Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

All aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for scenic train excursions from…

All aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for scenic train excursions from the historic depot in Bryson City, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina to various destinations.

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…

How Would You Like to Get There?

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.

So Many Ways to Experience Railroading!

  • 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.

  • 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…

Train Videos

Experience the various types of excursions on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Train Special Events

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…

More Things To Do in Bryson City

Museums

Explore the deep history and culture of Bryson City, Western North Carolina and the…