Adventures Abound on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

By Darryl Payne

Not far from the Smoky Mountains is a railroad just waiting to take you away on one of many exciting adventures. Your trip on the Smoky Mountains Railroad starts in Bryson City, NC… just an hour away from Gatlinburg, TN. This historic train appeared in the movie The Fugitive and is available for your enjoyment.

Choose from mystery solving, rafting or even a chance to visit some of your favorite imaginary characters. When staying in the Smokies, make plans for a day trip so you can travel the 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges as the train takes you to places you've never been before.

The railroad has several options for seating:

Open Cars are the way to travel if you want to take great pictures. Ride under a canopy on bench-style seating without windows to make the most of every photo opportunity.

Coach Seating is traditional railroad seating with two seats facing two seats. These cars have windows, heat and ceiling fans in some cars for those warmer days of summer.

Crown Coach is an upgraded version of Coach Seating. This section has larger windows, is climate controlled and has a restroom in each car.

Club Cars are the top of the line with the same features as Crown Coach plus food and beverages. Each morning departure includes a continental breakfast of pastries, fruit and coffee. Afternoon departures include light hors d'oeuvres such as cheese and crackers as well as soft drinks, champagne or sparkling cider for toasting. Also beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase.

The Smoky Mountains Railroad runs year round with a variety of exciting destinations to choose from. Take a look… there's something for everyone.

The Raft and Rail is an excursion that takes you to the Nantahala River, where a team of professionals guides you on a two-hour whitewater trip over eight miles of the Nantahala. After working up an appetite on the water, enjoy a picnic lunch as you admire the beautiful scenery. There are also changing rooms and hot showers where you can get cleaned up for your ride back through the mountains. What a thrilling way to spend the day.

If you're a movie buff you'll want to try the Tuckasegee River Excursion. This four-hour round trip adventure travels across the Tuckasegee River and passes the film site for the movie The Fugitive. It also provides a 90-minute layover in Dillsboro, a quaint town that offers lots of shopping and dining opportunities.

Enjoy a good mystery? Then put on your Sherlock Holmes cap and head for the Mystery Theater Dinner Train. While dining on your choice of prime rib or stuffed chicken breast, you'll work with your fellow passengers to solve the hysterical mystery presented in a three-hour show.

If you have little ones you can't miss a Day Out With Thomas. Thomas the Train arrives in Bryson City along with Sir Topham Hat™. Wide-eyed children can climb aboard for a 25-minute train ride they won't forget.

The Great Pumpkin Patch Express is something every Peanuts fan will love. Join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Lucy as you take a trip on a hayride, travel through a maze and visit the petting zoo. Each ticket also gives you entrance into the Smoky Mountain Train's Museum in Bryson City. Don't forget to pick out your pumpkin before you leave.

If the Wild West was part of your childhood, try the Lone Ranger. This hero from the past will save the train from bandits with the help of his trusty friend Tonto.

The Polar Express Excursion is another favorite. Sip on hot chocolate as you listen to the famous holiday story while traveling by train. Children will be delighted when they realize they've arrived at their destination and find Santa waiting with a special treat. Whether you're young or young at heart, The Polar Express is a memorable event.

These are just some of the many adventures offered on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. No matter what time of year you visit the Smokies, you'll definitely want to make plans for a day trip to Bryson City for a quest you won't forget.

Darryl Payne is owner of Stone Oak Web Travel Guide, which offers information on Smoky Mountain rental cabins and more. Visit them online today at http://www.stoneoakweb.comfor complete Smoky Mountain vacation planning information. © 2009, All Rights Reserved