Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Scenic Train Excursions for the Whole Family
Bryson City, NC, is home to the historic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, an impressive series of locomotives sure to instill a feeling of nostalgia and excite the child at heart with gentle excursions through the Smoky Mountains. The Railroad, equipped with both steam and diesel trains, offers many seasonal and themed adventures, ranging from rides featuring food, wine and spirits tastings, fall foliage journeys, private train car offerings and, of course, the much loved Polar Express, a holiday-themed excursion that spreads joy and magic throughout our mountains. Grab your friends and take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad!
Where Would You Like to Go?
Nantahala Gorge Train Excursion
Take a train ride along side the beautiful Nantahala River on our Nantahala Gorge Excursion! Departing from Bryson City, this 4½ hour roundtrip excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back again arriving at our Bryson City…
Tuckasegee River Train Excursion
Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and…
So Many Ways to Experience Railroading!
Grab Your Ticket to Ride: 5 Ways to Experience the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
There is something comforting about hearing the whistle of a locomotive as it churns through the center of town. It brings a sense of…
Train Videos
Experience the various types of excursions on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Train Special Events
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 hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest…
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…
BBQ & Brew with Innovation Brewing
Three 4 oz samplings of locally crafted beer and root beer! Along the ride to the Fontana Trestle passengers will enjoy their samplings and history of the local brewery being featured all while eating a BBQ and Ribs dinner. After crossing…
Fontana Trestle Train Featuring BBQ & Brews
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ pork and chicken, prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Departing from…
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…
More Things To Do
Outdoor Activities
From the towering peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains it’s no wonder Bryson…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bryson City is home to the North Carolina four entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains…
Scenic Drives
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Lakes & Rivers
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Farms & Farmers Markets
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Museums & History
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