Diesel Powered Train Rides

Explore the Smoky Mountain on the Diesel Train

Bryson City, NC, is home to the historic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, with its diesel locomotives sure to instill a feeling of nostalgia and excite the child at heart with gentle excursions through the Smoky Mountains.Their fleet of locomotives GP9’s , GP7, GP30 and GP38-3 are the backbone of ourthe railroad. Each locomotive has the power to pull their full passenger trains through these beautiful mountains, arriving right on time! Enjoy one of their scenic excursions with one of these bad boys leading the way! For steam-powered train rides, click here.

Diesel Train Schedule and Tickets

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…

Grab Your Ticket to Ride: 6 Ways to Experience the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

All Aboard! There is something comforting about hearing the whistle of a locomotive as it churns through the center of town. It brings a sense of nostalgia for childhood and days past, as the billowing plumes of steam fill the mountain air and people stop to watch it gently pull into the station.

The Bunny Hopper Express

This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot travels through the Smoky Mountains to a picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt. Passengers will be on the lookout…

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…

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…

Railfest

Join us for Railfest, a three-day celebration of railroading heritage in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! We’re kicking off the season with the return of our beloved steam engine, #1702, back on the rails for another year of unforgettable…

Spirits on the Rail

Indulge in a one-of-a-kind journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Western North Carolina as you savor three crafted bourbon cocktails, each perfectly paired with a chef-prepared four-course meal. This is more than a train ride—it’s…