Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers unforgettable train excursions through the gorgeous river gorges and mountain valleys of western North Carolina, at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Departing from the historic depot in Bryson City, the railroad travels through the Nantahala Gorge — one of the most scenic river canyons in the southern Appalachians — alongside the rushing Nantahala River. Passengers can choose from open-air gondola cars or climate-controlled coaches, with options including wine and cheese excursions, whitewater combination packages, and the beloved Polar Express holiday trains. The Tuckasegee River excursion winds through classic southern Appalachian farmland and river scenery.