In North Carolina, taking the ‘scenic route’ is always the best option. Between North Carolina’s picturesque mountains, rolling hills and valleys, and babbling streams and rivers, the best way to enjoy the views is to go the old-fashioned route – and take a train. No matter the season, these five scenic train rides in North Carolina will leave you in awe of the unparalleled beauty of the Tar Heel State.

1. Nantahala Gorge Excursion

GSMR
Offered through the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, the Nantahala Excursion departs from Bryson City. For four and a half hours, you'll ride along the beautiful Nantahala River, hear Appalachian tales, and venture across Fontana Lake. After all the excitement, you'll be able to relax at the Nantahala Outdoor Center during an hour's layover. It's one of the best day train rides through the mountains in North Carolina.

Get a quick look at this fun train ride:

2. Tuckasegee River Excursion

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Also offered through the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is the Tuckasegee River Excursion. You'll depart from Bryson City, and on your four-and-a-half-hour journey, you'll travel through beautiful North Carolina countryside, roll through the Cowee Tunnel, and even pass by The Fugitive movie set. The ride stops in historic Dillsboro for about an hour, where you'll be able to explore shops, find goodies, and grab a bite to eat. It's one of the most fascinating scenic train rides in North Carolina.

See what it’s like to ride on this route:

3. Moonshine Experience

18 Fry St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
gsmr.com

Related Stories

Rent Your Own Party Pontoon Boat In North Carolina For An Amazing Time On The Water

Rent Your Own Party Pontoon Boat In North Carolina For An Amazing Time On The Water

 The One-Of-A-Kind Santa Theme Park In North Carolina That's Perfect For A Family Day Trip This Summer

The One-Of-A-Kind Santa Theme Park In North Carolina That's Perfect For A Family Day Trip This Summer

 Just 30 Minutes From Morehead City, The Crystal Coast Is The Perfect North Carolina Day Trip Destination

Just 30 Minutes From Morehead City, The Crystal Coast Is The Perfect North Carolina Day Trip Destination
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
gsmr.com
Traveling along the Great Smoky Railroad's Nantahala Gorge Excursion, this train ride is for adults only. Situated in a first-class cabin car, guests are served the triple-distilled Midnight Moon moonshine. It's not just tasty beverages, but truly interesting history lessons you'll get as well. Learn about the thriving economy of bootlegging in Appalachia, and read about Swain County's Major Redmond, one of the most famous moonshine outlaws of the 19th century. The ride only runs at select times during the year. Get your tickets on the GSMR website.

4. New Hope Valley, Triangle Train

3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC 27562, USA
Facebook/Triangle's Train: New Hope Valley Railway
Just thirty minutes outside of Raleigh, you can have an authentic historic experience aboard this open-air train. The New Hope Valley Railway offers excursion rides on vintage equipment at the North Carolina Railway Museum. It's one of the best train trips in North Carolina. The railway also hosts seasonal events like Halloween and Santa Trains. After your ride, be sure to stop by the North Carolina Railway Museum. Find the latest expeditions on the New Hope Valley Railway Facebook page.

Learn more about the New Hope Valley train:

5. Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie Railroad Ln, North Carolina 28605, USA
Tweetsie Railroad/Facebook
Tweetsie Railroad is a family-owned and operated Wild West Theme Park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. This is perhaps the most unique passenger train in the state! Read more at the Tweetsie Railroad website.

Have you experienced any of these scenic train rides in North Carolina? Tell us about your expedition in the comments! Book a trip to North Carolina and ride on some more charming train rides.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Train Rides In North Carolina

Sarah | January 20, 2021

What are the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina?

Some of the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina include:

  • Mt. Mitchell is absolutely stunning; it's the highest peak East of the Mississippi, and on a clear day, you can see for miles.
  • Hanging Rock State Park is also particularly beautiful, but if you're wary of heights, this overlook's steep drop-off might leave you feeling some major vertigo!

North Carolina has some seriously beautiful overlooks where visitors can take in all those quintessential Carolina views.

What are some beautiful road trips in North Carolina?

Some beautiful road trips in North Carolina include:

  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Cherohala Skyway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful road trips in North Carolina. From straddling you over mountainous peaks to weaving you through some of the best natural scenery the state has to offer, Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the best views in the state. We also love the drive along the Cherohala Skyway. This entire drive is a scenic experience in and of itself, but some must-stop by destinations include Little Huckleberry Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top, and John’s Knob -- which are also some of the oldest mountains in the Appalachian range. Of course, when you start your journey outside of Robbinsville, take time to stop at the overlook above Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

Does North Carolina have any railroad museums?

A railroad museum in North Carolina is the N.C. Transportation Museum

  • Locomotive lovers of all ages will totally geek out at the N.C Transportation Museum, a hands-on history lesson on everything that gets us from point A to point B. History buffs will love the experience of the antique diesel engine. Throughout the year, there are also specialty train rides (like the popular Thomas the Train) and trains that visit the museum.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina