Railroad Excursions in the Southeast

Whether you're a train buff or just want to get away for the day, the South offers several great train excursions.  Here are a few of the best:

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway begins in Blue Ridge, Georgia.  Blue Ridge itself is a delightful little town, with shops and restaurants nestled among the mountains.  The Scenic Railway travels 4 hours (26 miles round-trip) along the Toccoa river.  Rates in fall 2008 were $26 – 39 for adults, $13 – 20 for children, with discounts for seniors and military.  Group rates are available.  Prices are higher in October, and for the Santa excursions.

 

If you're in South Georgia, the SAM Shortline (part of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites) runs from Cordele's depot to Americus and Plains.  Coach class ($25.50 for adults) or premium – Americus car ($33.50 for adults) – tickets are available.  Children 3 – 12 can ride for $15.50 (coach) or $21.59 (premium).  Discounts are given for military, seniors, and for pre-arranged groups. 

 

The SAM Shortline schedule is arranged so that travelers can stop over for a brief visit, or even overnight, and return on another train.  Habitat for Humanity's Global Village, the Jimmy Carter boyhood home, and the Rural Telephone Museum in Leslie, Georgia, are some of the sights you can easily visit.

 

If you're in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Railroad offers day trips.  If you only have a short time to spare, the 55-minute Missionary Ridge Local takes you through a Civil War era tunnel.  The Chickamauga Turn takes you on a 6-hour trip to historic Chickamauga, Georgia.  And if you want to arrange an excursion for a group, the Tennessee Valley Railroad has charter options.  Seasonal excursions are also offered, like the Autumn Leaf Special and the North Pole Limited.

 

From a bit further north, in Etowah, Tennessee, the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure follows the spectacular Hiwassee River gorge (3.5 hours, 50 miles) and up the famous Hiwassee Loop.  Adult tickets are $32, children $22.  An extended excursion is also available, with a layover for lunch in Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, Georgia (94 miles roundtrip).  Adult tickets are $67, children $40.

 

From Bryson City, North Carolina, The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers through the beautiful Nantahala Gorge.  It's 4.5 hours, 44 miles long.  Museum admission is included.  Adult tickets are $34 - $53, children $19 – 31, depending on season.

 

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