Date & Time:

March 8, 2025

12PM Departure

Length: 4.5 hours

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion
Nantahala Gorge Excursion – Bryson City, NC

Join North Carolina Traveler for a scenic train ride through the stunning Great Smoky Mountains on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion!

This 4.5-hour roundtrip journey takes you 44 miles through breathtaking landscapes, including a ride across the historic Fontana Trestle and along the Nantahala River.

Departing from Bryson City, the train ride offers a unique experience for all with different seating classes to fit your preference and budget.


Seating & Booking Info

I will be riding First Class, and I’d love for you to join me! If you want to ride in First Class, I will provide my seat number and trip ID# in the instructions below to ensure we’re seated as close as possible in the same car.(MacNeill Car)

However, if you prefer a different class, that’s totally fine! You can still meet up with us at designated times, such as:

  • Before departure at the Bryson City Depot for a group picture 30 minutes before departure.)
  • During the one-hour layover at the Nantahala Gorge
  • Optional Dinner after the excursion (Restuarnt TBD)
  • Optional Deep creek Hike the Following Day (Details to come)
  • NC Traveler is booked in this section in the MacNeill Car. Call GSMR 1-800-872-4681 = Option 1, to book
  • and reference ORDER ID: #386929363 is to ensure we’re in the same car and connect your reservation to ours.

After booking your trip, please fill out this form with your name, car, and seat details. This helps us add you to the roster, keep you informed with important updates and tips, and connect you with fellow NC travelers!

No matter which class you choose, this train ride will be an unforgettable adventure!


Ticket Options & Pricing

This venue uses All-In Pricing, meaning the total price listed includes ticket fees (before taxes if applicable).

  • First Class (Ages 21+): $123.12 (NC Traveler is booked in this section in the MacNeill Car. Call GSMR 1-800-872-4681 = Option 1, to book
  • and reference ORDER ID: #386929363 is to ensure we’re in the same car and connect your reservation to ours.

If you’re prefer crown or coach class, please contact me and we can see if we can get you seats near another NC Traveler in that area.

If you prefer to be in your own section on the train, that’s fine too. You’re welcome to join in at whatever level you prefer.

  • Crown Class (All Ages): $93.96 (1/2 off with promo code Welcome50)
  • Coach Class (All Ages): $63.72 (1/2 off with promo code Welcome50)

💰 DISCOUNT ALERT! Crown and Coach Class tickets can receive 50% off with the promo code Welcome50.


Class Descriptions

First Class (Ages 21+)

  • Assigned seating at a dining table in a climate-controlled car with large picture windows.
  • Meal service provided by an attendant, choosing from a First Class Dining Menu.
  • Complimentary souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day.
  • Limited bar service available.

Crown Class (All Ages)

  • Assigned seating in a climate-controlled car with large picture windows.
  • Complimentary souvenir tumbler (ages 2+) with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day.
  • Beer and wine available for purchase.
  • Don’t forget to preorder your boxed lunch when purchasing tickets!

Coach Class (All Ages)

  • Open seating in an enclosed car.
  • Windows can be opened for fresh air and photography.
  • Heated with ceiling fans for comfort.
  • Don’t forget to preorder your boxed lunch when purchasing tickets!

📢 Reminder: Crown and Coach Class can use promo code Welcome50 for 50% off their tickets!


What to Expect on the Excursion

  • Group Picture: In Front of the Train 30 Minutes Before Departure
  • Departure: From Bryson City Depot.
  • Scenic Journey: Travel alongside the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers.
  • Lunch:
    • Served on the train by the attendant on First Class.
    • For Coach & Crown there’s an option to prepay for a boxed lunch that can be picked up before departure.
  • Layover: One-hour stop at Nantahala Gorge to relax by the river, explore, or enjoy sightseeing.
  • Return: Arrive back at Bryson City Depot after a 4.5-hour roundtrip adventure.

How to Book & Join the Group

  1. Choose your seating: We currently have seating booked in First Class, MacNeill car.
  2. In order to reference our ID # to connect to our reservation, you’ll need to call GSMR directly. 1-800-872-4681 = Choose Option 1
  3. For First Class riders:
    • Call GSMR and reference the ID # to connect your reservation with ours.
    • Our ORDER ID: #386929363 is to ensure we’re in the same car.
  4. For Crown & Coach riders: Once you’ve booked, please provide your info with this form so we can coordinate meet-up times and keep you up to date with any other important information.
  5. Use promo code Welcome50 if booking Crown or Coach for a discount!

Once you’ve booked your ticket, please fill out this form and to add your name and info to our Group Roster

Train Ticket Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

No exceptions are made for illness, weather, and/or road closures.

-You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure.

-Within 5 days of the departure the reservation becomes nonrefundable.

-Once a reservation becomes nonrefundable, it remains nonrefundable.

-You may reschedule your reservation with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year.

-A $14.00 fee per adult ticket and a $7.00 fee per child ticket is required to cancel your reservation in full or in part.

-A $7.00 fee per ticket is required to reschedule your reservation.

-You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

*If you don’t need parking, you will need to call GSMR to book in order to by-pass the parking requirement.

Have Questions? Contact me at Christy@NorthCarolinaTraveler.com and put “question about GSMR” in the subject line.

Let’s make this an unforgettable adventure together!