Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
One of the most popular attractions in the Georgia Mountains is a scenic train ride through the Appalachians on the restored Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
![Blue Ridge Train Ride GA [photo by Blue Ridge Scenic Railway]](https://gamountainsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blue-Ridge-Train-Ride-Georgia-600x334.jpg)
Blue Ridge Train Ride GA [photo by Blue Ridge Scenic Railway]
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Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in North Georgia
The 13-mile Blue Ridge GA train tour takes about an hour to go from downtown Blue Ridge, through the Chattahoochee National Forest and along the Toccoa River, to its destination at McCaysville and Copperhill.
![Blue Ridge Ga Train Tour [photo Explore Georgia]](https://gamountainsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blue-Ridge-Ga-Train-Tour-600x399.jpg)
Blue Ridge Ga Train Tour [photo Explore Georgia]
When the train whistle blows, it’s time to board the train for the scenic hour-long return trip back to Blue Ridge.
Blue Ridge Railroad History
Railroads played a significant role in the development of the Blue Ridge and McCaysville area between the 1800s and the early 1900s. They determined the routes of local roads, saved an ailing mining industry, contributed to the growth of small towns as resort communities, and made it possible to log the timber in the area.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Route
Today, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway route starts at the historic depot built in 1905 in downtown Blue Ridge. Some of these tracks follow along tracks that were originally laid in 1886! The trains then follow the former Marietta and North Georgia Railroad line along the Toccoa River north to McCaysville, Georgia, and its “sister city” of Copperhill, Tennessee.
The last passenger trains left Blue Ridge in 1951, but the freight trains continued through 1987. A few years later, citizens of Blue Ridge started working on the railroad’s restoration, and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway started carrying tourists in 1998. In its first year, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway carried 17,000 passengers. Today, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is part of the Patriot Rail & Ports company and has grown to carry 78,000 passengers each year!
Blue Ridge Ga Train Tour
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway heritage railroad in northern Georgia runs from early March through the end of the year.
The scenic Blue Ridge railroad tours are most popular during the peak Fall Foliage season. There are more trains scheduled during these peak times, but there are also many more visitors to the area. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance during the peak season of Fall / Autumn, as the trains will sell out in advance.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Train Cars
Blue Ridge mountain train ride car options
Passengers have the choice of riding in vintage, climate-controlled rail cars or open-air rail cars. Choose from 3 different types of train cars:
- Open-air cabin (great for days with nice weather)
- Closed cabin
- Premier-class cabin (ages 18+ only)
The Premier Class cabin is only available on the 4-hour trips and includes better seats that recline, snacks / small meal, non-alcoholic beverages, a group photo, and a tote bag.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Schedule
Blue Ridge GA Railroad Schedule 2024
A Blue Ridge mountain train ride is an exciting way to experience the natural beauty of North Georgia. The trips available depend on the day of the week and time of year. View the detailed 2024 Blue Ridge Scenic Railway departure calendar online.
- Express Rides (2 hours) – out and back train ride only (no layover)
- Excursions (4 hours) – out and back train ride plus a 2-hour layover to explore McCaysville and Copperhill
- Holiday Rides – special-themed train rides near holidays, including Easter, Independence Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve
The railway closes at the end of each year for about 10 – 12 weeks to do maintenance on the tracks and trains. No rides are available during this time.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Prices
Tickets are sold for the train car that you want to ride in, but individual seats are not reserved (seats are first-come, first-served).
Blue Ridge Train
Take a 2-hour express trip or opt for a 4-hour excursion that includes a 2-hour layover to explore the sister cities of McCaysville (GA) and Copperhill (TN).
Both trips follow the same out-and-back train route.
