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!

Nantahala Gorge Train Excursion

Take a train ride along side the beautiful Nantahala River on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion! Departing from Bryson City, this 4½ hour roundtrip excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala River Gorge and back again arriving at our…

Tuckasegee River Train Excursion

Enjoy 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 back…

Steam Powered Train

The steam train excursions in Bryson City features the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad #1702 locomotive. There’s nothing like a ride behind steam!

Diesel Powered Train

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains on the diesel powered engine to magnificent destinations, departing from the Bryson City, NC depot.

Smoky Mountain Trains Museum

100 Greenlee St.
(800) 872-4681

Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is more than an ordinary museum. With its collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, and accessories, impressive operating layout, and gift/toy shop, Smoky Mountain Trains has something for everyone.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Private Caboose Party

45 Mitchell St.
(800) 872-4681

Private Caboose Party. Make your visit an unforgettable party on the rails! Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just…

Grab Your Ticket to Ride: 6 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…

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Nantahala Gorge Train Ride

Scenic Train Ride to the Nantahala Gorge

Polar Express Train Ride in the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City NC

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Steam Train on the Fontana Lake Train Trestle Near Bryson City

Steam of the Smokies on the Fontana Trestle

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…

Sunset Tuckasegee River Train

Enjoy a beautiful North Carolina sunset and brilliant fall colors as you travel by rail through the quiet countryside and along the Tuckasegee River to the quaint Town of Dillsboro. You’ll even get a chance to pass by the famous movie set…

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…