Journey Through Time on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains aboard a vintage train, exploring stunning landscapes and rich history.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers an unforgettable scenic journey through North Carolina's breathtaking landscapes. Experience the beauty of nature and the charm of vintage train travel as you go through lush forests, beside sparkling rivers, and past stunning mountains. Perfect for families and adventure seekers alike, this tourist attraction provides a unique way to explore the Great Smoky Mountains.
A brief summary to Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, North Carolina, 28713, US
- +1800-872-4681
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons to secure your preferred date and time.
- Arrive early to enjoy the scenic area around the station and to capture great photos before departure.
- Dress in layers; temperatures can vary significantly during the journey, especially in the mountains.
- Check the schedule for special themed rides, such as the Polar Express during the holiday season.
- Bring snacks and drinks, though there are also concession options available on board.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving from any location in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, head towards US-441 S (Newfound Gap Road). Follow US-441 S until you reach the intersection with US-74 W. Merge onto US-74 W and continue for about 18 miles. Take the exit toward Bryson City/US-19 S. Merge onto US-19 S and continue for about 6 miles. Follow signs to Bryson City and turn onto Mitchell St. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will be located at 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713. Parking is available on-site, but you may need to pay a fee depending on the season.
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Public Transportation
For those relying on public transportation, the closest major bus service is the Smoky Mountain Cab service that operates in the area. You will need to book a ride from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, as there are no direct public transportation lines to Bryson City. Once you arrive in Bryson City, you can take a local taxi or rideshare service to 45 Mitchell St. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver, as it may vary.
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Bike
If you're feeling adventurous, biking from the surrounding areas can be a scenic option. From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, take the Oconaluftee River Trail west towards Bryson City. The trail is about 12 miles long and follows the river, offering beautiful views. Once you reach Bryson City, navigate to Mitchell St to find the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Ensure you have a bike lock, as you'll want to secure your bike during your visit.
Discover more about Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tsali Trailhead, US Forest Service, Cheoah Ranger District
12.6 km
Discover Tsali Trailhead in North Carolina—a must-visit destination for hiking and nature lovers, offering stunning views and serene trails.
Ballhoot Scar Overlook
17.8 km
Discover the stunning panoramic views at Ballhoot Scar Overlook, a breathtaking spot along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway, perfect for nature lovers.
Great Smoky Mountains
18.1 km
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a nature preserve boasting stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history in North Carolina.
Cowee Mound
18.4 km
Explore Cowee Mound, a historical landmark in Franklin, NC, and immerse yourself in the rich Cherokee heritage and stunning natural beauty of the region.
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
19.5 km
Unearth your own treasures at the Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine in Franklin, NC—an unforgettable gem-mining adventure for all ages.
Newfound Gap
20.3 km
Discover the stunning views and rich history of Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains - a must-visit destination for all nature lovers.
Wesser Bald Fire Tower
20.6 km
Discover the breathtaking views from Wesser Bald Fire Tower, a scenic hiking destination in the heart of North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains.
Thomas Divide Overlook
20.8 km
Discover the breathtaking views of Thomas Divide Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Ben Morton Overlook
21.0 km
Discover stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains at Ben Morton Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot in Gatlinburg, TN.
Rose Creek Mine
21.6 km
Experience the thrill of gem mining in the breathtaking landscapes of Franklin, North Carolina at Rose Creek Mine, a family-friendly adventure awaits.
Chimney Tops
22.4 km
Discover the breathtaking views and challenging trails of Chimney Tops in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
22.5 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and outdoor paradise.
Inspiration Point
23.0 km
Discover the breathtaking views at Inspiration Point, a scenic overlook on the Alum Cave Trail, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Arch Rock
23.3 km
Explore Arch Rock, a stunning natural wonder on the Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for breathtaking views and unique geology.
Chimneys Picnic Area
23.3 km
Experience the serene beauty of the Chimneys Picnic Area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a perfect spot for picnicking and outdoor adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot
0.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich history of the Smoky Mountains aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, a scenic journey like no other.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Retail Store & Train Museum
0.3 km
Explore the history of rail travel and the beauty of the Smokies at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Retail Store & Train Museum in Bryson City.
Bryson City Island Park
0.7 km
Explore Bryson City Island Park: A serene escape in North Carolina with lush landscapes, recreational activities, and family-friendly attractions.
Deep Creek Trail Trailhead
4.2 km
Discover the natural beauty of Deep Creek Trailhead, where stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails await in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Juney Whank Falls
4.3 km
Experience the natural beauty of Juney Whank Falls in North Carolina, where stunning waterfalls and scenic trails await outdoor adventurers.
Tom Branch Falls
4.5 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Tom Branch Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains, where nature's serenity awaits every traveler.
Indian Creek Falls
5.2 km
Explore the breathtaking Indian Creek Falls in North Carolina, a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers in the Smoky Mountains.
Fontana Lake Overlook
6.0 km
Experience the unparalleled beauty of Fontana Lake Overlook, where serene waters meet majestic mountain views in North Carolina.
Sawmill Creek Pottery
8.2 km
Explore the artistry of handcrafted pottery at Sawmill Creek Pottery in Bryson City, North Carolina, a must-visit for art enthusiasts and collectors.
Lakeshore Trail Trailhead
8.8 km
Discover the beauty of nature at the Lakeshore Trail Trailhead in Bryson City, North Carolina, a serene hiking area perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nantahala Village Riding Stables
12.5 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest on horseback at Nantahala Village Riding Stables.
