Steam Powered

The Steam of the Smokies is alive and well in the Great Smoky Mountains offering year round passenger excursions with the thrill of rolling through Western North Carolina’s hills and valleys behind a piece of history.The #1702 locomotive dates back to 1942, where the engine’s construction was an official commissioned WWII Steam Engine plan. It is of the world’s largest engine class and is one of two remaining in the United States. This converted oil burning engine began its year restoration process in 2015 RE-debuting in 2016 and delighting passengers year after year. There’s nothing like a ride behind steam!

Prior to the departure of our steam excursions, the #1702 will be available for photo opportunities! Take this time to enjoy an up close and personal view of the fully restored engine. While enjoying your ride you’ll be surrounded by knowledgeable crew members that will be answering your questions and pointing out important landmarks along the way.

Upon return to Bryson City, on select days stick around for a unique live turn table demonstration, where volunteers will be called upon to assist our crew in the manual turning of the 353,540 pound engine and tender. Steam passengers will have access to viewing at the turn table to watch this exciting activity!

Choose from one of our two scenic excursions to enjoy via steam locomotive!

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

Enjoy breath-taking scenery while chugging through Western North Carolinas’ diverse setting on this roundtrip excursion. Select the Nantahala Gorge route and travel over the historic Fontana Trestle across the Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge! Onboard dining is available by selecting First Class Seating featuring this menu or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunch options, a unique moving dining experience. TO FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE NANTAHALA GORGE ROUTE CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW.

Nantahala Gorge Route

Tuckasegee River Excursion

Enjoy a calming ride through the country side of WNC. Select the Tuckasegee River route and enjoy the quaint historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find shops and restaurants to enjoy during your layover. You’ll also pass through the historic Cowee Tunnel, along with passing the famous train wreck site featured in the movie The Fugitive!

Nantahala Gorge Route

Classes of Service – Steam Locomotive Prices

First Class

Adult (21+)Child (2-12)Infant (0-23 Months)
$119 ($124 in October)N/AN/A

First Class with dining features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate-controlled car with large picture windows, and are served a First Class 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.

Premium Open Air Gondola

Adult (21+)Child (2-12)Infant (0-23 Months)
$107 ($112 October)N/AN/A

Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and an overhead roof to protect passengers from the elements. Adults(21+) are served a lunch by the car’s attendant. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Sweatshirt Blanket to your reservation for just $29.99! At 54″ x 84″ it’s the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings. Limited bar service available.

Crown Class

Adult (13+)Child (2-12)Infant (0-23 Months)
$89 ($94 October). $59 ($64 October)$13

Don’t forget to Preorder your Boxed Lunch!

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! In an effort to provide the best viewing experience, passengers will be asked to swap seated sides for the return route! Beer and wine available.

Boxed Lunches

Coach Class

Adult (13+)Child (2-12)Infant (0-23 Months)
$68 ($73 October) $43 ($48 October)Complimentary

Don’t forget to Preorder your Boxed Lunch!

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. In an effort to provide the best viewing experience, passengers will be asked to swap seated sides for the return route.

Boxed Lunches

Open Air Gondola

Adult (13+)Child (2-12)Infant (0-23 Months)
$73 ($78 October) $48 ( $53 October)Complimentary

Don’t forget to Preorder your Boxed Lunch!

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. In an effort to provide the best viewing experience, passengers will be asked to swap seated sides for the return route. Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Sweatshirt Blanket to your reservation for just $32.99! 

Boxed Lunches

Coach Plus

Adult (13+)Child (2-12)Infant (0-23 Months)
$73 ($78 October) $48 ( $53 October)Complimentary

Don’t forget to Preorder your Boxed Lunch!

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! 

Boxed Lunches

Class Comparison

AmenitiesFirst ClassPremium Open Air GondolaCrown ClassCoach PlusCoach ClassOpen 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

2023 Schedule

Other excursions and/or events are available. Check out our complete train schedule to see all our options.

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 $6.00 fee per child ticket as late as 48 hours before departure. Within 48 hours of the departure 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.

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