Frequently Asked Questions
The Passenger
Are restrooms available on the open air cars?
Most open air cars do not have restrooms, but there are restrooms available throughout the train. Our car attendants will point out the locations for the closest restrooms, concession car, etc.
What snacks are served in the club car on the Nantahala Gorge?
The Club Car experience includes a complimentary snack and light refreshments on both the departure and the return from Bryson City. Full bar service is also available in our club cars (cash or credit card). The Club Car is adults only and requires that all passengers must be 21 or older.
I was planning on taking the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, could you tell me what is served in your picnic-style box lunches?
Picnic lunches include a choice of turkey, ham or roast beef, with cheese on the side. They also have chips, a cookie for dessert and a beverage in a souvenir cup. A child's picnic lunch featuring peanut butter and jelly is also available. Vegetarian option is available for adult lunches--Just ask our reservations staff! Picnic lunches must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure.
Is the train accessible to guests with special needs?
On vintage rail car service, accomodations for passengers with special needs are limited. During warm weather we have an open car operating out of Bryson City which has a hydraulic lift and handicap accessible restroom. Unfortunately, we are not able de-board guests at the one hour layover in the Nantahala Gorge. The terrain is not wheel chair accessible. It is also important for us to coordinate with all prospective passengers who have limited walking/standing capabilities. Please call 1-800-872-4681 x 7022 to speak with a GSMR representive who can assist in arranging and making reservations for your visit.
Is alcohol served on the train?
Daytime excursions have a full bar option available in our Club Car to ticket holders for that car. Alcohol consumption is allowed in the club car only. Beer, wine or cocktails can be purchased by cash or credit card. All passengers in our club car must be 21 years of age or older.
Can you bring your own lunch and are facilities available to eat (i.e. picnic tables).
You are welcome to bring your own lunch & beverages on our regular excursions. Small coolers only. It is not permissible to bring alcoholic beverages onboard. There are a limited number of picnic tables at the Bryson City Depot and at the Nantahala Gorge. We have a cafe at our Bryson City Depot. The Nantahala Excursions also have a full service concession car.
Do you have discount rates for AARP or AAA members?
We offer a 10% discount on upgraded seating to AAA members with the “Show Your Card & Save!” program. No other assocation discounts are available. We do not allow double discounts. GSMR does offer seasonal pricing that is significantly discounted during our One-Star Season. Discounts are not valid Saturdays in October & during special premier events. We honor our military each year with special excursion and rates for their family. Please call for details.
What is the difference between Standard Coach and Crown Coach cars?
Both the Coach and Crown Coach cars are traditional train cars with seating in sets of two that face each other. The Crown Coach is climate controlled with both air conditioning and heat, and has large picture windows. Our Coach cars are heated and have windows that open and close for ventilation. See photos of our train cars here in the GSMR Photo Gallery.
How can you find out if a trip is available without making online reservations?
Please call our Reservations Office and they will be glad to check on available seating at 1-800-872-4681.
How can you purchase gift certificates?
To purchase gift certificates please call 1-800-872-4681. You can purchase gift certificates in whatever face value amount you wish and they are good for one year from date of purchase.
Do you have any special rates for groups?
We have special rates for groups of 20 or more paying passengers on many of our excursions. Please call 1-800-872-4681 x 7021 and speak with group reservations for details.
Do I absolutely need advanced reservations?
We sell tickets at our depot on a space available basis up until 5 minutes before departure. We recommend advance reservations because some days have special excursions and sometimes certain seat classes or whole trains are sold out.
Are pets allowed on your excursions?
Sorry, no pets are allowed on the train--Certified Service Animals only
Is there a kennel nearby to lodge our dog for a 1/2 day trip?
Call 1-800-872-4681 for information regarding local pet services and contact numbers.
On Raft ‘n’ Rail or the Rapid Transit excursions, what type of seating is provided?
All seating for both the Raft 'n' Rail and Rapid Transit excursions is in the open car seating.
How long does your Nantahala Gorge excursions last?
The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is 4.5 hours in length and has a one hour layover on the river in the Nantahala Gorge, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
When you make an online reservation is the credit card charged immediately or is it simply to hold tickets?
All reservations must be prepaid, therefore, if we are able to confirm your reservation, we charge your credit card within 48 hours of submitting the on-line reservation request.
Do you have season passes like other attractions do?
We do offer an annual pass that can be purchased until September 30th. The annual pass can be purchased on site after the purchase of a regular fare ticket. The annual pass will be honored thru April of 2009. It is valid for Nantahala Gorge Excursions and is only restricted on Saturdays in October.
What hotel accommodations are available in or near your depots?
