Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Bryson City, North Carolina · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesExcursions on scheduled dates most of the year; The Polar Express Nov. 6, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad carries passengers from historic Bryson City over 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, into river gorges and along Fontana Lake to places no road reaches.

  • 53 miles of mountain track
  • Two tunnels and 25 bridges
  • Steam excursions behind No. 1702
  • 44-mile Nantahala Gorge trip
  • 836-foot Cowee Tunnel
  • Lionel museum entry with most tickets

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad at a glance

Hours
Departures on scheduled dates; see the railroad's excursion calendar
Admission
As of October 2026: Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River trips from $63.72, Steam Only from $74.52, The Polar Express from $33.52
Train rides
Round-trip steam and diesel excursions from Bryson City, 3.5 hours to a full day
Seasonal events
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Day Out With Thomas, Spirits on the Rail, Carolina Moonshine Experience, Freedom Train, Sunset Excursions, Uncorked
Plan for
Half a day to a full day
Best for
Scenery lovers, families and steam fans
Best ages
Ages 3 and up; Thomas and Polar Express for toddlers
Parking
Complimentary parking for tour buses; ask about event parking when you book

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Great Smoky Mountains Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Bryson City.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Riding the old Murphy Branch into the Smokies

The railroad runs on the former Southern Railway Murphy Branch, a line built in the 1880s to connect isolated Appalachian towns. Early in the twentieth century the railway played a major part in how this corner of North Carolina developed, carrying people and goods through mountains that roads and flood control projects only later opened to commerce and tourism.

Today the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates 53 miles of that track, with two tunnels and 25 bridges, and every excursion is a round trip from the historic depot in Bryson City, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Old depots also stand in Dillsboro, a village of shops and crafts, and in the valley town of Andrews, though neither has regular departures now.

The railroad is part of the American Heritage Railways family. Its steam program, branded the official Steam of the Smokies, runs behind locomotive No. 1702, while diesel locomotives pull the other trips. Over the years the line has added themed trains for every kind of rider, from Day Out With Thomas for preschoolers to moonshine and wine tastings for adults, and The Polar Express has become one of the region's big holiday traditions.

Gorges, lakes, trestles and a tunnel with a story

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a 4.5-hour, 44-mile round trip that follows the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, crosses Fontana Lake and climbs into the gorge, with a one-hour layover where you can watch paddlers in the rapids. The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a four-hour, 32-mile round trip east through Whittier and Wilmot, through the 836-foot Cowee Tunnel and past the wreck set from The Fugitive, with a layover of an hour and 20 minutes in Dillsboro and its more than fifty shops and restaurants.

Seating ranges from open-air gondolas to coach, Crown and climate-controlled First Class cars with picture windows, table service and a dedicated attendant. Along the way, watch for dogwood and mountain laurel in spring, rhododendron in summer and blazing color in fall. Back in Bryson City, most tickets include entry to Smoky Mountain Trains, which the railroad calls one of the country's top Lionel train museums.

Don’t miss

  1. Steam locomotive No. 1702The railroad's steam engine pulls the Steam Only trips, the choice for rail fans who want the smoke and whistle of the Steam of the Smokies.
  2. Fontana Lake crossingThe Nantahala Gorge trip crosses the lake on its way into the gorge, one of the views you cannot get by car.
  3. Cowee TunnelThe 836-foot tunnel on the Tuckasegee trip is said to be haunted, which kids tend to love.
  4. The Fugitive wreck setThe Tuckasegee River Excursion passes the famous movie set from the Harrison Ford film.
  5. Smoky Mountain TrainsEntry to this Lionel train museum is included with most ticket purchases, a good stop before or after your ride.

Thomas, The Polar Express and an open-air gondola

For young children, Day Out With Thomas pairs a real ride with Thomas the Tank Engine with music and family activities at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, and The Polar Express is a 1.25-hour round trip with cocoa, treats, a book reading, sing-alongs and a silver sleigh bell from Santa. Both are shorter than the regular excursions, which run four hours or more, so they suit toddlers best.

Older kids may enjoy the open-air gondola cars, the Cowee Tunnel and the movie wreck, or a combination trip like the KidZip Train. On select spring and summer dates, First Class seating is open to families with children; otherwise First Class is for adults 21 and over.

Plan your visit: tips for Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

  • Book special event trains early; they sell quickly.
  • Pre-order a box lunch if you ride in Crown, Coach or Gondola.
  • Groups should arrive an hour early; the conductor calls All Aboard about 30 minutes before departure.
  • Bring your ticket to Smoky Mountain Trains, since entry is included with most purchases.
  • Groups of 20 or more get discounts on most trips with advance purchase.

The Polar Express runs from Bryson City from November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027, a 1.25-hour trip to the North Pole with music, cocoa, treats and a reading of the book, and Santa gives each child a silver bell. Tickets go on sale well ahead, and popular times fill early. See our guide to Christmas train rides in North Carolina for other holiday trains around the state.

A heritage railroad in a mountain town

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a member of the American Heritage Railways family, with reservations and group sales staff in Bryson City and train crews who keep its steam and diesel locomotives running on the mountain line. Riders support it by booking excursions, giving gift cards, and staying in Bryson City through the railroad's local lodging packages.

Other mountain railroads within reach

The Dollywood Express in Pigeon Forge is about 24 miles away as the crow flies, and Knoxville's Three Rivers Rambler is about 44 miles. On the North Carolina side, the Craggy Mountain Line near Asheville is about 50 miles east. For more, see North Carolina's train museums and rides.

Every train museum in North Carolina

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The Tuckasegee trip runs through Cowee Tunnel, 836 feet of dark before the mountains come back. That is my favorite part of our book: the train slips into a tunnel, everything goes black, and then comes a big bright light and happy cheers. My kids, who are learning to read, always shout that page. If yours want a tunnel picture to color, our coloring pages have one waiting.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where does the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depart from?

