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 Bunny Hopper Express

Take a ride to The Bunny Trail, departing March 29 & 30! This 4.5-hour, round trip, special event train departs from our historic Bryson City Depot at 11am. We invite you to join Conductor Hops and Brakeman Bunny on this scenic…

Uncorked - A Rail and Wine Experience

Passengers will enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride in our First Class cars with a private attendant and plush, well-appointed dining seating. A narrator will accompany the ride to present each pour to guests and share knowledge…

Smoky Mountain Beer Run

Join us for a delightful adults-only specialty train excursion, known as the Smoky Mountain Beer Run! This unique journey offers great music, delicious beer, tasty food, and unforgettable memories. Departing from our Bryson City Depot, the…

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving handcrafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest…

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…