The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City, North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains, a small mountain range in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee that is part of the Appalachian Mountain range, is known for its densely foggy weather.  The park is filled with streams and numerous waterfalls, and it is full of wildlife.  Every square inch of this park will leave you in awe.  This is one of many reasons that this national park is one of the most visited parks in the United States.

Just outside the park on the south side is the town of Bryson City, North Carolina, and it is here where you will find the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

You arrive at the depot.  You get your ticket and board the train.  You sit down in a vintage coach.  The train leaves the station.  As you look out the window, you see the Tuckasegee River flowing along.  You cross the first trestle looking down at the river below.  You see the homes and the farms along the way.  You see the water rolling over the rocks in the river.  You then come along some train wreckage.  This is the set of the 1980’s movie ‘The Fugitive’ which featured Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, and the wreckage remains for riders to see.  You arrive in the town of Dillsboro where you de-board and walk around.  You then get back onto the train and return to Bryson City.  As you head back to your car you think, “Think may be the best part of my visit to the Great Smoky Mountains.”

Along with the Tuckasegee River Excursion, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has other great excursion trips as well.  The great thing is that they have excursion trains running all year long so you very rarely have to worry about a down season.  (The winter excursions mainly run on weekends.)  While you are visiting, you will want to check out the Smoky Mountains Trains Museum located next to the boarding area.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is located in Bryson City, North Carolina on Everett Street a few blocks north of Main Street (U.S. 19).  You can get more information about their other excursions and how you can get a special lodging package at http://www.gsmr.com.

The Great Smoky Mountains are calling.  Answer the call, and ride the train while you are there.