While North Carolina’s history is deeply rooted in the railway industry, including many cities that were once thriving railroad hubs, today we usually navigate our gorgeous state by car. Yet, there’s something nostalgic and unique about hopping on board to see the untouched wilderness throughout our state. These epic day train trips in North Carolina will get you from point A to point B in an unforgettable fashion.

1. Tuckasegee River Excursion
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad/Facebook
Through the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the Tuckasegee River Excursion takes you along gorgeous WNC countryside. The four-and-a-half-hour journey departs in Bryson City. The gorgeous sweeping countryside with mountains in the distance is truly incredible. You'll pass under the Cowee Tunnel and even the set where the movie Fugitive was filmed. The train makes a pit stop in Dillsboro for an hour - plenty of time to explore shops and grab a bite to eat.
2. Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Grand Smoky Mountains Railroad
Also offered through Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, the four-and-a-half-hour ride takes you along the Nantahala River. Appalachian tales and folklore are told as you dip through mountains and venture along Fontana Lake. The train makes a pit stop at Nantahala Outdoor Center where you can enjoy the amazing scenery and adventures.

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3. Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Facebook / Tweetsie Railroad
Since 1957, Tweetsie Railroad has been a beloved destination for many. This western-style, family-owned theme park is a great destination for all ages to enjoy. The historic engine No. 12 will flood you with childhood memories and nostalgia.
4. Triangle's Train: New Hope Valley Railway
New Hope Valley Railway, 3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC 27562, USA
Facebook / Triangle's Train : New Hope Valley Railway
Run completely by volunteers, New Hope Valley lets you hop on board while learning about North Carolina's locomotive history. Located in historic Bonsal, trains operate on Saturday mornings starting in the spring and running through summer. During the holidays there are also themed train rides. Learn more about the trips this railroad offers on its official website.
5. N.C Transportation Museum
N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer, NC 28159, USA
Facebook / N.C Transportation Museum
The N.C Transportation Museum is a hands-on history lesson of everything that gets us around North Carolina. The train rides offered are 25 minutes long and cruise you through the 60-acre site, complete with onboard narration. History buffs will love the experience of the antique diesel engine. Throughout the year, there are also specialty train rides (like the popular Thomas the Train) and also unique trains that visit the museum. These rides usually sell out quite quickly. Stay up to date by checking the official website to make sure you get your tickets to hop on board!

How fun is this? The best part is that many train day trips in North Carolina offer so much more than just a ride; you’ll be learning about history, seeing beautiful places, and creating lasting memories. Have you done any of these train trips – or plan to now? Let us know in the comments below! And for another totally memorable day trip, you have to visit the hidden castles in North Carolina – these sites are total hidden gems, and so much fun to explore!

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Day Train Trips In North Carolina

Kim Magaraci | February 18, 2021

What are the coolest attractions in North Carolina?

  • If you love history, you've got to plan a visit to the living history farm at Latta Plantation. You'll learn so much about 19th-century life!
  • If you're looking for a fun outing for kids, head to Discovery Zone or SciWorks, where there are so many interactive things to do that kids won't even realize how much they're learning. SciWorks even has a beautiful planetarium.
  • For a unique day trip, head to Sand Dollar Island off the coast of Morehead City and collect a few sand dollars to bring home.

What underrated places in North Carolina should I visit?

  • White Lake is an amazing spot to stop by in the summer, and you might even have it all to yourself! This spot near Elizabethtown often gets overlooked in favor of the larger coastal beaches.
  • If you love the Blue Ridge Parkway, take a drive through the 18 miles of Cherohala Skyway that make their way through our state. It offers views that you'll never forget!
  • When you're on the hunt for something truly unique, though, it's hard to top the Winston-Salem Clamshell. Inside, you'll learn the history of a project that never quite lived up to the expectations and you can enjoy a weird bit of history that not many people have noticed.

What are the best outdoor activities in North Carolina?

For outdoor fun, you can head to the beach, or to the mountains!

  • It's hard to top a hike through Jockeys Ridge State Park, where the dunes seem to stretch on forever. In the mountains, hike Grandfather Mountain to find the most remarkable views in the state.
  • If you prefer a more relaxing adventure, take a dune buggy or 4x4 out to see the wild horses of Corolla, or enjoy a day at the enormous North Carolina Zoo.

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