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.

These scenic train rides travel along the Toccoa River on the old Marietta and North Georgia Railroad tracks. The tours take travelers from the heart of downtown Blue Ridge to the scenic border towns of McCaysville (on the Georgia side) and Copperhill (on the Tennessee side). Enjoy the scenic trip during the operating season from early-March through December.

 

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.

Express trips will not stop here, but passengers on excursions will have a 2-hour layover to explore the twin towns of McCaysville and Copperhill. During the visit, enjoy a waterfront meal or drink on the river, or wander around the antique shops for unique treasures.

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.

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

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

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).

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

No matter which Blue Ridge train tour you choose, the ride should be a memorable experience through unforgettable scenery. Here are a handful of things to keep in mind for your trip:

• 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

• 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?