Traveling by train is a nostalgic experience that really is unparalleled. A train ride allows you to sit back, enjoy the view, and let someone else take the wheel. Luckily, North Carolina offers some seriously amazing train rides, fun for adults and fun for kids! Some are 21 and up, while others are perfect for breaking out of your weekend routine and doing something unforgettable. Here are five scenic railroad trips in North Carolina that make for the perfect day trip in The Tar Heel State.

1. Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Railroad's Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Everett Street, Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
We're going to kick this list off with what is perhaps the most scenic train trip in North Carolina: the Nantahala Gorge Excursion offered by Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. You'll depart from Bryson City, North Carolina, and spend the next four and a half hours reveling in perfect panoramas, resplendent river views, and jaw dropping scenery. While aboard, you'll hear Appalachian tales and venture across Fontana Lake. After the excitement, you'll have an hour to relax and explore at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
2. Nantahla Gorge Excursion
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad / Facebook
Everett Street, Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Flickr / Andrew Kalat
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad's Nantahala Gorge Excursion is downright delightful. Climb aboard for a ride full of pampering as you enjoy carefully selected wines paired with a mouthwatering meal, all served with a scenic side of North Carolina nature. The train departs from Bryson City. This first-class option books quickly, so make sure you plan ahead of time. If you prefer beer over wine, check out the Great Smoky Mountain Train's Beer Runs! Each ride has its own unique beer, food and party atmosphere!

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3. New Hope Valley's Triangle Train
3900 Bonsal Rd, New Hill, NC 27562, USA
Triangle Train
Just 30 minutes outside of Raleigh, you can have a historic experience aboard this open-air train. The train ride takes you through some of North Carolina's most scenic forests. After your ride, be sure to stop at the North Carolina Railway Museum to learn more about all things trains! And definitely keep your eyes peeled for seasonal and holiday-themed train excursions.
4. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad's Uncorked Wine and Dine Excursion
Everett Street, Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad/Facebook
For an adults-only kind of train trip, the Uncorked Wine and Dine Excursion from Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is a ton of fun. With a wine and dinner excursion passage, you'll find yourself in the First Class car with First Class service, and World Class wine in addition to delightful food that's prepared on site. The food is Top Chef level, and the whole experience makes for a pretty incredible date night, too!
5. Tweetsie Railroad's Nostalgic Excursions
Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605, USA
Flickr / Smart Destinations
Tweetsie is an absolutely awesome Wild West theme park located in Blowing Rock that's a total experience to visit. Tweetsie Railroad has two vintage locomotive trains: No. 12, 'Tweetsie,' and No. 190, the 'Yukon Queen.' No trip to Tweetsie is complete without hopping on board for a quick, three-mile journey. Tweetsie also offers special events and train rides throughout the year, too. One you (well, your kids or grandkids) won't want to miss out on is the railroad's annual Day Out With Thomas event.

Have you experienced any of these North Carolina train trips? Which one was your favorite? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Another way to experience the beauty of The Tar Heel State is to hop in your car and take a road trip! From the bright greens of spring and summer to the fiery colors of fall, nature is calling for your to come out and explore. When you do, make sure you use our ultimate road trip packing list – it will help make traveling a breeze!

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Scenic Train Rides In North Carolina

Sarah | April 05, 2021

Are there any themed train rides in North Carolina?

If you have an insatiable appetite for adventure -- and trains! -- you'll definitely want to take your railroad excursion experience to the next level with one of the themed rides offers at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Check out options such as:

  • The kid-friendly "Great Pumpkin Patch Express" in the fall
  • And "The Polar Express" holiday event when the weather turns brisk
  • There's the adults-only "Uncorked" wine-and-train experience
  • In the spring, check out the Bunny Express!

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers lots of fun, seasonal, and memorable excursions sure to delight all members of your locomotive-loving party!

What are some of North Carolina's most scenic road trips?

Road trips, just like train trips, are the perfect way to savor the splendor of The Tar Heel State. And happily, there are endless opportunities for scenic road trips in North Carolina!

  • Every North Carolinian knows the Blue Ridge Parkway as ‘the’ drive through the Carolinas; it truly offers some of the best mountain and valley 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. The views are absolutely breathtaking.

 

Does North Carolina have any railroad museums?

Railroads are an important part of North Carolina's history, and luckily history has been preserved at various railroad museums throughout the state.

  • Locomotive lovers of all ages will totally geek out at the N.C Transportation Museum, a hands-on history lesson of 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 also trains that visit the museum. Stay up to date with them on social media to make sure you get your tickets to hop on board!
  • And of course, Tweetsie Railroad is a delightful place that is as much about learning about trains, as it is about riding trains. Visit and check out all sorts of cool, railroad-themed interests before your excursion!

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