The Kentucky and Tennessee Railway is a passenger train service that takes its guests on a 16-mile tour of the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The tour takes passengers into a 600-foot deep gorge through a variety of scenic areas and lush mountain landscapes.
The tour is between three and four hours and includes a stop at a historic coal mining camp operated by the National Park Service. The rail ticket also admits the passenger into the McCreary County Museum near the boarding area in Stearns, Kentucky. The train operates its tours seasonally between April and October. For an extra fee passengers can include a "Coal Miner's Lunch" wrapped in a souvenir bandanna. A concession stand is also available at the coalmine stop.
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
100 Henderson Street
Stearns, Kentucky 42647
606-376-5330
bsfsry.com
Just east of Huntsville, the North Alabama Railroad Museum displays numerous exhibits throughout the year that help visitors learn about the railroad that was once so important to the northern Alabama economy. The actual locomotive at the museum is one of the main attractions, as it is available for rides during special "train days."
Starting from the historic Mercury and Chase train depot, the museum sponsors rides on the train on select Saturdays throughout the season. There are leisure rides scheduled on most weekends, while special events and holidays are the best times to visit. The season kicks off with the Peter Cottontail Express, an Easter-themed tour aimed at children who get a visit from the rabbit himself during the ride. Other events include Fourth of July rides, a fall foliage scenic tour and the Santa Train in December when jolly old St. Nick comes aboard to entertain and bring gifts.
North Alabama Railroad Museum, Inc.
694 Chase Road
Huntsville, Alabama 35815
256-851-6276
northalabamarailroadmuseum.com
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad runs from Bryson City, North Carolina through the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains and gives passengers an up-close view of one of the areas most beautiful and remote natural areas.
The GSMR train offers a variety of seating options ranging from an open-air bench seat to first-class accommodations. The train runs diverse tours throughout the year along 53 miles of track that takes passengers over 25 bridges and through two mountain tunnels.
In addition to the regular trips available during the year, special events like the Peanuts Great Pumpkin Patch Express, The Polar Express Christmas train and special dinner train events are scattered throughout the calendar.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
225 Everett St.
Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
800-872-4681
gsmr.com
