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.
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…
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 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. Here in…
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…
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…
More Things To Do in Bryson City
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…
Train Excursions
Bryson City, NC, is home to the historic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, an impressive…
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…
Explore Cherokee
Explore Cherokee North Carolina, home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian…