Southern Byways

Let’s Go the the Mountains: Train Rides

by Apryl on November 15th, 2007

Train rides just may be one of the best ways to experience the mountains, especially if you want to see as much as you can in a short amount of time.

In Georgia, hop aboard for a trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad . Departing from Blue Ridge, this three- and-a-half hour ride includes a layover stop in McCaysville, Ga., that provides enough time to explore the town as well as nearby Copperhill, Tenn.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Dillsboro and Bryson City offers a number of trips throughout the year, many are scenic, such as Fontana Trestle and Nantahala Gorge. There are special ones, like the Mystery Train and Gourmet Dinner. Families will enjoy the upcoming Polar Express Dinner Train that includes a visit from the man himself - Santa Claus.

Enjoy theme parks and trains? If so, you’ll like Tweetsie Railroad, located between Boone and Blowing Rock, N.C. Noted as the state’s first theme park, the heart of the theme park is a three-mile train ride on the historic (yes, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places) steam locomotive.

What’s interesting about Tennessee Valley Railroad in Chattanooga, Tenn., is the fact that it’s the Southeast’s largest operating historic railroad. There are various rides throughout the year, including the upcoming North Pole Limited and Chickamauga Christmas Special.

The Three Rivers Rambler in Knoxville is a 90-minute journey along the Tennessee River. It is named after the similarly-named trestle, where two other rivers join to form the Tennessee.

Learn about Kentucky’s rail history on the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum. Departing from Versailles, the six mile trip takes you through horse country and offers glimpse of the rail’s past.

West Virginia should be renamed the train state. There are four options for train fans throughout the state. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, in Cass, has three different routes, including one that takes you to Bald Knob, the second highest point in the state.

Leaving from Huntington to Hinton, the New River Train is an all day adventure. Along the way, you get to view the New River Gorge, said to be one of the oldest rivers on the continent. Once you arrive in Hinton, you have three hours to explore the area.

There is a reason the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is such named. Departing from Romney, not only is the three-hour ride through the mountains, but chances are you will see a Bald Eagle on the trip as well. The railroad also offers all-day trips as well as special event rides.

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POSTED IN: Let's Go to the Mountains, Rail, Small Towns to Visit, Southern Byways, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Kentucky, Things to See in North Carolina, Things to See in Tennessee, Things to See in West Virginia, Trains