Every excursion is a round trip from the historic Bryson City depot in western North Carolina. The railroad lists its address as 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713, and its group pages describe the depot on Everett Street, so follow your ticket confirmation. Call 1-800-872-4681 if you have questions about where to go.

How much are Great Smoky Mountains Railroad tickets?

As of October 2026, the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River excursions start at $63.72, Steam Only trips at $74.52, Sunset Excursions at $74.92 and The Polar Express at $33.52. Premium trips such as Spirits on the Rail and the Moonshine Experience cost more. Prices vary by seat class, so check the tickets page.

Are there Great Smoky Mountains Railroad discount tickets or promo codes?

The railroad offers discount pricing for groups of 20 or more on most excursions with advance purchase. It does not post public promo codes or coupon codes on its site, so be wary of unofficial offers. Subscribe to its newsletter for news, and call 1-800-872-4681, option 2, about group rates.

What is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad schedule for 2026?

For 2026, the Nantahala Gorge trip runs April 3 to October 31, Steam Only trips May 22 to December 31, and the Tuckasegee River trip on select dates through March 31. The Polar Express runs November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Departure times are on the railroad's full schedule page.

What are the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad hours?

The railroad runs on a departure schedule rather than set opening hours, so check the calendar for each excursion's boarding time. Reservations are handled by phone at 1-800-872-4681, option 1. Plan to arrive well before departure, since the conductor calls All Aboard about 30 minutes ahead.

How long is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train ride?

Trips range from about 3.5 hours to a full day. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is a 4.5-hour, 44-mile round trip with a one-hour layover, and the Tuckasegee River Excursion is a four-hour, 32-mile round trip with a layover of an hour and 20 minutes in Dillsboro. The Polar Express lasts about 1.25 hours.

What is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion?

It is the railroad's signature trip: a 4.5-hour round trip from Bryson City that travels 44 miles along the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, across Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. A one-hour layover at the gorge lets you stretch your legs and watch paddlers on the river before heading back.

What is the Tuckasegee River Excursion?

This four-hour, 32-mile round trip follows the line east from Bryson City through Whittier and Wilmot, through the 836-foot Cowee Tunnel and past the movie set from The Fugitive, to Dillsboro. You get an hour and 20 minutes there for shops, restaurants and a brewery before riding back.

Does the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad run steam trains?

Yes. Steam Only excursions run behind locomotive No. 1702, branded as the official Steam of the Smokies, from May 22 to December 31 in 2026, starting at $74.52 as of October 2026. Other trips are pulled by diesel locomotives, so pick a Steam Only date if steam matters to you.

When is The Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride runs from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027, with tickets starting at $33.52 as of October 2026. The 1.25-hour round trip to the North Pole includes music, cocoa, treats, a book reading and sing-alongs, and Santa gives each child a silver bell. Reserve early for the best dates.

Is there a Christmas train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?

Yes, The Polar Express is the railroad's Christmas train, running through the holiday season from Bryson City. Steam Only excursions also continue through December 31 in 2026 for families who want a longer scenic winter ride. Check the full calendar for holiday dates and book early.

What upcoming events does the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad have?

As of October 2026, the Moonshine Experience runs through October 31, the Nantahala Gorge trip through October 31, and The Polar Express from November 6. Other recurring events include Day Out With Thomas in summer, Spirits on the Rail, Sunset Excursions, the July 4 Freedom Train and the Uncorked wine trip. Check the tickets page for dates.

What is the Smoky Mountain Trains museum near the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?

Smoky Mountain Trains is a Lionel train museum in Bryson City that the railroad calls one of the country's top Lionel museums. Entry is included with most Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ticket purchases, so it makes an easy add-on before or after your ride. Ask about it when you pick up tickets.

Is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad good for kids?

Yes, especially the shorter themed trains. Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express are built for young children, while regular excursions run four hours or more and suit older kids better. Open-air gondola cars, the Cowee Tunnel and the movie wreck keep kids interested, and First Class is open to families on select dates.

What seating classes does the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offer?

Options include open-air Gondola, Coach, Crown and First Class. First Class cars are climate controlled with cushioned dining chairs, tables, large windows, a dedicated attendant, a meal and a souvenir tumbler, and are generally for guests 21 and over. Crown, Coach and Gondola riders can pre-purchase a box lunch.

Does the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offer group tickets?

Yes. Groups of 20 or more get discount pricing on most excursions with advance purchase, and tour buses get free parking plus a seat on the train for the driver. Groups should arrive an hour before departure. Call group sales at 1-800-872-4681, option 2, or use the group contact form.

What is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad phone number?

Call 1-800-872-4681. Choose option 1 for reservations and option 2 for group sales of 20 or more. The railroad does not list a general email address on its main pages, so phone is the quickest way to ask about schedules, tickets and accessibility.

Can you combine a train ride with rafting or zip lining?

Yes. The railroad sells combination trips such as Raft n' Rail, Rail n' Trail with a Waterfall Jeep tour, the Tarzan Train and the KidZip Train, each with separate adult and child pricing. Rail n' Trail starts with about a two-hour ride over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. Details are on the tickets page.

Are there jobs at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?

The railroad does not post job listings on its main visitor pages. If you are interested in working on the trains, in the depot or in group sales, call 1-800-872-4681 or message the railroad through its Facebook page to ask about current openings and seasonal hiring.

What train rides are near the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?

The Dollywood Express in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is about 24 miles away as the crow flies, the Three Rivers Rambler in Knoxville about 44 miles, and the Craggy Mountain Line near Asheville about 50 miles. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia is about 63 miles away.

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Kelsey Cecil
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