- 2-hour Express rides during Spring, Summer, and Winter: $43 Coach / $31 Coach Child
- 2-hour Express rides during Fall Foliage: $60 Coach / $46 Coach Child
- 4-hour Excursions during Spring: $100 Premier / $55 Coach / $38 Coach Child
- 4-hour Excursions during Summer and Winter: $105 Premier / $59 Coach / $38 Coach Child
- 4-hour Excursions during Fall Foliage: $120 Premier / $75 Coach / $53 Coach Child
Special holiday rides are listed online and may include fireworks specials and Christmas rides with Santa.
Although the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is FREE for children under age 2, a ticket is still required for these riders. A handicap-accessible car is available – these tickets are not available online but can be purchased via phone. You may also rent an entire train car (or add a caboose) for your Blue Ridge Scenic Railway trip. Contact the ticket office at (877) 413-8724 for more details.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Discounts
There are a couple of ways to save on Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train rides. Save by purchasing discounted group tickets or take advantage of other BRSR discounts.
- Seniors (65+), Military, First Responders, and Teachers are eligible for ticket discounts
- Groups of 15+ are eligible for a 15% discount
Click to learn more and purchase Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad tickets.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Train Ride
Blue Ridge Railroad GA [photo Explore Georgia]
- Trains run rain or shine
- There is free parking near the train depot, but arrive early as it is first-come, first-served
- Bathrooms and baby changing stations are located on the train
- A concession car in the middle of the train sells hot/cold beverages, snacks, and candy (cash and card payments accepted)
- No alcohol is allowed on the train, but you may buy alcoholic beverages during the layover in McCaysville and Copperhill
- No smoking or vaping is allowed
- No pets allowed (except for service animals)
- Reservations are highly recommended — trains sell out weeks in advance during peak Fall Foliage scenic trips!
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Essentials
Riders are permitted to take a small cooler on board as long as the cooler can fit underneath their seat. Bring your favorite snacks and drinks for a memorable treat. Consider packing extra layers to keep warm on outdoor cars during seasons that may get chilly.
The train operates rain or shine, so pack a waterproof coat and/or folding umbrella if the forecast hints at rain. Comfortable walking shoes will make it easier to get on and off of the train and will also make exploring the towns of McCaysville and Copperhill easier during your 2-hour layover.
Explore Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Learn more about the area and the scenic railway with these local resources.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Contact Info
![Blue Ridge Train Ride Tickets [photo Explore Georgia]](https://gamountainsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Blue-Ridge-Train-Ride-Tickets-600x399.jpg)
Blue Ridge Train Ride Tickets [photo Explore Georgia]
- Phone: +1 (877) 413-8724
- Address: 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA
- Email: info@brscenic.com
- Website: brscenic.com
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Reviews
Stay connected with current events via social media and online reviews of Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
- Facebook: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is rated 4.7 with 2,700+ reviews and 124,000+ likes
- TripAdvisor: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is rated 4.0 with 1,375+ reviews
Additional Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Info
For a more in-depth look at the history of the railroad, check out books on the railway, including Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Images of Rail) by Melissa Beck. The photographic history of the copper miners, shop owners, homesteaders, and railroad workers who made these mountains their homes will add an extra dimension to your scenic railway tour.
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Hardback) by Melissa Beck
- Riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Paperback) by Ronald Poarch
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Articles
This local gem has also been featured in numerous publications for its spectacular views of the fall colors in the Appalachian mountains and its unique specialty trips. Learn more about the railroad from these national publications that consider the railroad to be a treat that should not be missed.
- The 15 Best Train Rides for Spotting Fall Foliage in the South by Southern Living
- 10 Best Fall Foliage Train Rides That Are the Perfect Seasonal Family Activity by Country Living
- 20 Best Polar Express Christmas Train Rides by Good Housekeeping
Lodging Near Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Stay a short walk from the train depot and explore downtown Blue Ridge with a stay in these downtown Blue Ridge lodgings located close to the Blue Ridge train. Enter your travel dates into the map below to see the current vacation rental and availability for your stay in Blue Ridge.
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What type of trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway looks best for your group? Do you prefer the fresh mountain air in the open-air cabins or the climate-controlled closed cabins?
