Spring 2012 Rail Excursion

Scenic Spring Railway Excursion through the Smoky Mountains

March 31, 2012

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season’s arrival than by taking a train ride through the mountains of the Southern Appalachian region. If you’re suffering from “cabin fever” after this long, snowy winter, we have the cure for you – getting out of the house and taking a great train ride!

The Trip

The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum is proud to announce its Spring 2012 Excursion: a ride on the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2012, the excursion will feature passage through the scenic Smoky Mountains and Spring countryside of Western North Carolina. The train will travel over the former Southern Railway's Murphy Branch Line, a historic line established in 1891 and featuring a five percent grade, many bridges and highlighted by the scenic, whitewater Nantahala Gorge. Starting at Bryson City, NC, this 4 1/2 hour excursion will carry passengers 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and return. The route will traverse the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers and cross the Fontana Lake Trestle standing 100 feet above the lake and spanning 780 feet. After crossing Fontana Lake the train will enter into the magic of the Nantahala Gorge.

Our trip will begin in downtown Johnson City, TN, at 6:30 AM on the morning of March 31 at the Legion Street / Big Burley Parking Lot (across from the Recreation Center), where passengers will board motor coaches to Bryson City, NC. Passengers will then board the excursion train in Bryson City and depart at 11:00 AM. There is a layover at Nantahala Gorge for sightseeing, lunch, or just plain relaxing along the riverbank. After returning to Bryson City, passengers will have time to shop, snack and visit the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum before the trip back to Johnson City via motor coach. Expected arrival at Johnson City is 7:30 PM.

The Train

Passengers can choose to ride in comfort in Coach Class, Crown Class or First Class cars. The Coach Class is in restored vintage coaches, featuring windows that open and close for fresh-air viewing, ceiling fans and heat for cooler days. Crown Class cars are restored vintage coaches, featuring larger windows for better viewing (windows do not open) and climate control for passenger comfort. First Class travel offers comfort and style in restored 1940s-era bar, lounge cars that feature seating at well-appointed tables and lounge/restaurant style chairs. Open Air cars are available for your viewing pleasure.

Seating options and prices on the train are as follows:

Regular Coach

COACH CLASS: Traditional railroad seating (some are seated 2 facing 2) on 50's vintage cars; windows open and close; ceiling fans; heated but no A/C. Ticket prices are $79.00 each for adults; $58.00 each for children (ages 2-12).

Crown Coach

CROWN CLASS: Upgraded coach. Large windows for viewing out (windows do not open). Climate-controlled for passenger comfort. Ticket prices are $89.00 each for adults; $68.00 each for children (ages 2-12).

Club Car View 1

FIRST CLASS: Restored lounge car. First Class includes one of the meals in the dining car listed below. Ticket prices are $135.00 (adults 21 and over only).

Open Air Car

OPEN AIR CAR: An Open Air Car will be available for viewing and photography only.

Lunch Options at Nantahala Gorge:

* Bring your lunch, small coolers only.

* Boxed lunches. COACH and CROWN CLASS only. $9.00 per person. MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE OF TRIP. Choice of either:

TURKEY & CHEESE ON CROISANT
SMOKED CHICKEN SALAD ON CROISANT

Included with a box lunch are chips, cookies and a choice of drink (unlimited coffee, tea or soft drink) in a disposable cup. Box lunches can be picked up in the concession car once boarded.

* We're excited to offer our passengers dining in historic dining cars. A truly unique, on board dining experience in the grand tradition.

Dining Car interior

The following meals will be available for selection:

GLAZED PORK LOIN. 6oz roasted pork loin with toasted pecans and honey glaze; wild rice; and seasonal vegetables.
CHICKEN CORDON BLEU. Tender boneless chicken breaded and filled with ham and cheese; wild rice; and seasonal vegetables.
BLACK and BLUE SALAD. 5oz juicy roasted beef medallion on a bed of mixed baby greens and crumbled Blue Cheese with a Parmesan Peppercorn dressing.
VEGETARIAN. BLACK and BLUE Salad without beef.

These dinners include a choice of drink (unlimited coffee, tea or soft drink) in a Souvenir Tumbler; warm yeast rolls; and a special dessert. The cost is $13.00 per person (COACH and CROWN CLASS; meal included with FIRST CLASS ticket) and MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE OF TRIP.

Other things in the area to do:

Nearby attractions include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the Cherokee Indian Reservation; and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Or explore Asheville itself.

Ordering Tickets and General information

General information along with a map to the Johnson City boarding location will be sent with your order confirmation.

To order tickets: A printable order form is available here. (You must have Adobe® Reader® installed, which can be downloaded from here.) If you are unable to print this form, enclose your check along with the number of tickets and the class you choose (and alternative, if desired); lunch choices (if applicable); and your mailing address to Spring 2012 Excursion, Watauga Valley RHS&M, P.O. Box 432, Johnson City, TN 37605-0432. For questions about the trip, e-mail us at wataugavalley@embarqmail.com or write to the address above.