Train Excursions in the Nantahala Gorge

Hop Aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

This scenic train travels through quaint mountain towns, past sparkling rivers along the southwestern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Revisit a bygone era and travel out the old Murphy Line, a railway that connected rural Appalachia to points east.

Book a Train Excursion with NOC!

You can reserve your spot on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad right here at noc.com. Simply click our booking widget at the right for pricing details and dates, and to reserve your spot. Your seating options are:

• Standard: Open Air Car or Coach (enclosed)
• Crown: Climate-controlled cars with restrooms, plus a complementary GSMR tumbler with free refills.
• First Class Adults: Seating in these climate-controlled cars includes a meal, a GSMR tumbler and a tote bag, plus cocktails, wine and beer served on board.
• First Class Family: This option is available June, July and August, and includes the same ammenities as First Class Adults (excluding alcoholic beverage service).

All regular daytime trips include admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City. You can also make your reservation by calling NOC directly at 888-905-7238.

Train Trip Options

Rapid Transit Rafting/Train Ride Combination
This full-day family outing is wildly popular! The fun begins at the Bryson City depot with a morning train ride all the way through the Nantahala Gorge. After a deli-style lunch served riverside at NOC, you'll enjoy an afternoon rafting trip down the Nantahala River. Splash down eight miles of family-friendly whitewater with our expert guides including the big finale at Nantahala Falls. NOC provides an instant photo show, hot showers, clean changing rooms and transportation back to your vehicle in Bryson City.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Departing Bryson City, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion travels along the Tuckasegee River, past Fontana Lake and deep into the Nantahala River Gorge. Highlights of this trip include the Horseshoe Curve, the Fontana Lake Trestle and a layover at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Surround yourself with steep cliffs, lush vegetation and clear rivers!

Tuckaseegee River Excursion
This 32-mile round trip excursion departs from Bryson City and travels to the historic town of Dillsboro.  This relaxing train trip travels through the historic 836 ft Cowee Tunnel, crisscrosses the Tuckasegee River, passes through old railroad towns and scenic meadows on the way to Dillsboro for a 1 hour and 30 minute layover before returning.