Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum

ALL ABOARD!

Steam Train Excursion through the Great Smoky Mountains!

Saturday, September 14th, 2024


Nantahala Gorge Excursion

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON THE NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT THE BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Steam-Powered


The Steam of the Smokies is alive and well in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering a passenger excursion with the thrill of rolling through Western North Carolina's hills and valleys behind a piece of history. The #1702 locomotive dates 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. There's nothing like a ride behind steam!

EXCURSION HAS BEEN SOLD OUT!
Ticket sales have been closed for this excursion. Please sign up at the bottom of the page to receive notifications about more upcoming excursions!

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The railroad was used in the filming of the 1996 comedy, My Fellow Americans, starring Jack Lemmon and James Garner, when they stumble onto a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill fans headed for the NCAA Final Four. Train scenes in the 1998 movie, Forces of Nature, starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, also were filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum will sponsor our Steam in the Smokies train excursion - a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad through the majestic mountains and beautiful countryside of western North Carolina from Bryson City, NC, through the Nantahala Gorge, and back to Bryson City.

Our scenic rail excursion covers a lot of the current operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway's "Murphy Branch Line". The line was established in 1891, with a maximum 5.8 percent grade and many bridges. From Bryson City we rise to Fontana Lake as we follow the Little Tennessee River and cross the Fontana Lake Trestle. We pass the Nantahala Outdoor Center, and enter the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge, following the shoreline of the exciting Nantahala River. At the end of the gorge, we trace the tracks back to Bryson City, stopping for a short break at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.


Click Below to Watch Sample Footage of Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum Excursions

Located 10 miles from the famous Cherokee Indian Reservation, Bryson City is a laid-back, non-touristy easily stroll-able town of 1,300 with many shops, a surprising variety of restaurants, and more stop signs than stoplights. There are local bookstores and arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a historical museum, a fly-fishing museum, an aquarium, a scenic train, and two breweries. All excursion ticket holders receive complimentary admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum, which boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, impressive operating layout, and children's activity center.

Patrons may either drive directly to Bryson City, NC, or ride a motor coach from Liberty Bell Middle School in Johnson City, TN. Depending on your location, it may be closer for you to drive to Bryson City. Check to determine your best option and make your selection on the order form when purchasing tickets. All locations have free parking. Maps to parking locations in Bryson City and for motor coach pick-up in Johnson City, TN will be sent with your confirmation form approximately two weeks after purchase, along with lodging information. Note: You will get a confirmation at time of ticket purchase but as stated the second confirmation will have your trip information and details which you will receive about two weeks after electronic ticket purchase.

The trip is handicap accessible when boarding the train. Please note special needs on order form.

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Nantahala Gorge Excursion

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON THE NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT THE BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Steam-Powered


All classes offer seating in vintage, restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train. Tickets and pre-purchased meals may be ordered online only!

[IMPORTANT NOTE: THOSE ORDERING TICKETS SEPARATELY, BUT WISHING TO BE SEATED TOGETHER, MUST SPECIFY THIS ON THE ORDER FORM]

Classes of Service


FIRST CLASS

Ticket price is $185/adult [ADULTS 21 AND OVER ONLY]

FIRST CLASS passengers will enjoy club car (lounge car) seating in climate-controlled comfort, where large windows provide wonderful viewing [windows do not open]. A FIRST CLASS ticket includes a meal with drink and dessert.

FIRST CLASS ENTREES: [make selection on Meal Order Form]

First Class Lunch Menu Included with Ticket Purchase

Grilled Chicken Lunch (GF) - Grilled chicken with a garlic spread drizzle, garlic red skin mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Southern Pork Lunch (GF) - Sliced pork loin with a drizzle of Sweet Baby Ray's Southern BBQ sauce, garlic red skin mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Roast Beef Lunch - Sliced roast beef with gravy, garlic red skin mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Vegetarian Salad Lunch - Spring mix with onion, tomato, cucumber, egg, crackers, and ranch. Gluten free and/or Vegan preparation available upon request.

Salad with Grilled Chicken Lunch - Grilled chicken on spring mix with onion, tomato, cucumber, egg, crackers, and ranch. Gluten free available upon request.


CROWN CLASS

Ticket price is $126/adult and $98/child [2 -12].

CROWN CLASS cars offer climate control for passenger comfort and large windows for great viewing [windows do not open].


TOURIST COACH CLASS

Ticket price is $110/adult and $88/child [2-12].

TOURIST COACH CLASS cars feature ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh–air viewing.


OPEN AIR COACH CLASS

Ticket price is $112/adult and $87/child [2-12].

OPEN COACH CLASS is great for taking pictures and seeing the beautiful scenery.


Boxed Lunches - $14.00

Save money by planning ahead and dining onboard by pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches! Great food for a great value! You can purchase these lunches during your reservation process online. Packaged picnic-style, boxed, and ready to enjoy on the train. The boxed lunches are available for pick up with proof of purchase on the depot deck at the Cafe at the depot. (NOTE: All box lunches must be pre-purchased.)

BOX LUNCH OPTIONS: [make selection on Meal Order Form]

Ham Sandwich. Hearty portion of sliced ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a soft brioche bun. Mayonnaise and mustard on the side. Chips, cookie, and a 24-ounce bottle of water included. No substitutions.

Turkey Sandwich. Thinly sliced roasted turkey, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a soft brioche bun. Mayonnaise and mustard on the side. Kettle style chips, cookie, and a 24-ounce bottle of water included. No substitutions.

Chicken Salad Sandwich. Tender chunks of all-natural white meat chicken mixed with mayonnaise and a touch of olive oil, hint of sweet honey, cranberry and pecan pieces on light ciabatta bun. Kettle style chips, cookie, and a 24-ounce bottle of water included.

Vegetarian Wrap. A thick layer of roasted red pepper hummus topped with a vibrant blend of Arcadian blend spring mix, kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, red onion, diced tomatoes, and creamy vinaigrette dressing wrapped in a tomato basil tortilla. Kettle style chips, cookie, and a 24-ounce bottle of water included.

Adult Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Two grape Smucker's Uncrustable® chips, cookie, and a 24-ounce bottle of water. *Peanut Allergy Warning.


CONCESSIONS CAR – sandwiches, drinks, chips, etc., will be available for purchase on the train.


A small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food with you on the train.


Schedule

SCHEDULE FOR PASSENGERS BOARDING IN BRYSON CITY
Claim tickets and box lunches, visit shops and Lionel Museum 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Board train at Bryson City Depot 11:00 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.
Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.
De-board in Bryson City 4:15 p.m.- 4:45 p.m.
 
SCHEDULE FOR PASSENGERS RIDING MOTOR COACH FROM JOHNSON CITY, TN
Load Motor Coach 7:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.
Motor coach departs 7:30 a.m.
Arrive in Bryson City, NC 10:00 a.m.
Train departs Bryson City 12:01 p.m.
De-board in Bryson City 4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Arrive back in Johnson City 7:30 p.m.