Nantahala Village Resort
12.6 km
Experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Nantahala Village Resort, your perfect retreat for adventure, dining, and relaxation.
Cherokee North Carolina
12.9 km
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Tsali Campground, US Forest Service, Cheoah Ranger District
12.9 km
Experience the tranquility of Tsali Campground in North Carolina, where adventure and nature unite for an unforgettable getaway.
Oconaluftee Island Park
13.0 km
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Essential places to dine
High Test Deli
0.2 km
Discover mouthwatering sandwiches at High Test Deli in Bryson City—your go-to spot for tasty bites during your mountain adventures.
SNAK SHAK
0.2 km
Savor authentic American cuisine at Snak Shak in Bryson City – where comfort food meets warm hospitality.
The Rice Wagon
0.3 km
Experience authentic Hawaiian cuisine at The Rice Wagon in Bryson City – a delightful food truck serving island favorites amidst stunning mountain views.
CJ's Grille
0.3 km
Experience delightful grilled cuisine at CJ's Grille in Bryson City—where local flavors meet a cozy atmosphere.
The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
0.3 km
Discover exquisite American cuisine with local flair at The Bistro at the Everett Hotel in Bryson City – where every meal is a celebration.
Bar-B-Que Wagon
0.5 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Bar-B-Que Wagon in Bryson City - where every bite tells a story.
Tommy's Paradise
12.5 km
Experience culinary delights amidst breathtaking scenery at Tommy's Paradise in Bryson City - a must-visit restaurant for every traveler.
Kallisto Restaurant and Lounge at Nantahala Village
12.6 km
Experience exquisite dining at Kallisto Restaurant and Lounge in Nantahala Village, where culinary artistry meets stunning natural beauty.
All Fried Up
12.7 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine at All Fried Up in Cherokee, NC - where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
14.2 km
Experience the ultimate fine dining at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Cherokee with sizzling steaks and exquisite seafood amidst elegant surroundings.
Granny's Kitchen
14.9 km
Discover delicious comfort food at Granny's Kitchen in Cherokee – a must-visit buffet restaurant offering hearty American dishes for all appetites.
Big Wesser
16.9 km
Discover delightful American cuisine at Big Wesser, a riverside restaurant in Bryson City offering scenic views and live music.
River's End Restaurant
17.0 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine amidst breathtaking views at River's End Restaurant in Bryson City, NC.
The Rivers and Rails Tavern
19.3 km
Discover Southern hospitality at The Rivers and Rails Tavern in Dillsboro – where local flavors meet stunning mountain views.
Fire Ant Grill
26.0 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine at Fire Ant Grill in Topton, NC – where every meal is crafted with love and local ingredients.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La Dolce Vita Bakery
0.1 km
Experience the charm of La Dolce Vita Bakery, where artisanal coffee meets delectable pastries in the heart of Bryson City.
Appalachian Mercantile
0.2 km
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Loose Moose
0.2 km
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Humanité Boutique
0.2 km
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Charleston Station
0.3 km
Explore Charleston Station in Bryson City for unique gifts and local crafts that embody Southern charm and hospitality.
Bryson City Outdoors
0.3 km
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Buttermilk Farms Antiques & Auction
0.5 km
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Handmade Pottery
8.2 km
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The What's Hot Shop
12.9 km
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Traditional Hands Native American Jewelry
12.9 km
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SPIRIT BEAR Gift shop & souvenirs
13.0 km
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Twisted Sister
13.7 km
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Great Smokies Gifts
15.0 km
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Saunooke's Mill & Shop
15.1 km
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Nantahala Food Mart
16.4 km
Discover the local charm of Nantahala Food Mart in Bryson City, NC - your essential stop for groceries and regional specialties!
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Unplugged Pub
0.3 km
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The Fireside Bar at the Fryemont Inn
0.6 km
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Native Brews Tap & Grill
15.1 km
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Balsam Falls Brewing Co.
21.4 km
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The Cut Cocktail Lounge
21.5 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails at The Cut Cocktail Lounge in Sylva, NC - a must-visit bar for travelers.
Creekside Oyster House and Grill
21.9 km
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Slanted Window Tasting Station
27.4 km
Discover the exquisite flavors and unique ambiance of Slanted Window Tasting Station in Franklin, NC – a culinary gem for wine and food lovers.
Mixers
28.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Franklin, NC, at Mixers Bar and Nightclub, where delicious food and great drinks meet an electric atmosphere.
Rathskeller
28.2 km
Experience the charm of Rathskeller in Franklin, NC, where exceptional coffee meets a vibrant pub atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
The Gatherings of Macon County
28.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Gatherings of Macon County, where live music and community spirit create unforgettable memories.
Nantahala Hideaway Campground & Cabins. Formerly Nelsons Nantahala Hideaway
30.8 km
Discover tranquility and adventure at Nantahala Hideaway Campground & Cabins, where mountain beauty meets outdoor fun in North Carolina.
Salty Bear
31.8 km
Discover a taste of Gatlinburg at Salty Bear, where delicious grilled dishes meet a cozy atmosphere in the heart of the Smokies.
Dude's Daiquiris
31.9 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and refreshing flavors at Dude's Daiquiris, Gatlinburg's ultimate bar destination for tourists.
Shamrock Pub
32.0 km
Enjoy a vibrant dining experience at Shamrock Pub in Gatlinburg, where great food, drinks, and friendly vibes await.
Boudicca's Celtic Pub
32.0 km
Discover the heart of Celtic culture at Boudicca's Celtic Pub, where traditional dishes and live music create an unforgettable experience in Gatlinburg.
