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 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…
So Many Ways to Experience Railroading!
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…
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…
Fontana Trestle Train Featuring BBQ & Brews
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ pork and chicken, prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Departing from Bryson City at 7 pm, these trains will travel…
Smoky Mountain Beer Run
One of the newest events at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is the Smoky Mountain Beer Run! This is a specialty train excursion featuring 3 samples of local craft beer on board and a final sample when we stop for the layover, at…
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
One of the newest events at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is the Smoky Mountain Beer Run! This is a specialty train excursion featuring 3 samples of local craft beer on board and a final sample when we stop for the layover, at…
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
You don’t have to travel far from Bryson City to become immersed in natural…
Lakes & Rivers
Rushing rivers, quaint creeks and a calm, pristine lake can be found throughout…
Farms & Markets
In Bryson City, NC, our abundance of rolling greenspace and rich mountain soil make…
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail winds through Bryson City and Swain County, and can be accessed…
Museums
Explore the deep history and culture of Bryson City, Western North Carolina and the…
Health & Wellness
Our rejuvenating health and wellness spas and packages are the keys to achieving true…
Arts & Entertainment
Immerse yourself in Bryson City, NC’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene…