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Great Smoky
Mountains Railroad train at Nantahala River
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The Great Smoky
Mountain Railroad offers a variety of scenic excursions through the mountains
of western North Carolina. The following are some of the most popular
excursions that Carolina Outfitters can book for you:
NANTAHALA GORGE
EXCURSION:
This 4 ½ hour round trip excursion departs from Bryson
City and travels 44 miles to the scenic Nantahala River Gorge. This trip
crosses Fontana Lake on a 100 foot high Trestle Bridge that spans almost 800
feet across the Lake. It winds through the scenic western North Carolina
mountains into the Nantahala Gorge. There is a 1 hour layover at the Nantahala
River depot for lunch, sightseeing, shopping and relaxing. Guests can enjoy the
scenic splendor of the Nantahala Gorge and view the fun and exciting whitewater
rafting activities on the Nantahala River on this trip! The train goes along
the river through the Nantahala Gorge giving guests a great view of the high
cliffs and rugged terrain that the Cherokee called "The Land of The Noonday
Sun".
THE TUCKASEGEE
RIVER EXCURSION:
Trains depart from the historic Bryson City depot. This
4 hour, 32 mile round-trip travels along the Tuckasegee River, through the
historic Cowee Tunnel, and past The Fugitive film site. Arrive in the
quaint village of Dillsboro for a 1½ hour layover for shopping and
dining
RAFTING AND
RAILROAD:
We suggest one of the following:
Option A: We
will book your whitewater rafting with Carolina Outfitters and your scenic
railway trip with Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on two seperate days. Both are
major adventures! (You enjoy the full train trip both to the Nantahala Gorge
and then back to Bryson City, and you raft the full river on the Nantahala on
two separate days.)
Option B: We
will book your scenic railway trip with Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in the
morning and your whitewater rafting with Carolina Outfitters in the afternoon.
You enjoy the full railway trip from Bryson City into the Nantahala Gorge and
then back to Bryson City. (The return trip from the Nantahala Gorge to Bryson
City is a very enjoyable part of the trip, and this way you won't miss it!) You
then drive from Bryson City to Carolina Outfitters Rafting (about a 30 minute
drive) and go on a (full river) whitewater rafting trip down the Nantahala
River with Carolina Outfitters!
THE POLAR
EXPRESS™:
Bring the magical story of the Polar Express™ to
life as you depart Bryson City for an imaginary journey to the North Pole on
The Polar Express™. Enjoy the enchanting lights, decor and atmosphere of
the Christmas Season. Guests on board will enjoy hot chocolate and a snack
while listening to and reading along with the magical Polar Express Story.
Children will be delighted when the train arrives at the "North Pole" where
Santa Claus and his reindeer will be waiting. Santa will board the Polar
Express where he will greet each child and give them their own sleigh bell.
Christmas carols will be sung on the return trip to Bryson City.
Ticket prices begin at $39 for adults and $26 for children ages 2-12. Children under two years old ride complimentary. For more information and reservations please call 800-468-7238 or 828-488-6345.
Premium rates apply to specific dates in November and December and all Saturday trains.
Coach Class: Adults $39, Children (2-12) $26, Infant Complimentary
Coach Class Premium: Adults $45, Children (2-12) $31, Infant Complimentary
Crown Class: Adults $49, Children (2-12) $36, Infant $10
Crown Class Premium: Adults $55, Children (2-12) $41, Infant $15
First Class: Adults $59 Children (2-12) $41, Infant $15
First Class Premium: Adults $68, Children (2-12) $46, Infant $20
First Class seating upgrades are available. Each guest will receive a
deluxe serving of warm cocoa in a souvenir Polar Express™ mug and other
treats in addition to the standard offerings. Upgrade to First Class at
$59 for adults and $41 for children ages 2-12. Children under two years
old are $15.
Ride the Polar Express™ Christmas Eve Limited for an evening you will
never forget! Each guest will receive a special Christmas souvenir.
Adult ticket prices start at $52 and children 2-12 are $37. First Class
seating upgrades are also available. Adult ticket prices are $73, children
2-12 are $50 and $20 for less than two years.
*All ticket fares subject to 6% Historic Preservation Fee, premium rates
apply to premium dates.
Smoky Mountain Trains Museum admission is included with all train
excursion tickets. Without train excursion admission is $9 for Adults and
$5 for Children.
PEANUTS ™ THE
GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH EXPRESS:
Trip departs Dillsboro Depot on selected
dates in October. Meet Snoopy, Charlie Brown & Lucy, and select your own
pumpkin. Enjoy hayrides, live musical entertainment, storytelling, hay bale
maze, bouncy house, apple cider, peanuts gift shop, face painting and trick or
treating. Kids wear your costumes!
