Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

About Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Few experiences in Western North Carolina match the sense of occasion that comes with boarding a historic locomotive at the Bryson City Depot. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has been carrying passengers through some of the most breathtaking and inaccessible mountain scenery in the eastern United States since 1988, and it remains one of the most popular heritage railroads in the country, carrying more than 200,000 passengers each year.

Operating on 53 miles of former Southern Railway track through the mountains, rivers, and gorges of Western North Carolina, the GSMR offers round-trip excursions that take you places you simply cannot reach by car. Choose from steam-powered trips behind the legendary Locomotive No. 1702, a fully restored 1942 engine that served the U.S. Army during World War II, or scenic diesel-powered excursions.

Two primary routes depart from the historic Bryson City Depot: the Nantahala Gorge Excursion and the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Special event trains, including THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride and a growing calendar of themed adult experiences, round out the schedule throughout the year.

Owned and operated by American Heritage Railways, the same company behind the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, the GSMR pairs a genuine commitment to historic preservation with a first-rate passenger experience. Whether you ride in an open-air gondola or settle into a first-class dining car, the mountain scenery does the heavy lifting.

Marc’s Take: Ann and I took the 1702 steam locomotive to Nantahala Outdoor Center in the first class car. We loved it! The onboard entertainment was fun, the food was good, the scenery was magnificent. It was worth every penny. Listen to the podcast.

Getting to Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Bryson City Depot is located at 45 Mitchell Street in the heart of downtown Bryson City, within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and breweries. Paid all-day parking is available directly across the street from the depot at the same address, 45 Mitchell Street, and is the recommended option since most excursions run three to four and a half hours. Limited street parking is available around town, but two-hour limits make it a poor fit for a full excursion.

From US-74, take Exit 67 for Bryson City. Bear right onto Veterans Blvd, then turn right onto Main Street at the first traffic light. Turn left onto Everett Street at the next light, then left again onto Mitchell Street at the first light on Everett. Parking will be on your right.

Why Choose Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The GSMR offers something genuinely rare: access to mountain landscapes, river gorges, and historic trestles that have no road running alongside them. It’s one of the few ways to experience the scale and wildness of the Southern Appalachians without hiking miles to get there. That alone sets it apart from nearly every other attraction in the region.

Here’s what else makes it worth your time:

• Two distinct excursion routes mean repeat visits feel completely different. The Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River trips each offer their own scenery, destinations, and layover experiences.
• Steam excursions behind Locomotive No. 1702 are a rare opportunity to ride behind a fully operational, authentically restored steam engine, one with a genuine wartime history.
• Seating options range from open-air gondolas to climate-controlled first-class dining cars, so you can tailor the experience to your group and budget.
• The Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is included with your ticket, adding a genuine bonus for train enthusiasts and families with kids.
• A full calendar of special events, adult dining trains, themed family excursions, and the annual Polar Express, means there’s a version of this experience for virtually every type of visitor.
• The railroad operates year-round, making it one of the few Bryson City attractions that works in any season, including winter.

Must Do

With two main excursion routes and a rotating calendar of special events, the GSMR rewards visitors who plan ahead. Here are the experiences worth prioritizing:

• The Nantahala Gorge Excursion. This is the flagship experience. A four-and-a-half-hour round trip carries you 44 miles west from Bryson City, following Alarka Creek and Fontana Lake before crossing the historic Fontana Trestle and dropping into the stunning Nantahala Gorge. The one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center puts you right on the river’s edge, with whitewater paddlers working the rapids below. Available April through October, and offered on both steam and diesel power depending on the date. Raft and Rail combo packages are available if you want to ride the train up and paddle the river back down.
• The Tuckasegee River Excursion. A more relaxed four-hour, 32-mile round trip that follows the Tuckasegee River through historic railroad towns and open countryside, passing through the Cowee Tunnel and by the famous filming location for The Fugitive. The layover in the charming village of Dillsboro gives you about an hour and a half to explore shops and grab a bite before the return trip to Bryson City.
• A Steam Excursion Behind No. 1702. When Locomotive No. 1702 is on the schedule, book it. This 1942 Baldwin steam engine is one of the few fully operational steam locomotives in the Southeast, and the sight and sound of it working through the mountain grades is something you won’t forget. Check the schedule as steam dates are listed separately and sell out quickly.
• THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride. Running from November through December, this is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Western North Carolina. More than 90,000 passengers ride each year, and tickets sell out well in advance. If you’re planning a holiday visit to Bryson City, book this as early as possible, often in the spring before the season opens.
• The Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Included with your excursion ticket and located just across Greenlee Street from the depot, this museum houses a collection of more than 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, and accessories along with an impressive operating layout. It’s an easy way to extend your visit before or after your ride.

What to Expect

Plan your day around the excursion you choose. The Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River excursions each run approximately four to four and a half hours door to door, making them a genuine half-day commitment. Build in extra time before departure to park, pick up tickets, and explore the depot and museum.

A few things worth knowing before you go:

• Book in advance. Steam excursions, special event trains, and first-class seating fill up fast, sometimes weeks or months ahead, particularly in October and during the holiday season. Check the full schedule at gsmr.com and reserve early.
• Seating class matters. Open-air gondola seats put you closest to the scenery but leave you exposed to weather. Coach is climate-controlled and comfortable. First class includes dining service, a souvenir travel mug, and free refills. Choose based on your group and the time of year.
• Dress for the weather and your seat choice. Open gondola riders should bring layers even in summer. Mountain temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the Nantahala Gorge.
• Food and beverage options are available onboard. A concessions car offers snacks, hot dogs, and drinks including beer and wine. First-class passengers receive a full meal. Pre-purchasing a box lunch is an option on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion for coach and gondola riders.
• The Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is included. Factor in extra time if your group wants to explore it before or after the ride.
• Parking is paid but convenient. The all-day lot at 45 Mitchell Street is directly across from the depot and well worth it for the length of an excursion.
• A 7% Historic Preservation Fee is added at checkout. Factor this into your budget when comparing ticket prices online.

Explore More

Looking for more great places to eat? Browse our Bryson City Food & Beverage Guide to discover restaurants, cafes, breweries, and other local dining favorites.

Planning a full day in the area? Explore more things to do in Bryson City before or after your adventure.