Nantahala Gorge

March 2 - October 31, 2024

Starting at $59

Tuckasegee River

June 12, 2024 - January 12, 2025

Starting at $59

Steam Only

July 3 - December 31, 2024

Starting at $69

Fall Trains

September 21 - October 31, 2024

Starting at $59

2025
Polar Express

November 6 - December 31, 2025

Starting at $44

Spirits on the rail

September 21, 2024

Starting at $139

Sunset Tuckasegee River

October 12 - October 27 2024

Starting at $66

Moonshine Experience

May 17 - November 2, 2024

Starting at $124

Raft n' Rail

April 2 - October 27, 2024

Starting at $142.75/adult

Starting at $125.75/child

Rail n' Trail

April 2 - October 27, 2024

Starting at $142.75/adult

Starting at $125.75/child

KidZip Train

April 2 - October 27, 2024

Starting at $130.95/adult

Starting at $113.95/child

Tarzan Train

April 2 - October 27, 2024

Starting at $180.95/adult

Starting at $163.95/child

Take a train ride along side the beautiful Nantahala River on our Nantahala Gorge Excursion! Departing from Bryson City, this 4 1/2 hour roundtrip excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back again arriving at our Bryson City Depot.

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in Western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4-hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

Don’t care where you’re going or what you’re doing as long as No. 1702 is on the train? This one’s for you. Choose from several steam operated train excursions.

Fall Trains

One of our favorite times of the year is almost here! We are eagerly anticipating the wonderful fall views of Western North Carolina’s majestic mountains filled with the dramatic hues of fiery sugar maples, buttery poplars, and crimson oaks. The cool, crisp autumn air is best experienced from one of our open-air gondolas or even better aboard the Nantahala, Our premium open-air car! Here at GSMR, we consistently strive to offer you the finest seating options, ensuring an memorable roundtrip journey that provides the ultimate viewing experience!

The Polar Express

Embrace the magic of Christmas on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™! This 1¼ hour round-trip journey to the North Pole and back to Bryson City, NC comes to life with music, cocoa, treats, book reading, sing-a-longs, and Santa greets each child with the first gift of Christmas, a silver bell from his sleigh.

Spirits on the Rail

Hop aboard our new Bourbon Train Spirits on the Rail. This is a journey like no other where guests will enjoy three exquisite bourbon drinks paired with a chef-prepared four-course meal. All of this while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Western North Carolina.
Join us for an unforgettable experience blending the finest spirits, gourmet cuisine and the charm of scenic railroad adventure. We are so excited for the launch of this new train ride!

Sunset Tuckasegee River Excursion

Embark on the ultimate golden hour escape with the Sunset Tuckasegee River Excursion! Perfect for couples and photographers, this two-hour ride through the Smokies offers breathtaking fall views of vibrant maples, poplars, and oaks. Enjoy the crisp autumn air from open-air gondolas. Don’t miss out!

Moonshine Experience

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving handcrafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine.
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Raft n' Rail

The original Raft & Rail since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8-mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot. Available April–October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola.

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Rail N' Trail

Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.

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KidZip Train

For kids 4-12 years old, ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in an open air car viewing the Nantahala Gorge, enjoying lunch, and then exploring in a scenic wooded adventure setting within view of parents. With a continuous cable system, there is no clipping and unclipping for the participants. Participants 4-6 years old must have a paying adult accompany them on the course. Equipment Furnished: Helmet, Harness, gloves.

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Tarzan Train

Our train and canopy combo trip will start in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot. You will ride through the Smoky Mountains, along Fontana Lake and up into the Nantahala Gorge. On your 2-hour train ride, watch paddlers challenge the rapids on the Nantahala River. A delicious Deli Sandwich lunch is included. At the top-of-the-line, you will disembark the train and travel a short distance to Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours. The original zip line canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 13 different zip lines and 8 sky bridges. Our two highest platforms have unbelievable views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake and waterfalls. This gliding experience, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change, takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants. All Canopy Tour Rangers are trained to – and all courses are built and inspected to – ACCT Standards to provide for your well-being and fun. This is a great experience for families. After enjoying the fully guided zip line tour, check out your photos and buy a t-shirt in Wildwater’s store. Your adventure will end later in the afternoon back at your car in Bryson City, NC. All transportation is included. Members of your party who can’t – or don’t want to – go on the canopy tour can ride the train round trip. You’ll all meet up shortly after the train’s return in Bryson City, NC.

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