Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Senic Excursion (Bonus Offer)

Description

With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad showcases the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina like no other tour can. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on-board will a enjoy scenic train journey across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains. Available excursion choices include:

• Nantahala Gorge Excursion: This magnificent 4.5 hour, 44-mile round trip excursion takes passengers west along the Tuckasegee River, over the impressive Fontana Lake Trestle and into the Nantahala Gorge for a one hour layover that lets you explore at your leisure. The vistas are extraordinary!


• Tuckasegee River Excursion: This charming 4 hour, 32-mile round trip excursion travels east along the Tuckasegee River, through the historic Cowee Tunnel, and past The Fugitive filming site. Arrive in the quaint village of Dillsboro for a 1.5 hour layover for shopping and dining.

After the line that the GSMR runs on (the "Murphy Branch") had fallen into disuse, several entities came together to form the Great Smoky Mountains Railway in 1988. It began running excursions with rolling stock purchased from various railroads around the nation. The Dillsboro to Nantahala route was one of the most scenic on the Murphy Branch and the excursion trains caught on right away. Upward of 200,000 passengers enjoy the scenery each year aboard the excursion trains.

This section of Western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes. Dating back to the 1800's and located on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Murphy Branch allowed access to one of the most remote and beautiful places in the world, and now you can ride this same historic and beautiful route. And best of all, if you select the Great Smoky Mountain Railway as your Go Blue Ridge bonus choice, then your ticket is free!

Note:

ONE bonus attraction is included with your Go Blue Ridge Card. Choose from Biltmore, OR Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion.

Go Blue Ridge Card includes a "Standard Seating" ticket (westbound or eastbound departing from historic Bryson City depot). Upgrades in seating are available for a fee. Reservations are recommended. Identify yourself as a Go Blue Ridge Card holder if making an advanced reservation. A credit card will be needed to secure your reservation, but it will not be charged unless you do not show up for the excursion. Be sure to cancel in advance if your plans change to avoid any charges.

Go Blue Ridge Card is not accepted on any Special Event trains or Evening Dining trains. It will, however, be honored for the special Tuckasegee River trains with the Lone Ranger.

Price:

Cost with the card: free

Cost without the card:
Adult (13+): $53.00
Child (3-12): $31.00

Hours:

March-December, Daily. Trains operate year round. Schedules vary by season.

Closed:

Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. All holiday hours are subject to change without notice.

Driving:

Bryson City Depot: Exit 67 off Highway 74.

Please read: important instructions on how to use your card.

Redemption Instructions:

ONE bonus attraction is included with your Go Blue Ridge Card. Choose from Biltmore, OR Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion.

Your ONE bonus choice is valid ONCE per life of the card and must be utilized on one of the days you are using the card (it is not an extra day).

Purchase standard excursion ticket and receive upgrade. Seating upgrade based on availibility.

Reservation Instructions:

Advance reservations are required.

The Go City Card is accepted until 5:30pm unless otherwise noted; during all other times standard admission will apply.