Nantahala Gorge Excursion | See What Beauty Truly Is on This Scenic Train Tour

Take a ride along side the beautiful Nantahala River on our Nantahala Gorge Excursion! Departing from Bryson City, this 4½ hour 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
Itinerary
Classes of Service and Pricing
Class Comparison
How to Purchase
Where To Go
Schedule

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. Arrive at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing! The Nantahala Gorge Excursion operates March through October.

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 at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
3h 30m	Depart Layover
4h 30m	Arrive at Bryson City Depot

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Classes of Service

First Class

Locomotive	Adult (21+ Only)	Under 21
Diesel	$99.00 ($101.00 October)	Not Permitted
Steam	$111.00 ($115.00 October)	Not Permitted

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First Class features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate controlled car with large picture windows, and are served brunch on 9 AM departures or lunch on all other departures by the car's attendant. Each couple receives a souvenir tote bag, and 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

Locomotive	Adult (21+ Only)	Under 21
Diesel	$81.00 ($84.00 October)	Not Permitted
Steam	$92.00 ($98.00 October)	Not Permitted

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Available May through October, Premium Open Air Gondola 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 lunch by the car's attendant. Each couple receives a souvenir tote bag (1 per couple). Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train.

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.

Family First Class

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$99.00	$57.00	$20.00
Steam	$111.00	$64.00	$22.00

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Only available May through Labor Day, September 2, 2020, Family First Class features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. Adults (13+) and children (2-12) are served lunch by the car's attendant. Each adult couple receives souvenir tote bags. Everyone aged 2 years old on up receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of pop, coffee, and iced tea all day. And, children can have lunch with the conductor! This special addition allows for one of our conductors to accompany and interact with fans of all ages for the entire trip!

Limited bar service available.

Crown Class

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$69.00 ($72.00 October)	$39.00 ($40.00 October)	$10.00
Steam	$82.00 ($86.00 October)	$44.00($45 October)	$12.00

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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! When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train.

Beer and wine available.

Coach Class

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$52.00 ($56.00 October)	$29.00 ($32.00 October)	Complimentary
Steam	$59.00 ($63.00 October)	$35.00 ($35 October)	Complimentary

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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. When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train.

Open Air Gondola

Locomotive	Adult (13+)	Child (2-12)	Infant (0-23 Months)
Diesel	$52.00 ($56.00 October)	$29.00 ($32.00 October)	Complimentary
Steam	$59.00 ($63.00 October)	$35.00	Complimentary

View Photos

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. When we reach the end of the line, we will invite all guests in this class to switch sides with their neighbors so that everyone will have the opportunity to take pictures from a new perspective on the opposite side of the train.

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.

Class Comparison

Amenity	First Class	Premium Open Air Gondola	Family First Class	Crown Class	Coach Class	Open Air Gondola
Meal Included
Lunch Available
Restrooms Available
Heat
Air Conditioning
Assigned Seating
Souvenir Travel Mug
Large Picture Windows
Souvenir Tote Bag
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.