Train enthusiasts may want to make tracks to Bryson City in September to hop aboard the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum's steam train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
This trip on Sept. 14 will offers travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of western North Carolina while riding the rails behind a steam engine in vintage passenger railroad cars, according to a news release.
The No. 1702 locomotive dates to 1943. The engine’s construction was an official commissioned WWII steam engine plan. It is of the world’s largest engine class, and is one of two remaining in the United States.
The one-day excursion will cover most of the operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch Line, established in 1891, with its five percent grade and many bridges.
The scenic steam excursion takes riders from the historic depot in Bryson City through the beautiful countryside and into the Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smokies, then back to Bryson City. Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala rivers. It crosses Fontana Lake on a trestle spanning 780 feet 100 feet above the lake.
Passengers will ride in comfort in First Class, Crown Class, Tourist Coach, or open-air cars, the release said. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train.
First class cars are climate-controlled and feature large windows and lounge-car seating. Crown Class cars also offer large windows and climate control. Tourist Coach Class cars have ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh-air. Open-air coach cars are great for picture-taking and experiencing the ride and scenery.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has become a favorite of film producers over the years. The train wreck scene in the 1993 movie "The Fugitive," starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed along the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The railroad also was used in the filming of the 1996 comedy, "My Fellow Americans," starring Jack Lemmon and James Gardner, in a scene when they stumble onto a charter train full of UNC-Chapel Hill fans headed for the NCAA Final Four.
Train scenes in the 1998 movie "Forces of Nature," starring Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, also were filmed on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Bryson City is a laid-back, non-touristy town of 1,300 with more stop signs than stoplights. It is a walkable town with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries with working artisans, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a fly-fishing museum, an historical museum, an aquarium, two breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Bryson City is only 10 miles from the famous Cherokee Indian Reservation. Information on lodging in the Bryson City area is available online.
Passengers have two options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot: they may either ride a chartered tour bus out of Johnson City, Tenn., or drive directly to Bryson City. Select a point of departure on the order form when purchasing tickets. Free parking is provided in Johnson City and Bryson City.
Schedule for passengers driving directly to Bryson City:
Claim tickets and box lunches, visit shops and Lionel Museum: 10-11 a.m.Board train at Bryson City Depot: 11-11:35 a.m.Train departs Bryson City: 12:01 p.m.De-board in Bryson City: 4:15- 4:45 p.m.
Schedule for passengers riding motor coach from Johnson City, Tenn.
Motor coach departs: 7:30 a.m.Arrive in Bryson City: 10 a.m.Train departs Bryson City: 12:01 p.m.De-board in Bryson City: 4:15- 4:45 p.m.Arrive back in Johnson City: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
First Class tickets are $185 for adults 21 and older. A first class lunch menu is included.
Crown Class ticket price is $126 for adults and $98 for children ages 2-12.
Tourist Coach Class ticket price is $110 for adults and $88 for children ages 2-12.
Open-Air Coach Class tickets are $112 for adults and $87 for children.
All classes of excursion tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum near the Bryson City depot. The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and an operating layout and children's activity center.
Meal options
Box Lunch – $14.00. Purchase these lunches during the reservation process online. Packaged picnic-style, boxed, and ready to eat on the train. The boxed lunches are available for pick up with proof of purchase on the depot deck at the Cafe at the depot. All box lunches must be pre-purchased.The concessions car will have sandwiches, drinks, chips and snacks available for purchase on boardA small cooler is acceptable if you wish to bring food with you.
Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online by credit card at http://www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link.
The excursion runs rain or shine. Every effort will be made to maintain an on-time schedule. The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum assumes no liability due to passengers not arriving on time at the Bryson City Depot.
For more information, go to www.wataugavalleynrhs.org, or email wataugavalley@gmail.com
Most Popular
Comments / 0