Nantahala Gorge Excursion

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Ride this excursion via Steam or Diesel locomotive power!

About This Trip

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pr e-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

Time from Departure	Activity
30m before departure	Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time	Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m	Reach top of the line
2h 00m	Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m	Layover
3h 30m	Depart Layover
4h 30m	Arrive at Bryson City Depot

*During the month of December Nantahala Gorge Winter Trains, all layovers will be 30mins. Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Classes of Service

Adult First Class

First Class with dining features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate controlled car with large picture windows, and are served a meal by the car’s attendant. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. Limited bar service available.

Locomotive	Adult (21+ Only)	Under 21
Diesel	$109 ($114 October)	Not Permitted
Steam	$119 ($124 October)	Not Permitted

Premium Open Air Gondola

Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. Adults (21+) are served a meal by the car’s attendant. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day.

Locomotive	Adult (21+ Only)	Under 21
Diesel	$97 ($102 October)	Not Permitted
Steam	$107 ($112 October)	Not Permitted

1

Coach Plus

Coach Plus features a classic train decor with natural wood and sliding windows at every seat. Every section ha s stable and booth style seating allowing 4 people at a table. This is perfect for families or groups traveling together that want the convenience of their own table!

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$63 ($68 Oct)	$38 ($43 Oct)	Complimentary
Steam	$73 ($78 Oct)	$48 ($53 Oct)	Complimentary

Crown Class

Crown Class features assigned seating in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. Everyone over the age of 2 years old receives a souvenir tumbler with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day! Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining! Beer and wine available.

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$79 ($84 October)	$49 ($54 October)	$12
Steam	$89 ($94 October)	$59 ($64 October)	$13

Coach Class

Coach Class features open seating in an enclosed car, windows that can be opened for fresh air and taking photos, and are heated and have ceiling fans. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining!

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$58 ($63 October)	$33 ($38 October)	Complimentary
Steam	$68 ($73 October)	$43 ($48 October)	Complimentary

Open Air Gondola

Open Air Gondolas feature open seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Fleece Blanket to your reservation for just $32! At 54″ x 84″ it’s the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings. Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining!

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$63 ($68 October)	$38 ($43 October)	Complimentary
Steam	$73 ($78 October)	$48 ($53 October)	Complimentary

Class Comparison

Classes of Service Table

Amenities	First Class	Premium Open Air Gondola	Crown Class	Coach Plus	Coach Class	Open Air Gondola
Meal Included
Lunch Available
Restrooms Available
Heat
Air Conditioning
Assigned Seating
Souvenir Travel Mug
Large Picture Windows
Windows Open/Close
Ceiling Fans
Ideal for Photography
Outward Facing Seats
Padded Seats

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. See Classes of Service for the various class descriptions and pricing.

Where to Go

All departures are from the Bryson City Depot in Bryson City, NC. Entrance to the parking lot is located at:

45 Mitchell Street Bryson City, NC 28713

Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.

*This schedule is subject to change at any time.*

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31

2022 Nov December 2023 Jan 2024

Other excursions and/or events are available.

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure with the exception of The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

You agree that GSMR General Excursions and Events for which you purchased tickets and/or attended is a public event, that your appearance and actions inside and outside the venue where the Excursion/Event occurs are public in nature, and that you have no expectation of privacy with regard to your actions or conduct at the Event. You hereby irrevocably grant permission to the host railroad, licensor, sponsor(s) and/or their assigns to use, copy, display, distribute, exhibit and utilize your name, image, digital image, likeness, acts, poses, voice, appearance, movements and statements in any live or recorded audio, video or photographic display or other transmission, exhibition, publication or reproduction of same, including at the Excursion/ Event (regardless of whether before, during or after the Excursion/ Event) for any purpose, in any manner, in any medium or context now known or hereafter developed without further authorization from or any compensation to you or anyone acting or entitled to act on your Behalf.