Nantahala Gorge Train Excursion
Product ID: 110443
Supplied by: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains alongside the beautiful Nantahala River and Fontana Lake on our Nantahala Gorge excursion! Departing from Bryson City, this four-and-a-half-hour roundtrip excursion carries you 44 miles to the stunning Nantahala Gorge and back to our Bryson City depot. Depending on the date and season, ride this excursion via steam or diesel locomotive power.
Highlights
- One hour lay-overNantahala Outdoor Center in the heart of the gorge where you can relax by the river, grab a beer or snack, and enjoy sightseeing!
- 44 mile ride to witness the gorge you can only see from the tracks
- Experiencing a ride on a train that dates back to 1942
- Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) Gorge Excursions depart west from Bryson City, first following Alarka Creek and Fontana Lake.
What's included
- 4.5 hours and 44 miles through the Natahala Gorge
- Comfortable assigned seating in a historic enclosed car
- Windows that can be opened for fresh mountain air and photos
- Heating or ceiling fans as needed
- Restrooms available on each train
- Don’t forget to preorder your boxed lunch during booking; lunches cannot be ordered within 24 hours of departure
Cancellation policy
All sales final. No refunds.
Know before you go
This train excursion is not wheelchair accessible. Those that are in a wheelchair are able to book on the open air gondola car on the GSMR website. Boarding assistance with golf carts is available to accommodate guests who have limited walking or standing capabilities. Once arriving at the depot, please make the ticket office staff aware of your need for assisted boarding.
Attire: But due to the continuous movement of passenger coaches and thresholds between passenger coaches, it is highly recommended that proper footwear be worn by all train passengers. We recommend rubber sole shoes or tennis shoes be worn. Open-toed sandals, high heels, or flip flops should NOT be worn on board the train. Passengers who are rafting should wear appropriate water shoes with toes and heels enclosed while onboard the train.
Pets: Pets are not allowed onboard the train. We do allow a service animal who is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted onboard any train at any time. We have designated smoking areas at all depots and layover locations.
Lunch: You must order your lunch during the booking process, and must be 24 before departure to receive your lunch. For the comfort and safety of all guests and staff, coolers and picnic baskets are not permitted onboard.
Infants are 0-23 months.
All sales final. No refunds.
Overview
Steam Powered
Collage of trains that says 'Restored and Returned' on it.
Steam is alive and well in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering year-round passenger excursions with the thrill of rolling through Western North Carolina’s hills and valleys behind a piece of history. Locomotive 1702 dates back to 1942, when the engine was constructed for use by the U.S. Army Transportation Corps during Word War II. Before departure, 1702 will be available for photo opportunities! Take this time to enjoy an up close and personal view of the fully restored engine. On select days, stick around for a live turntable demonstration, where volunteers will be called upon to assist our crew in turning the 353,540-pound engine and tender.
Diesel Powered
Collage of two trains with the words "Throttle up!!!" between them.
True locomotive power is on display with our diesel workhorse engines! Our fleet of GP9, GP7, GP30, and GP38-3 locomotives are the backbone of our railroad. Each engine has the power to pull our full passenger trains through these beautiful mountains, arriving right on time! Enjoy one of our scenic excursions with one of these bad boys leading the way!
Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) Gorge Excursions depart west from Bryson City, first following Alarka Creek and Fontana Lake. The Fontana Trestle then takes you across the serene reservoir and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class by selecting from our First Class Menu and Crown, Coach, and Gondola guests can pre-purchase a lunch option from our Box Lunch Menu to make this a unique dining experience. Arrive at our destination at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the heart of the gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river, grab a beer or snack, and enjoy sightseeing!
Itinerary
Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure times. Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.
30m before departure : Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time : Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m : Reach top of the line
2h : Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m : Layover
3h 30m: Depart Layover
4h 30m: Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.
Coach Class : Coach Class features open seating in an enclosed car, windows that can be opened for fresh air and taking photos, and are heated and have ceiling fans. When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining!