Hello; interesting post. For me, it will not matter where a train runs. I am always captivated by the thought of a Train ride. I am willing to go wherever it takes me. Reading that the Toccoa River forms a part of this would be an added excitement for me.
“Waterfront meal or drink” suggests that the Train carries Tourists. McCaysville Georgia and Copperhill Tennessee sound like the Toccoa River enhances the scenery between both States I hope I am right in my belief.
Thanks for your posts I enjoyed reading.
DorcasW
The train is definitely for tourists, but you are also welcome to drive into the McCaysville / Copperhill area and find a waterfront place to eat without the train ride too. If you choose to drive instead of take the train, you’ll find that the towns are much more quiet when the train has left town with the tourists!
The image alone would have been a temptation for me. I love the colors of the trees in the fall; which I enjoyed very much in Italy, UK, and Canada. Unfortunately I do not travel anymore but envy the train ride; I was surprise to see winter rides. Are their elevated views. what is the highest point on the ride? Thanks for sharing.
The train route travels next to the river, so it’s mostly nestled into the hills (instead of up near the hill tops) on this stretch of track. There are certainly some areas with long views of the mountains though, and it’s all quite beautiful!
You know looking at this topic makes me think I might book a trip with the Blueridge railway. I also got to read the history of the area itself. I think it’s great and someday I might just book a trip for a few friends with that 15% discount you have shown here Thanks for the information
Taking in the sights with a group of 15 or more friends sounds like an awesome way to spend the day!
I feel so certain that this is a going to be a very beautiful experience for me. I love going on train rides and looking at the fact that this one is even scenic, I feel like I should give it a try. I like the good price there and I can even get good discounts for going in the ride. That’s very awesome. Thanks for the full details here. I’ll talk to my friends about this trip. Maybe this new years eve we can visit the blue ridge scenic railway.
That sounds amazing – what a fun way to bring in the new year!!
An excellent and in-depth article on a historic place to visit in Georgia, thank you! I love that you included some excellent bargain places you can visit on the Railway for those of us on a very tight budget. Beautiful pictures as well. I never really pictured Georgia as having mountains, probably because I’m from Montana, but the colors in your first picture with the trees is absolutely gorgeous and I really need to visit there. I’m not too far in Louisiana so this was an informative article for me, thank you again!
Georgia has a lot of different regions including coastal and plains, but my favorite is definitely the mountains!
I can remember the first time i experienced this, i and my girlfriend got there an hour early and stood around for half an hour before boarding, but we were the third group in line and picked seats on the water side on the way there to make sure we got to see it. There is more commentary from the guides on the way there too. The area is small and you can wander it fairly quickly, but our train was full so it was pretty crowded but it was a fun moment to remember.
What a nice memory of a beautiful trip!
This is really amazing. I love going on train rides since I was a girl and going on this one would really be lovely. I love the detailed description given here and considering the wonderful experience one would have, the prices are really worth it. I would love to visit soon. Thanks for sharing this nice information
The Georgia mountain towns are absolutely beautiful and traveling between them by train is a great way to allow everyone in your party to experience the beauty (without being concerned about driving or navigation)!
I have quite a lot of things about the blue ridge scenic railways a lot and most people that have explored this railway have a lot of positive things to talk about their exploration here. I like the way you have broken down into precise information how germane this railways has been like in this area and the people that take it often. I like the scenic experiences and I will surely make use of this trail some days soon for exploration purposes. Thanks
I hope you have a fantastic trip!
I have been hearing so much about the Georgia mountain and all reports have been a wonderful one, and that is why I am making my own research and stumbling upon this post gives me extra conviction that the Georgia mountain is indeed a place worth visiting. I would gladly recommend this place for anyone. Thanks for this post.
The Appalachian mountains are a beautiful place at any time of year, but they really come to life during these Autumn months with peak fall foliage colors. I hope you have a great trip to the Georgia mountains!!