Travel by train during your next trip to the mountains of North Georgia. Excursions depart during all seasons and include special trips during the fall and also during Christmas. Discover parts of the country that can only be seen from the rails, and experience a new adventure. One railway operates inside Georgia; the others are a short drive from the North Georgia mountains.
Journey through the North Georgia mountains on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The railway operates from mid-March through the end of December, including special events like the Santa Express and Santa Village trips from late November to mid-December. The regular rail trips feature a four-hour, 26-mile round trip through the countryside of the Toccoa River area. Beginning at the 1905-era depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia, the train stops for a layover in the Tennessee towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill. Antique shops and other local attractions entice visitors. As of 2010, adult fares begin at $32 per excursion. Rates vary depending on the type of trip and the time of year. Discounts are available for seniors and military.
Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum operates a railway excursion that runs through the mountains of North Georgia. The Chickamauga Turn travels from Chattanooga to historic Chickamauga, Georgia. The trip takes about 6 hours and includes a 1½ hour stop in Chickamauga. Explore the city's many Civil War sites, including the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park and pre-Civil War homes. Train fare for adults is $33 and $25 for children age 3 to 12. Charter a trip for your group of 40 at any time and take a relaxing, five-hour trip including lunch or dinner in Chickamauga. As of 2010, the price package begins at about $2,840 for a group of 40, which is also the minimum group size to charter a trip. Dining options include the historic Lee & Gordon’s Mill, the Gordon Lee mansion, or an on-board dining car.
Take a short drive from North Georgia to Bryson City, North Carolina, for a variety of train trips in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad includes 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges. This section of track dates back to the 1800s. Roundtrip adult fare begins at $49 for coach class seating. Senior and military discounts are available. Most trips last about 4 hours. A variety of options and trips are available, including fall foliage tours, and the railway operates year-round.
