Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
225 Everett St
Bryson City, NC 28713
800-872-4681

39 miles (45 minutes) from Lake Junaluska
MapQuest Directions from Lake Junaluska

Fontana Trestle – Depart Bryson City at 7:35 pm. 2 hour round trip (no layover).
Travel to the Fontana Lake Trestle spanning 780 feet and standing 100 feet above the water. View the magnificent sunset on the lake. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City. You may enjoy the museum before your trip or return another day! Adult: $49. Child (2-12 years): $29. Child (24 months & younger): Free.

Nantahala Gorge – Departing Bryson City (4 1/2 hours, 44 mile round trip).
Depart Bryson City and travel to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and return. This magnificent trip offers highlights like the Horseshoe Curve, Fontana Lake Trestle, Little Tennessee River and the Nantahala River Gorge. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City. You may enjoy the museum before or after the excursion. Adult: $49-53. Child (2-12 years): $29-31. Child (24 months & younger): Free.

Raft n' Rail with Wildwater Ltd.
Since 1988, this adventure combination has been a favorite for first-timers or seasoned paddlers. Travel by rail 22 miles along the foothills of the Smokies and up the Nantahala River Gorge. At the top-of-the-line join the professional team of Wildwater for a 2-hour whitewater trip down 8 miles of the Nantahala River. Picnic style lunches, complimentary hot beverages, changing rooms with hot showers and transportation back to the depot are all included. Join us for a full day of excitement experiencing two of the most popular activities in the Smokies. Fully Guided or Follow-A-Guide service is available. April – October. Children must weigh at least 60 lbs or be 7 years old. All seating is in open air cars. Rates: $82 per adult and $65 per child.

Rapid Transit with the Nantahala Outdoor Center
Two great ways to see the Nantahala River! NOC's Rapid Transit package includes a fully-guided whitewater raft trip and a thirty-mile scenic train ride. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and incredible river views as your train travels from Bryson City through the Nantahala Gorge and back to NOC. Watch the river antics of rafters and kayakers while you eat a tasty lunch at Slow Joe's Riverside Café. After lunch, raft eight miles of the family - friendly Nantahala. This full day excursion includes lunch, all equipment, and transportation back to Bryson City. Children must weigh at least 60 lbs or be 7 years old. All seating is in open air cars. Rafting Rates: $89 per adult and $72 per child.

Description from their website:
With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, into tunnels and through river gorges in a spectacular region called The Great Smoky Mountains. This section of western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes.