About
“All aboard!” for year-round North Georgia train rides on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! With seasonal specialties to everyday tours, there’s a trip suitable for every age, interest, and budget.
The railway follows tracks first laid in 1905 by the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad, later part of the Louisville and Nashville line. For decades, these rails carried freight, timber, and passengers through the rugged terrain of the southern Appalachians.
When freight traffic faded, the route was repurposed for travelers to experience North Georgia’s beautiful mountains and clear rivers.
Today, the railway operates out of the historic 1905 depot in downtown Blue Ridge. The train carries passengers on a scenic roundtrip journey along the Toccoa River, crossing the Georgia state line into Tennessee. The 2- and 4-hour rides cover roughly 26 miles round trip, with the longer timeframe including a layover in the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
Passengers travel in a mix of open-air and climate-controlled vintage railcars, each restored to reflect the golden age of rail travel. You’ll get a sense of how people generations prior traveled these mountains, back when the railroad was the lifeline of the region.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of North Georgia's signature attractions. Book your seats today and view the hills, vales, and streams from a fresh perspective.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: Fun Facts & Cool Features
Before we dive into the various trips, we want to point out the amenities on the train. The train has 12 bathrooms and two baby-changing stations in Cars 332 and 405. There’s a concession car in the middle of the train, but you may bring snacks and drinks. Make sure your cooler fits under your seat, and remember, alcohol is not permitted. Should you desire an adult beverage, you can purchase one in the concession car.
Regarding comfort, you can choose between an open and a closed car. The open-air coach cars have bench seating facing the open windows. The closed coach cars feature large enclosed windows, padded seats arranged in groups of 4, and climate control.
The route hugs the Toccoa River for much of the journey, giving you a front-row view of the winding waterway. Kayakers and tubers below the tracks often wave at the train as it passes.
The most popular season is fall, when train rides traverse the hills laden with crimson, orange, and golden hues. It's also the time of year when Halloween and Christmas rides are popular, so book your passage months in advance; the seats fill fast!
The 4-hour excursion features a layover in McCaysville and Copperhill. The two towns sit on either side of the Georgia-Tennessee state line, with a painted blue line running down the middle of Main Street. Visitors can stand with one foot in each state, making for an Instagram moment! You’ll have time to browse local shops and grab a bite during the two-hour stop.
For active families and individuals, consider the Rail Bikes adventures. Imagine sitting on a 4-seat open-air cart that you pedal with battery-assisted power. The 11-mile roundtrip carries you through the hillside, beside cool streams, and several vineyards.
Other ride opportunities include booking a seat in the engine beside the conductor and engineer. For the ultimate family or group excursion, reserve the caboose! The fire-engine-red car accommodates 10 people and includes snacks and beverages.
As you can see, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a must-do on your North Georgia vacation! It pairs history, mountain scenery, and small-town discovery into a single outing the whole family can enjoy.
Local Tips
- Book tickets well in advance, especially for seasonal favorites.
- Arrive 45 minutes before departure to find parking and check in at the depot.
- Bring a light jacket for the open-air cars, even in warmer months.
- Choose climate-controlled cars if comfort matters most.
