The Ultimate Guide To Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains

The Online Version of the Best-selling Regional Guidebook
 

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Western North Carolina Cities & Towns
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To purchase a print of this drawing by author/artist Lee Pantas, visit Cherry Orchard Studio

   The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad gives passengers a chance to recapture the thrills and romance of early trains with its excursions through the mountain countryside. Steam and diesel locomotives pull authentic passenger cars on half-day excursions through the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina. With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of the mountains.
    There are open cars, coaches and club cars to choose from, as well as a popular weekly dinner train. Excursions leave from a number of sites: Dillsboro, Bryson City and Andrews. The trains run on passenger schedules for half-day round trips. Passengers ride in comfortable, reconditioned coaches, crown coaches, club cars, cabooses and even open cars. The club cars and dining cars have historic pasts and have been lovingly restored, as have the cabooses.
    A full excursion schedule is offered, including summer season “Raft and Rail” trips that combine a train ride and whitewater rafting experience into one package, Gourmet Dinner Trains, and many other special events. The Caboose is available for group rental.

Website: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Location: Departures from Dillsboro, Bryson City and Andrews NC
Distance: 1-3 hours depending upon departure point
Address: 1 Front St., Dillsboro NC 28752
Telephone: 800-872-4681, 828-586-8811
Hours: March-December, times vary.
Fees: Adult $34-$53, Children 2-12 $19-$31, depending on season and excursion.
Allow: 3½ to 4½ hours round trip.
Tips: Very popular attraction. Make reservations well in advance if you wish to go during the leaf season. Reservations suggested at all times.
Nearby: Cherokee Indian Reservation
Directions: From Asheville to Dillsboro (closest departure point), take I-40 West to Exit 27. Take 19/23 Hwy. 74 West to Exit 81 (Dillsboro). Go to first red light and turn left on Haywood Street. Proceed to post office and turn right onto Depot Street.