Rail Adventures

All Aboard For Train Excursions in the Smokies!

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train excursions depart from downtown Bryson City and take passengers on journeys across valleys and through river gorges in the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains region. One of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of Bryson City and Swain County is by taking a train excursion.

These round-trip excursions in the beautiful western North Carolina mountains offers a wide array of ever-changing lake and mountain views, fantastic landscapes and whitewater scenes. Choose a box lunch while onboard the train, or check out the menu selections in the First Class and Premium cars, or visit a restaurant at your stopover destination.

​Looking for an authentic local experience? Try the Uncorked Wine Excursion or the Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience.

Most trains depart in the morning with the round trip excursion lasting approximately 4.5 hours. See the full schedule.​

Special Event Train Excursions

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion that comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North…