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. Mitchell is absolutely stunning; it’s the highest peak East of the Mississippi, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. 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. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad (GMSR) and Tweetsie Railroad are top tourist destinations which attract riders from around the country. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad owns and operates the line from Dillsboro to Andrews in North Carolina. Wild West theme park located in the NC Mountains featuring a 3-mile train adventure behind a historic steam train, live entertainment, amusement rides, gold panning, and a petting zoo. Menu NCByTrain ... group travel rates and reduced fares for multi-ride tickets. In Bryson City, you’ll find its museum that has numerous exhibits of everything transportation related. One of the most historical train rides with some of the best scenic views in the United States is a short 90 minute drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Travel back in time. Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power! Based in Blue Ridge in the state of Georgia, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has a route that departs from Blue Ridge, passes through the North Carolina borders, and has stops in McCaysville, Georgia, Copperhill, and Tennessee. Thank you! Great Smoky Mountains Railroad USA Today: “Top 10 American Train Rides” Oprah Magazine: “12 Most Scenic Train Rides in the US” Based in Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates rail excursions with on board dining through our remote corner of North Carolina, traveling through tunnels, across rivers and lakes, through mountain valleys and into a deep river gorge. About This Trip; Itinerary Of course, when you start your journey outside of Robbinsville, take time to stop at the overlook above Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. It is a 3.5-mile (5.63-kilometer) section of railroad in Woodfin, a small town in North Carolina. The ride only runs select times during the year. It is also home to numerous waterfalls, lakes, streams, and more. United States ; North Carolina (NC) North Carolina Mountains ; Bryson City ; Bryson City - Things to Do ; Great Smoky Mountains Railroad; Search. This promotional code cannot be used with any other discount offer, including World Nomads Members’ discount for travel insurance policy holders. The train ride will be decorated for the season and each rider will receive a candy cane. One of the more unique scenic train rides in North Carolina can be found at the Charlotte Trolley which tells the history of Charlotte's former interurban operations. Website: NC Department of Transportation- Rail Division. Have you experienced any of these train rides in North Carolina? Lissandra Melo / Shutterstock.com. We ride to the end of the line and back 3.5 miles, a 7 mile round trip. Don’t forget to take pictures of the scenic attractions on your way to your destination. Juice and cookies will be served, and there will be caroling. The railway also hosts seasonal events like Halloween and Santa Trains. North Carolina Scenic Train Rides And Museums For 2020. The 3.5-mile section of railroad in the small town of Woodfin (near Weaverville) has been preserved by a hard-working group of volunteers. As you can see from the information presented here, there are a number of quality trains rides in NC to choose from. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad -Bryson City, NC to Nantahala Gorge. Subscribe to Triangle on the Cheap. Charlotte Trolley. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train excursions through the North Carolina mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, across valleys and through tunnels. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad owns and operates the line from Dillsboro to Andrews in North Carolina. Here’s what to … You can also opt to ride the climate controlled and open-air rail cars as well as the closed coach premier car service for travelers at the age of 18 up. Train Rides on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Click on this page to see what time works for you to come to one of our special event train rides such as BBQ ’n’ Brews, Moonshine Experience, and Railroad Reserve! April through October Regularly Scheduled Trolley Rides: $12 Every Saturday, open car trolley rides take place at 4 o’clock. 877-472-1681. jamotta wrote a review Yesterday. The train lines that wind through the hills, valleys, and mountains of North Carolina are among the most beautiful ways to travel through the state. Find their latest expeditions on their website, Tweetsie Railroad is a family owned and operated Wild West Theme Park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. ADMISSION + TRAIN RIDE Adults: $12 Seniors/Military: $10 Children 3-12: $8 Children 2 and under: FREE TRAIN RIDE SCHEDULE Saturday: 10, 11am, 1pm Sales tax and fees apply TURNTABLE RIDES $1/person ages 3+ Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. As you travel, you’ll see the magnificent sceneries of the countryside, forest, and the river as you cross the Yadkin River, which is the longest river in North Carolina. Spencer, NC 28159 (45 miles from Charlotte) Saturdays and Sundays from November 21st to December 20th 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, and $10 for kids age 3-12 704-636-2889. Email. History buffs will love the experience of the antique diesel engine. Stay up to date with them on social media to make sure you get your tickets to hop on board! Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Great … Selma, NC. A non-profit organization formed in 2001 to obtain the last three miles (4.8 km) of the Craggy Mountain line, this historic railroad is now up, functioning, and open to the public. 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. Riding these railways offers visitors the opportunity to be transported back to the peak time of the train, when millions of people depended on them to move across the country. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com. Is there anything we could have done to help you? DEALS & PROMOTIONS Amtrak travel deals, promotions and other partner offers. The train ride will be decorated for the season … A State in the US, North Carolina is one beautiful place to have your vacation for its laid-back vibe and country feel. For more information on rides offered through Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, read our guide here. Operating through the, Just thirty minutes outside of Raleigh, you can have an authentic historic experience aboard this open-air train. The train ride will be decorated for the season and each rider will receive a candy cane. Mainly serving the Port of Wilmington, Wilmington Terminal Railroad is a short line railroad that started operating in 1986. We knew about it for years and finally decided to go on the train ride. Karen Proctor Executive Director. See the depot that was the unsurpassed "place to be" in town, especially when the train brought the mail. The Rail Division of NC Department of Transportation is in charge of the six Amtrak trains that serve both passenger and freight. Its main attraction is the 3.5 mi (5.63 km) train ride that is being dragged by two historic steam engines. