Scenic Train Rides Departing from Bryson City, North Carolina

Climb aboard the historic Murphy Branch Line! Any season is a great time to book your seat on board and enjoy the ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in WNC. Our passenger train excursions are single-day trips that include a layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge or the quaint mountain town of Dillsboro, NC. View the beauty from a different seat, a train seat, and experience the thrill of a true operational railroad! It’s a canvas of colors and a breath of fresh air, it’s the Great Smoky Mountains. We have plenty of options whether you’re a family of all ages or adults only. Onboard dining options, pre-purchased box lunches, bar service, and plenty of southern hospitality! Don’t miss the chance to have a front-row seat!

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

Take a ride alongside the beautiful Nantahala River! Departing from Bryson City, this 4.5-hour roundtrip excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back again. Enjoy Bluegrass music and Appalachian folk tales while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers. Onboard dining is available for all passengers by purchasing First Class seating or pre-purchasing our box lunch, a unique moving dining experience! The historic 777 foot long trestle bridge takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Arrive in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing.

Tuckasegee River Excursion

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in western North Carolina. Departing from Bryson City, this 4-hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back again. Experience a ride through the 836 foot long Cowee Tunnel. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford! The trip includes an hour-and-a-half layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than fifty shops, restaurants, breweries, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Start Planning Your Trip to Bryson City Today.

Join us in ANY Class of Seating on either of these excursions and you will find yourself enjoying the tried and true tradition of Railroad engineering! Our yearly operation schedule allows for plenty of chances to book your seat!Our depot is located at: 45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713

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