This Unique Raft And Rail Experience In North Carolina Belongs On Your Bucket List

The ultimate day trip in the Tar Heel State combines two incredible activities into one day of big fun for the family. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Raft and Rail excursion in North Carolina has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for more than 30 years. And if you've never booked this combo tour with the railroad, then you're about to see why it's so popular.

This day-long excursion leaves in the morning hours from the depot in downtown Bryson City.

You'll be met at the depot by representative of Wildwater, the company providing the rafting trip.

From the depot, you'll depart on a several hour journey into the Nantahala Gorge.

Enjoy the scenery along the way from an open-air car on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Travel right alongside the Nantahala River, a beautiful, rocky-bottom river with whitecaps you'll soon be rolling over in a raft of your own.

You may even get to see other rafting trips already on the river as you pass, making your way to the adventure center for the rafting trip.

The train stops right in front of the adventure center, where the second half of your day trip is about to begin.

Scarf down a delicious deli lunch before meeting your river guide (each raft has its own river guide) and getting a quick orientation about what to expect and do on the exciting rafting trip down the river.

This combo rafting and train adventure is open to folks age seven and over. (Other restrictions may apply.)

You're likely to get wet on this part of the trip, but rest assured that a hot shower awaits on your return to the adventure center.

Learn more about the Raft and Rail excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - and then call 800-872-4681 to book your adventure.

Get a jumpstart on the fun by watching this video from the Facebook page of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad:

This Raft and Rail excursion in North Carolina is fun for the whole family (aged seven and above). Add it to your bucket list of must-have adventures in the Tar Heel State!

For another fun day trip on this railroad check out the Tarzan Train where you ride into the wilderness on a train and then explore 13 ziplines and 8 skybridges!