Please call us for details about our packages with convenient lodging establishments in the area. You can also refer to the links section of our website for information regarding area lodging that we recommend. Also, for information on area lodging you can call the Smoky Mountain Host for a guide book 800.432.4678, or call the respective Chambers of Commerce; Jackson County (Dillsboro) 800.962.1911 and Swain County (Bryson City) 800.867.9246.
What is the minimum age requirement for children to do the rafting/train combo?
Children must weigh a minimum of 60 pounds or be at least 7 years of age. This is a NC Forest Service regulation. Rafting companies may weigh them at the depot if weight is suspect.
What are the ages for a child's ticket?
For most excursions there are two groups of children's tickets. In standard seating class, children ages 24 Months and under receive a ticket, but ride for free. Day out with Thomas, Peanuts - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express & The Polar Express--Children 24 months and younger receive a ticket, but ride for free. We also offer a child rate for our Nantahala Gorge Excursion in both Standard and Crown seating classes.
When a ticket is processed over the internet, is it mailed out? If not, where or how are we expected to pick it up?
For all excursions except Day Out With Thomas, tickets are printed and ready for pickup when the depot opens. Arrival one hour before the excursion departure time is recommended. Thomas tickets are mailed in advance and continue to be mailed until four weeks prior to the event.
The Train
Once the 1702 & 722 is restored, what operational changes do you plan on making? Also, what kind of maintenance do you perform on 1702 or 722 when they are not running?
The expected date for the completion of 1702 & 722 is still tentative. As of now, there is no operational schedule in place for the 1702 & 722. Our intention would be to offer additional steam service for some excursions. The 1702 is currently in maintenance to have an interior firebox replacement. This includes the rear flue, sides, crown, and door sheets.
How long has the railway had locomotive 1702 and what railroad cars were used in the movie My Fellow Americans?
The railroad acquired the 1702 approximately 1996. The Royal Palm crown coach was used in the filming of My Fellow Americans. They also used a baggage car which showed up again later in the filming of Forces of Nature.
What kind of freight products do you haul and when is it switched?
We haul freight products according to demand. Please call for further information.
Is your line standard 56.5 inch track or narrow gauge 36 inch?
The Murphy Branch on which the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates is a full gauge working railroad that provides both passenger and freight service over 53 miles of track. Our sister railroad, the Durango and Silverton in Colorado is a narrow gauge railroad.
Is the 1702 coal fired or oil fired?
The 1702 locomotive was originally coal fired. It has been converted to operate off a mixture of heavy diesel fuel and recovered motor oil.
What is the difference between diesel and steam engines?
The steam engine has the sights and sounds of the old time railroad. This engine requires more personnel and significantly higher maintenance costs. The passenger cars and routes are the same regardless of the locomotive pulling the train.
The Excursion
What is the closest airport to Bryson City, and how can I get to Bryson City from there?
Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, GA is 3 1/2 to 4 hours south of this area. There are also regional airports at Knoxville, TN (2 1/2 hours north west) and Asheville, NC (1 1/2 hours east), and another international airport in Charlotte, NC (3 1/2 hours east). When you find the airport that best suits your needs call 1-800-872-4681 for driving directions or print directions directly from our website - Directions to GSMR.
Can you send me a pamphlet for the Durango & Silverton?
You can visit the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad web site at http://www.durangotrain.com to find information about schedules and rates. You may also call Durango directly at 877.872.4607.
I would like some information on employment opportunities at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
You may contact our Human Resources Department by downloading an application and submitting it via mail or fax (828.488.0427). You may also email a resume and letter of interest to humanresources@gsmr.com. No phone calls please.
Does the Nantahala Gorge Excursion have views of the mountains?
Our train route is located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Depending on your route of travel, you must travel across The Great Smokies, Blue Ridge or Balsam Mountains. Therefore, all train excursions have distance views of these beautiful mountains.
How far is it from Gatlinburg to the Bryson City Depot?
Normal travel time from Gatlinburg to our Bryson City Depot is 2 to 2.5 hours. Travel time during peak periods (usually July, October and holiday weekends) may be significantly longer.
What is the status of the Murphy-Andrews segment of the line? Is the track intact? If so, are there any plans to restore freight/passenger service?
We have no plans to restore passenger excursions at this time. That section of track is owned, not by GSMR, but by the State of North Carolina.
What is the Nantahala Outdoor Center?
The Nantahala Outdoor Center is an outdoor adventure destination consisting of a complex of shops and restaurants located on the banks of the Nantahala River in the Nantahala Gorge between Bryson City and Andrews, NC. It caters to outdoor sports such as canoeing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, cycling, etc. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Nantahala River at this point.
Do you offer group discounts and if yes, how do you make reservations and apply the discount?
We offer group discounts for groups of 20 or more. Please call our Group Reservations Coordinator at 1-800-872-4681 x 7021 for information and pricing.
