Tuckasegee River Excursion

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

• About This Trip
• Things To Do
• Itinerary
• Classes of Service and Pricing
• Class Comparison
• How to Purchase
• Schedule

About This Trip

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1½ hour layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

*NEW FOR 2021 – Sunset Tuckasegee River Train!*

Experience the same countryside as it settles for the evening in the afternoon sun! The Tuckasegee Sunset Trip showcases the golden hues of a classic WNC sunset. 32 miles round trip from Bryson City to Dillsboro and back    There will be no layover on the Sunset trip to ensure the most evening sun is captured! Passengers should be advised to dress for weather to cool down in evenings. Light fare sandwiches, snacks and of course coffee and hot chocolate will be available for purchase onboard the train.

Sunset Tuckasegee River Excursion

4:15pm passenger boarding

4:45pm Sunset Tuckasegee River Train departs Bryson City

6:00pm arrives in Dillsboro – No Layover

6:10pm departs Dillsboro

7:25pm arrives Bryson City

Things To Do

Itinerary

Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.

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

Classes of Service

First Class

Only November and December. First Class 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. Each
couple receives a souvenir tote bag (1 per couple),and everyone receives a
souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all
day.
Limited bar service available.

Family First Class – Not Available

When operating, 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 a meal by the car’s attendant. Each adult couple receives a souvenir tote bag (1 per couple). Everyone aged 2 years old on up receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. Limited bar service available.

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. 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.

Don’t forget to preorder your boxed lunch!

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. 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.

Don’t forget to preorder your boxed lunch!

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. 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 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.

Don’t forget to preorder your boxed lunch!

Class Comparison

Schedule

How to Purchase

You can purchase your for other excursions 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. 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.