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 dining menu options OR you can pre-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

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
Time from Departure Activity

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.

Adult (21+ Only) $114 $121 $124 $131 $135
Under 21 Not Permitted
First Class Diesel Steam
Fares Reg Oct Reg Oct Peak

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. 

Adult (21+ Only) $99 $106 $109 $116 $120
Under 21 Not Permitted
Premium Open Diesel Steam
Fares Reg Oct Reg Oct Peak
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! 

Adult (13+ yrs) $69 $76 $79 $86 $90
Child (2-12 yrs) $45 $50 $55 $60 $65
Infant (0-23 mos) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Coach Plus Diesel Steam
Fares Reg Oct Reg Oct Peak

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! Beer and wine available.

Adult (13+ yrs) $87 $94 $97 $104 $108
Child (2-12 yrs) $61 $66 $71 $76 $81
Infant (0-23 mos) $19 $19 $19 $19 $19
Crown Class Diesel Steam
Fares Reg Oct Reg Oct Peak

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.

Adult (13+ yrs) $59 $66 $69 $76 $80
Child (2-12 yrs) $35 $40 $45 $50 $55
Infant (0-23 mos) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Coach Diesel Steam
Fares Reg Oct Reg Oct Peak

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.

Adult (13+ yrs) $64 $71 $74 $81 $85
Child (2-12 yrs) $40 $45 $50 $55 $60
Infant (0-23 mos) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Open Air Diesel Steam
Fares Reg Oct Reg Oct Peak

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. The 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
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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.