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is not just a freight train but also serves as a heritage to North Carolina. During the train ride, you’ll see many beautiful sceneries like rolling hills, mountains, rivers, and the countryside. Sample One-Way Fares. Also, when you depart from Bryson City, you’ll be seeing the popular train wreckage used in the movie, The Fugitive. There are many things to do and see here, including swimming in its pristine beaches and going nature trekking at its many trails. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. *For our Canadian and US travellers, unfortunately due to financial services laws, we cannot provide a discount. This safe family event will allow for social distancing and train rides are limited to 30% capacity, with one-way movement through passenger cars. Love North Carolina? The ride lasts about an hour and 15 minutes with a short layover at…. NC By Train. Do something unique and take the kids on the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express! Thanks for stopping by! One of the most historical train rides with some of the best scenic views in the United States is a short 90 minute drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She enjoys writing, photography, filmmaking, travel, wine and cheese. The train will also pass many beautiful sceneries like the countryside, mountains, forest, and the old bridge at Elkin, North Carolina. Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad! Visitors enjoy the rides along the Craggy Mountain Line through the countryside and all the events the organization holds each year during holidays and other times. See our full list of recommended Hotels in North Carolina, US and also compare the prices with Vacation Rentals in North Carolina, US. If you’re going here for a true nature adventure, then you’ll be in for a surprise of a lifetime, with its many landscapes and beaches. In American history trains have played an important role. 3,278 Reviews #6 of 26 things to do in Bryson City. You can now ride the historic trains as well as the trolleys and see many beautiful nature sceneries along the way. You’ll surely have lots of fun and memorable time swimming at the beach and exploring the many forests. View Guide Online. Take A Train Ride At The South Carolina Railroad Museum For A Unique And Exciting Outing. Some rides are … The North Carolina Railway Museum is a private, educational, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing North Carolina’s railroad history. This is perhaps the most unique passenger train in the state! You’ll see the countryside, stunning Toccoa River, rolling hills, and more. North Carolina Transportation Museum What are the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina? We are located in the heart of Bryson City, NC at 45 Mitchell Street, just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We also love the drive along the Cherohala Skyway. 226 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713-6405. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate. On a timetable or just want to plan ahead? History buffs will love the experience of the antique diesel engine. All reviews open air first class nantahala gorge train ride steam engine crown class the polar express pulled pork open car dining car tote bag switch sides return trip carolina shine moonshine experience soft drinks the nantahala outdoor center hour layover north pole silver meteor nice ride pot roast. You are reading "5 Best North Carolina Train Trips & Railway Museums" Back to Top One of the best parts about Tweetsie is hopping aboard the train and twisting and turning through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Does North Carolina have any railroad museums? The trolley operates on the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, and current has two cars operational. Enjoy time out of the house in a safe way with train rides at the N.C. Transportation Museum. 2020 Spring, Summer & Fall Rides. NC By Train. A 317-mile railroad owned by the state which extends to Morehead City and ends in Charlotte, the North Carolina Railroad carries more or less 70 freight trains and eight passenger trains a day. This railway caters to more or less 18 industries that largely deal with forest and agricultural products. Open today: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. You will be passing through the beautiful countryside, forest, and rolling mountains on the way to your destination, so make sure to stay awake during this short train ride. Menu NCByTrain ... Station attendant is on duty one hour before train arrivals until 30 minutes after departures. Scenic Train Rides In NC At A Glance. North Carolina has some seriously beautiful overlooks where visitors can take in all those quintessential Carolina views. Take a train ride along side the beautiful Nantahala River on our Nantahala Gorge Excursion! Museum of Life + Science is not hosting Santa Train this year, but is hosting Holidays in the Park, which includes a train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway, passing colorful light displays along the way. Ask fellow travellers and travel experts here. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some family fun, browse the exhibits, visit the museum’s Gift Station, and enjoy a 25-minute train ride around the State Historic Site. Much of South Carolina’s expansion and growth in the 1800s can be attributed to the development of the railways in the Palmetto State. Moonshine Train Ride - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. A short line railroad, the Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railway extends from Aberdeen up to Star, North Carolina. It has a route of 317 mi (510.16 km) that starts in Charlotte and passes through the cities of Salisbury, Lexington, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, Raleigh, Goldsboro, and finally ends at Morehead City. Piedmont Crescent Silver Meteor/Palmetto Silver Star Carolinian. Tweetsie Railroad is a family owned and operated Wild West Theme Park in Western, NC. Website: Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company. The hour-long rides on the open-air trains start at 10 a.m. each day. Experience the landscape in motion when you take a train ride in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful state, check out our list of the top scenic train rides in North Carolina, and have a happy trip ahead. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. 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