush valleys and alongside picturesque rivers. Passengers can choose between several themed excursions throughout the year, including seasonal rides that feature fall foliage or holiday-themed events with Santa Claus himself. Don’t miss out on their special ‘Tuckasegee River’ route where you can witness breathtaking views of waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
Dollywood Express
For those visiting Pigeon Forge, the Dollywood Express offers a delightful blend of amusement and nostalgia. This steam engine train takes guests on a 20-minute ride through the beautiful foothills surrounding Dollywood theme park. Not only will you enjoy scenic landscapes dotted with wildflowers and towering trees, but there’s also live entertainment aboard. The conductor shares stories from the past while passengers sit back in vintage coaches inspired by early 20th-century rail travel.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Located just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum provides an exhilarating experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Offering various excursion trains throughout the year, including round trips along their Hiwassee River Gorge route, guests can marvel at stunning river views and lush mountain terrain while learning about railroading history from knowledgeable guides onboard.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
A little further east lies the charming Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia. This tour features a relaxing journey along the Toccoa River through enchanting forests with ample opportunities for wildlife viewing—so keep your eyes peeled. The round-trip ride takes approximately four hours with an hour-long stopover in McCaysville/Copperhill where passengers can stretch their legs or shop at local boutiques.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Though not strictly within Smoky Mountain boundaries but certainly worth mentioning is Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad which traverses beautiful Colorado scenery close enough for an adventurous road trip. As America’s highest narrow-gauge railroad offering spectacular vistas of mountains up to 10,015 feet high—this destination guarantees awe-inspiring landscapes as well as fascinating insights into historical mining towns along its route.
Each of these smoky mountain train tours offers something unique—from historical insights to breathtaking scenery—making them perfect outings for families or anyone seeking adventure among nature’s wonders. So hop aboard one (or all) of these remarkable rides to create unforgettable memories amidst stunning mountains.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