GREAT SMOKY
MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRIP DATES AND TIMES:
For a complete information on
2012 trip dates and times please click here for the 2012
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILWAY EXCURSION SCHEDULE
TRIP PRICES FOR 2012:
Nantahala and Tuckasegee River Excursions
January-September, November-December |
Adults |
Children
(age 2-12) |
Children
(under age 2) |
| Coach Class: |
$49.00 |
$29.00 |
Free |
| Crown Class: |
$66.00 |
$38.00 |
$10.00 |
| First Class 21+: |
$92.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
| Family First Class: |
$92.00 |
$54.00 |
$20.00 |
| First Class Open Car: |
$74.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
| |
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| October |
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| Coach Class (open/enclosed): |
$53.00 |
$31.00 |
Free |
| Crown Class: |
$66.00 |
$38.00 |
$10.00 |
| First Class 21+: |
$92.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
| First Class Open Car (Nantahala): |
$77.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
| First Class Open Car (Tuckasegee): |
$92.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
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| Other Trains |
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| Polar Express™ |
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| Coach Class |
$39.00 |
$26.00 |
Free |
| Coach Class Premium |
$45.00 |
$31.00 |
Free |
| Crown Class |
$49.00 |
$36.00 |
$10.00 |
| Crown Class Premium |
$55.00 |
$41.00 |
$15.00 |
| First Class |
$59.00 |
$41.00 |
$15.00 |
| First Class Premium |
$68.00 |
$46.00 |
$20.00 |
| Peanuts ™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express: |
$53.00 |
$31.00 |
Free |
RESERVATION REQUEST FORM FOR GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN
RAILROAD TRIP
<< Prices and schedules are subject to change
>>
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS
AND SCOUT GROUPS
Special
discounts are available for School Groups and Scout Groups at $13.00 per person
on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. For every 10 in the group 2 staff members
will receive the $13.00 per person discount price, and additional adults would
pay only $22.00 per person. (ie: for 20 in the group 4 staff members could go
for $13.00 each and additionals at $22.00 etc.) Bus drivers for schools always
get a complimentary ticket.
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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRAIN CAR TYPES:
First Class* 21+
Champion, Mac Neil, Dixie Flyer & Silver Meteor Cars
Travel in comfort and style in 1940s-era bar, lounge and dining cars that feature seating at well-appointed tables and lounge/restaurant style chairs.
First Class passengers receive an all inclusive, delicious lunch served by the car's private attendant, a souvenir tumbler with a fountain soda and an embroidered tote bag gift from GSMR. These First Class Cars are climate controlled with restrooms available. Age 21 and over only. *Cocktail and bar service available for purchase.
Family First Class*
June, July & August
Champion, Mac Neil, Dixie Flyer & Silver Meteor Cars
Adults and children can ride and dine first class! First Class passengers enjoy a delicious lunch served by the car's private attendant, a souvenir tumbler with a fountain soda and an embroidered tote bag gift from GSMR. Children receive special child's meal and their own child souvenir.
Crown Class
Relax in restored coaches dating from 1925, featuring larger windows for better viewing and climate controlled for passenger comfort. Crown Class passengers receive their own souvenir tumbler to pick up and fill with a fountain soda in the Conductor's Cafe Car.
Coach Class
April - September. November – December.
Fall Foliage - October
Restored vintage coaches that date back as early as 1920, feature windows that open for fresh-air viewing, ceiling fans and heat for cooler days.
Open Air Gondola *Not available in October
April - September. November - December.
Created from retired baggage and flatbed cars, these open cars feature long padded outward-facing seats, perfect for the panoramic views. A great car for capturing the scents and sounds of the forest, or that special photo to remember your trip.
RESTROOMS:
Restrooms are available at depots and on board the trains. Limited disability
access is available.
(Prices are subject to change.)
GREAT SMOKY
MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRIP DATES AND TIMES:
For a complete information on
2012 trip dates and times please click here for the 2012
EXCURSION
SCHEDULE
We will email you a
confirmation number for your train trip. (We will notify you of any change in
price or availability prior to your confirmation)
RESERVATION REQUEST FORM FOR GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN
RAILROAD TRIP
We can help you fit
the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad trip into your vacation schedule as well as
whitewater rafting with Carolina Outfitters on the
Nantahala River, gemstone mining at Nantahala River
Gem Mine, bicycle rentals for a variety of
scenic bike path options, and horseback
riding on the scenic back-country trails of the Nantahala River Gorge or
other scenic trails. In addition, we offer a variety of
vacation cabin rental lodging
options! |
