Great Smoky Mountain Railroads Fall Train Rides
The Joys of Great Smoky Mountain
Railroad in the Fall Season
One of the most unique
offerings in the Bryson City area of the Smokies is the Great Smoky Mountain
Railroad. While there are many events
and excursions offered throughout the year by the train, the fall offers some
of the most spectacular special events.
When visiting Bryson City, we would highly suggest staying in Bryson
City Cabin Rentals and riding the Great Smoky Mountain
Railroad to make the most out of
your trip!
The following are the top
recommended train rides during the fall season.
It is very advisable to book your cabin accommodations and train tickets
early in the year, as this is western North Carolinas prime vacation
season. It IS worth the hype, so do not
miss out on your chance of a lifetime to take in the breathtaking sights of
Bryson City.
The Nantahala Gorge Excursion
This excursion, which
departs from Bryson City, takes you and the family on a 44 mile trip that lasts
about 4.5 hours. Along the way, you will enjoy gorgeous views of the Tennessee
and Nantahala Rivers. You will get to cross the Trellis Bridge over Fontana
Lake. Enjoy the one hour stop at Nantahala Outdoor Center, where you will be
able to enjoy time on the river, eat a picnic lunch, and tour the scenic area.
Along the way on this excursion, you will enjoy stories about the Appalachian
area and bluegrass music from local performers.
The Tuckasegee River Excursion
This trip also departs from
Bryson City and travels to Dillsboro before looping back. This excursion lasts
about 4 hours including a 1.5 hour stop in Dillsboro where you can enjoy shops,
dining establishments, and more in the historic town. Along the way on this
train ride, you will pass the set of the Harrison Ford movie, the Fugitive.
Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express
During the month of October,
the Great Smoky Mountain Railway turns into a trip to the pumpkin patch with
the whole Peanuts gang. During the train ride, children enjoy hearing a reading
of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
Once the train arrives at the Great Pumpkin Patch there will be a meet
and greet with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy.
Bring your cameras, but you will be able to take many pictures. You and your family will have a 1.5 hours to
enjoy the many activities other than picking out their own pumpkin including:
campfire marshmallows, trick or treating, hayrides, bouncing in a bouncy house,
and live music. Kids are welcome to wear
their Halloween costumes.
The Polar Express
Although it is not a fall
excursion, this is a must mention in the fall because you should secure your
tickets to this magical event (at latest) during the fall season. During the Christmas Season, the Polar
Express is a 1.5 hour trip that takes children to the "North Pole. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, Christmas caroling,
a narrative of The Polar Express, Santa Clause and more. Detailed write-up to come, but do not
hesitate, this is the trains most popular event so secure your cabin with
Bryson City Cabin Rentals and the Polar Express before both are booked solid!
Photo Credits as Follows:
-Fall train photo #1 - Courtesy of Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
-Fall train photo #2 - by J.R vanLienden
-Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express photo - Courtesy of Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
-Polar Express photos - by Charles Snodgrass
-All photos on this page are courtesy of the Bryson City/Swain County Chamber of Commerce