It’s difficult to deny the allure of all that the fall season has to offer. Even those who gravitate toward staying at home tend to venture outside when fall colors begin to paint the landscape in the Tar Heel State. Fall festivities and attractions also give us reason to push pause on our normal routines to celebrate the season to the fullest.

If you're a sucker for the rusty reds, bright yellows, and brilliant orange hues of autumn, then you'll definitely want to check out the Hayride on the Rails at North Carolina's Craggy Mountain Line, located just five miles north of downtown Asheville.
Flickr/Peter Miller
Running through the month of October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays, the Hayride on the Rails is a slow-paced, family-friendly activity everyone can enjoy.
Google Maps/Vickie Whisnant
This year, the Hayride on the Rails is set aside for private charters only. This is actually a good thing!
Google Maps/Tiffany Michaelia
Reserve the entire railroad for two hours for only $125 and invite up to 23 guests, total.
The gig comes with a 40-minute Hayride on the Rails.
Google Maps/Allan Pack
You and your guests will have the entire line to yourself.

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Enjoy a front row seat for some of the best views along the French Broad River.
Google Maps/Terina Plyler
Be sure your phone or camera is at full charge, because the photo ops will be aplenty!
The ride includes a short stopover at Woodfin Riverside Park.
Google Maps/Christopher Codding
Hop off the rails for a short walk or just relax and wait for the ride back to the line's depot.
Once back at the depot, enjoy complementary apple cider and snap a few group shots for a keepsake.
Google Maps/Josh Payne
The small kids in the group will get a small pumpkin, too.
The Craggy Mountain Line is operated by a non-profit group.
Google Maps/Matt
The line has restored several old engines and cars that will be open for exploring during your two-hour exclusive Hayride on the Rails time block.

Line up a couple of other families, or extended family members (and their kids) and book this uniquely fun fall activity during the month of October. At the full capacity of 23 people, this activity is extremely affordable with an average cost of less than $5.50 per person.

Craggy Mountain Line is following a nationwide protocol for sanitizing during the COVID crisis. Rest assured this attraction is doing all it can to keep visitors safe. The trolley cars are thoroughly sanitized after each ride. Learn more about that and book your private ride here. You can also follow its Facebook page.

For more North Carolina goodness… keep scrolling down this page!

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Craggy Mountain Line, 111 Woodfin Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USA