On Saturday, May 4, the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor a train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the spring season while riding the rails in vintage passenger railroad cars.
The one-day excursion will cover most of the operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch Line, established in 1891, with its five percent grade and many bridges. The scenic rail excursion takes you from the historic depot in Bryson City, NC, which is near the Georgia and North Carolina State line, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, into the breath-taking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smoky Mountains, and back to Bryson City. Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers. It crosses Fontana Lake on a trestle spanning 780 feet 100 feet above the lake.
Passengers ride in comfort in Tourist Coach or Open-Air cars. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train.
Tourist Coach Class cars have ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh-air viewing.
Open-Air Coach cars are great for picture-taking and “experiencing” the ride and scenery.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The train wreck scene in the 1993 movie “The Fugitive,” starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed along the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The railroad was used in the filming of the 1996 comedy “My Fellow Americans,” starring Jack Lemmon and James Gardner, when they stumble onto a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill fans headed for the NCAA Final Four. Train scenes in the 1998 movie “Forces of Nature,” starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, were also filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Transportation
and Parking
Bryson City is a laid-back, non-touristy town of 1,300 with more stop signs than stoplights. It is an easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a fly-fishing museum, an historical museum, an aquarium, a scenic train, two breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Bryson City is only 10 miles from the famous Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Passengers have two options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot: they may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Johnson City, TN, or drive directly to Bryson City, NC, if that is more convenient. Please select point of departure location on the order form when purchasing tickets.
NOTE: Free parking is provided both in Johnson City and Bryson City.
Schedule for passengers driving directly to Bryson City, NC
Train departs Bryson City — 12:01 p.m.
Train arrives back in Bryson City — 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
Schedule for passengers riding motor coach from Johnson City, TN
Motor coach departs Johnson City — 7:30 a.m.
Train departs Bryson City — 12:01 p.m.
Train arrives back in Bryson City — 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
Arrive back in Johnson City — 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
Tourist Coach or Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $105/adult and $86/child (2-12)
Open-Air Coach Class ticket price is $107/adult $88/child (2-12)
All classes of excursion tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum before boarding the train. The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and an impressive operating layout and children’s activity center.
Meal Options
• Box Lunch — includes sandwich, chips, cookie, and drink. (Make selection on ticket order form.)
Box lunches must be pre-purchased with ticket order and will be available track-side for pick-up before boarding.
• Concessions Car — sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks will be available for purchase on board.
• Bring Your Own — a small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food.
Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the Excursions link.
The excursion runs rain or shine. Every effort will be made to maintain an on-time schedule. The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum assumes no liability due to passengers not arriving on time at the Bryson City Depot.
The Spring Great Smoky Train Excursions sell out fast, please order your tickets so you will not be left out. If you like riding a train and the scenic mountains, this trip is for you.
Questions about the trip? Go to www.wataugavalleynrhs.org, or email wataugavalley@gmail.com.