5 Beautiful Train Rides in North Carolina Through Quaint Towns, Vibrant Cities, and the Blue Ridge Mountains

There’s one thing basic and timeless about taking a prepare journey. For some, it’s a day by day a part of their commute, however for others, it’s an invite to embark on an journey again in time. In case your travels are bringing you to the Tar Heel State, these prepare rides supply a singular view of the enduring Blue Ridge Mountains, in addition to themed vacation experiences. This is a information to one of the best prepare rides in North Carolina that you just (and the entire household) received’t wish to miss.

Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad

Nestled in Bryson Metropolis, roughly a one-hour drive from Asheville, is the Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad takeoff station. There are two prepare varieties — an old style steam-powered locomotive and a extra trendy diesel choice — in addition to a number of routes various in distance, time, and theme, although all present a scenic expertise.

One of the crucial well-liked journeys is the Nantahala Gorge Tour, a 4.5-hour round-trip journey providing a pit cease to soak within the mountaintop views. Or, you may hop aboard the Tuckasegee River Tour, a four-hour trek that features a cease in a small historic city for some fast buying.  

Locals and vacationers alike swarm to the Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad for its particular Polar Specific prepare throughout the holidays, which incorporates cookies, sizzling cocoa, and a Santa sighting, in addition to encourages passengers of all ages to put on their pajamas whereas on board. {Couples} can take pleasure in dinners with a wine pairing, a Carolina moonshine tasting, a homicide thriller social gathering, and different themed rides that make for a enjoyable date night time.

Ticket costs vary based mostly on age and sophistication of service, together with firstclass, premium open-air gondola, coach plus, crown, and coach class. Costs begin at $58 for adults and $33 for youths ages two to 12. 

Tweetsie Railroad

A child’s wonderland may be discovered within the small, quaint village of Blowing Rock, deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tweetsie Railroad is understood for its journey park providing themed experiences, together with Thomas the Practice, a ghost trip, and a vacation journey. Along with railroad journeys, the admission payment consists of entry to kid-friendly amusement park rides, a deer petting zoo, dwell interactive exhibits, and extra. Seasonal occasions like a canine frisbee competitors and visiting musicians additionally add to the character and allure of this tiny city expertise. Day by day admission tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for youngsters ages three to 12, and free for youths below two. 

New Hope Valley Railway

If experiencing a historic prepare trip is in your want checklist, think about the New Hope Valley Railway. This four-mile, hour-long journey from Bonsal to New Hill is called the “Triangle’s Practice” because it’s situated within the Piedmont area of the state (or the Triangle), connecting Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.

Passengers aboard this classic locomotive will wind via tall pine timber, a signature of the state. All year long, seasonal experiences are on supply, together with summer time adventures with Thomas the Practice, an Easter egg hunt in April, and extra. Verify the web site for particular occasions that promote meals and drinks whereas aboard the prepare, too. 

Whereas some seasonal rides could value extra, normal admission is $11 for youths ages two to 12, $14 for adults, and $13 for seniors 60 years and older. 

North Carolina Transportation Museum

For a daytime tour match for the entire household, think about visiting Spencer, North Carolina, a small city located between Charlotte and Greensboro. This Rowan County vacation spot is the house of the North Carolina Transportation Museum, which was as soon as the Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive manufacturing unit within the southeast. 

Right here, you and your journey companions can study varied types of transportation within the Tar Heel State through the years, from aviation and railroads to vehicles and extra. You’ll be able to tour the Barber Junction Depot, a prepare station in-built 1898 that’s now the customer middle. 

And, after all, no go to could be full and not using a prepare trip. The prepare takes you thru the museum’s 60-acre campus and lasts about 25 minutes. Experience availability modifications every month, however you may hop board Fridays to Sundays (and choose Thursdays and Easter Monday) from March to Might. From June to Labor Day, you may take pleasure in rides from Thursdays to Sundays. Like different railroads within the state, themed rides are a part of the enjoyable, together with Easter bunny excursions and Wine & Dine date-night occasions. 

Tickets value $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and active-duty army members, $8 for youngsters ages three to 12. Admission for youths below three is free.

Craggy Mountain Line

For these in search of craft beer and mountain views, nothing hits the spot fairly like Asheville. This vibrant metropolis gives quirky experiences, together with boozy rafting down the French Broad River, a tour of the biggest privately owned residence in America — the Biltmore Property — and a prepare trip on the Craggy Mountain Line. Locals name it the “Asheville to Craggy Department,” a nonprofit group that acquired the final three miles of the Craggy Mountain Line in 2001. 

They’ve turned it right into a enjoyable technique to expertise and think about the Blue Ridge Mountains, whether or not for a family-friendly journey or romantic afternoon date. There aren’t any frills or additional bells and whistles; it’s merely a fast tour on a historic prepare. 

Tickets are $15 per particular person, with children three and below at no cost. It’s also possible to lease the railroad with a gaggle for 2 hours for weddings or bachelorette events. For journey planning, bear in mind the prepare solely runs on Saturdays at 4 p.m.