Fodor's Expert Review Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson City's historic train station is the departure point for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Diesel or steam locomotives take you on a 32-mile journey along the Tuckasegee River or a 44-mile trip passing through the Nantahala Gorge. Trips are offered year-round, but with very limited schedules January to March. Open-sided cars or standard coaches are ideal for picture taking as the mountain scenery glides by. Your ticket gives you free admission to the nearby Smoky Mountain Trains Museum.