Board These 6 Trains In North Carolina For A Memorable Experience
In North Carolina, taking the ‘scenic route’ is always the best option. Between North Carolina’s picturesque mountains, rolling hills and valleys, and babbling streams and rivers, the best way to enjoy the views is to go the old-fashioned route — and take a train. No matter the season, these six train rides in North Carolina will leave you in awe of the unparalleled beauty of the Tar Heel State.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Offered through Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, the Nantahala Excursion departs from Bryson City. For four and a half hours, you'll ride along the beautiful Nantahala River, hear Appalachian tales, and venture across Fontana Lake. After all the excitement, you'll be able to relax at the Nantahala Outdoor Center during an hour layover.
Also offered through the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is the Tuckasegee River Excursion. You'll depart from Bryson City, and on your four-and-a-half hour journey, you'll travel through beautiful North Carolina countryside, roll through the Cowee Tunnel, and even pass by The Fugitive movie set. The ride stops in historic Dillsboro for about an hour, where you'll be able to explore shops, find goodies, and grab a bite to eat.
Traveling along the Great Smoky Railroad's Nantahala Gorge Excursion, this train ride is for adults only. Situated in a first class cabin car, guests are served the triple-distilled Midnight Moon moonshine. It's not just tasty beverages, but truly interesting history lessons you'll get as well. Learn about the thriving economy of bootlegging in Appalachia, and read about Swain County's Major Redmond, one of the most famous moonshine outlaws of the 19th century. The ride only runs select times during the year. Get your tickets here.
When fall rolls around, visiting a local pumpkin patch is a must. Do something unique and take the kids on the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express! Operating through the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, children and families will love the fun-filled events of this experience, which includes hearing the narration of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" while riding on the train. Once you reach your destination, kids can take a picture with Charlie, Lucy, and Snoopy, then find the perfect pumpkin for the front porch. This family-friendly expedition also includes other fun activities like campfire marshmallows, bouncy house, hayrides, and trick or treating.
Just thirty minutes outside of Raleigh, you can have an authentic historic experience aboard this open-air train. The New Hope Valley Railway offers excursion rides on vintage equipment at the North Carolina Railway Museum. The railway also hosts seasonal events like Halloween and Santa Trains. After your ride, be sure to stop by the North Carolina Railway Museum. Find their latest expeditions on their website here.
Tweetsie Railroad is a family owned and operated Wild West Theme Park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This is perhaps the most unique passenger train in the state! Read more at their website here.
Have you experienced any of these train rides in North Carolina? Tell us about your expedition in the comments! And for a more in-depth look at the wonder that is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, click here.
Address: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: 3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC 27562, USA
Address: Tweetsie Railroad Ln, North Carolina 28605, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Train Rides in North Carolina
January 20, 2021
Sarah
What are the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina?
North Carolina has some seriously beautiful overlooks where visitors can take in all those quintessential Carolina views. Mt. Mitchell is absolutely stunning; it’s the highest peak East of the Mississippi, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. Hanging Rock State Park is also particularly beautiful, but if you’re wary of heights, this overlook’s steep drop-off might leave you feeling some major vertigo!
What are some beautiful road trips in North Carolina?
Every North Carolinian knows the Blue Ridge Parkway as ‘the’ drive through the Carolinas. From straddling you over mountainous peaks to weaving you through some of the best natural scenery the state has to offer, Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the best views in the state. We also love the drive along the Cherohala Skyway. This entire drive is a scenic experience in and of itself, but some must-stop by destinations include Little Huckleberry Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top and John’s Knob — which are also some of the oldest mountains in the Appalachian range. Of course, when you start your journey outside of Robbinsville, take time to stop at the overlook above Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
Does North Carolina have any railroad museums?
Locomotive lovers of all ages will totally geek out at the N.C Transportation Museum, a hands-on history lesson of everything that gets us from point A to point B. 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 trains that visit the museum. Stay up to date with them on social media to make sure you get your tickets to hop on board!
Address: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Address: 3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC 27562, USA
Address: Tweetsie Railroad Ln, North Carolina 28605, USA
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