Have you ridden on the GSM Railroad...in the fall?
Please rate it!
With only two full days, would you give up one of the following itineraries to ride it?
1. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest/Cherohala Skyway
2. Mountain Waters Byway through Nantahala Gorge and Cullasaja Gorge to Highlands...past all the waterfalls

NO! These are both beautiful areas and IMO much more enjoyable on your own. We've done trips on the RR--the kids liked it for a while but got bored. It's not something I would do again.

WHEW! Thanks Jayne! That's what I was thinking, but I needed confirmation.

I agree with Jayne. You need to go see the waterfalls, JK forest and skyway, especially in the fall. Keep in mind NOT to go to Joyce Kilmer on a windy day, as they call the falling branches "widow makers" for a reason. You could always do the train on another trip if you decide to come back. Now Nantahala Gorge is in the whitewater rafting area between the Murphy/Andrews area and Bryson City, and Cullasaja Gorge further east towards Franklin/Cashiers/Highlands. Are you planning on doing #1 and #2 on two separate days, because you probably won't have time to do both in one day. It is so beautiful up there in the fall, you're going to love it!

Oh, yes! We'll do the JKMemorial Forest/Cherohala Skyway on one day. Then we'll to the drive to Highlands on another day.

Oh...and thanks, Justmom, for the windy day warning. We'll plan accordingly!