Information
Landmark: Blue Ridge Scenic RailwayCity: Atlanta
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Atlanta, USA Georgia, North America
Overview
In Blue Ridge, Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway draws visitors aboard for a vivid ride through the Appalachian foothills, where the Toccoa River glints in the sunlight beside the tracks.This heritage railway takes you on a laid-back ride through rolling hills, weaving together rich history, stunning scenery, and the warmth of a small-town welcome.From the old Blue Ridge Depot in the heart of downtown, it welcomes travelers heading toward the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.The railway runs for 26 miles along tracks once laid for the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad, where the steel still hums under passing wheels.The route heads north along the Toccoa River, curving through deep green forests, quiet valleys, and mountains whose faces transform with the seasons-from bursts of wildflowers in spring to fiery red and gold leaves in autumn.They offer two main excursions, starting with the 2-hour Express Tour-a quick round trip from Blue Ridge that follows the river, where sunlight flickers on the water and the scenery feels calm and endless.This option’s perfect for visitors looking for a short, stunning rail trip-just enough time to catch the glint of sunlight on steel as the train glides by.The 4-hour extended tour features a two-hour stop in the twin towns of McCaysville and Copperhill, where the Georgia-Tennessee state line runs right down the middle of the street.Passengers can hop off to wander charming little towns, browse tucked-away boutiques, linger over coffee in a sunlit café, and even plant one foot in Georgia while the other rests in Tennessee before heading back to Blue Ridge.All along the ride, the onboard hosts-who know the place inside out-bring the journey to life with tales of the railway’s past, the hills and towns you pass, and even the deer grazing by the tracks.Train Cars and Comfort - On the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, you can choose from several coach styles to suit your comfort.The open-air cars feature simple bench seats facing outward, so the wind brushes your cheeks as you take in the wide, unobstructed views.When the air turns crisp, vinyl windows go in to shield against wind and rain, yet you can still see the bare trees outside.Closed Coaches offer enclosed, climate-controlled cars where padded seats sit in groups of four, creating a cozy space shielded from wind or rain-just right for chilly afternoons or a drizzly ride.Premier Car offers an upscale ride, reserved for passengers 18 and over-think soft leather seats and a quiet cabin.You’ll get reclining seats, bottomless soft drinks, catered snacks, a free group photo, and a sturdy canvas tote stamped with the logo.This car wraps you in quiet, with soft leather under your fingertips and a touch of luxury in every detail.The handicap-accessible coach welcomes passengers with mobility challenges, offering both stairs and a lift for boarding and a restroom designed for easy wheelchair use.To reserve this car, reach out to the ticket office directly-give them a call or stop by in person.The railway kicks off its season in late March and keeps rolling until the final weekend of December, running Fridays through Mondays.During busy stretches like spring break or summer vacation, you’ll hear the whistle every day.Seasonal and themed rides keep the adventure fresh all year.In autumn, from mid-September to early November, the Fall Foliage Tours roll through the Appalachian Mountains, where fiery reds and golds blanket the slopes and lure visitors from miles away.The Holiday Express runs from Thanksgiving until the end of December, filling the air with cheerful music, lively storytelling, and a surprise visit from Santa, all wrapped in a warm, glowing atmosphere that delights families and kids alike.Firecracker Special: Every July 5, the train makes a two-hour stop so passengers can watch Independence Day fireworks burst over the twin towns.You might also find some unusual treats, like pedaling a custom-built rail bike down a quiet stretch of track, renting a private caboose for the afternoon, or climbing into the locomotive’s cab to watch the crew at work.Ticket prices depend on how far you’re traveling, the time of year, and the class you pick-whether that’s a simple seat or a plush cabin with soft reading lights.Adult tickets for the 2‑hour express ride usually run between $43 and $60, while the longer 4‑hour tour costs about $55 to $75 for standard coach seats and $100 to $120 if you want the premier car, with its plush armrests and wide windows.Kids ages 2 to 12 get discounted fares, while babies under 2 can ride free in a parent’s lap, warm and snug.We also offer discounts for seniors, military members, first responders, and educators-even the teacher who brings her coffee in a chipped mug every morning.The railway draws big crowds-especially when the hills blaze with autumn colors or during the holidays-so it’s best to reserve your spot early, either online through their official site or by calling.On the longer tour, a two-hour stop in McCaysville and Copperhill lets you wander two historic towns split by a painted state line yet bound together by shared traditions and a warm, small‑town spirit.Strolling down Toccoa-Ocoee Street, visitors find themselves in a bustling stretch dotted with antique shops, art galleries, cozy cafés, and restaurants where the scent of fresh bread drifts out the door.In these twin towns, a single street marks the exact border between Georgia and Tennessee-you can stroll to the curb, take one step, and find yourself in another state.The pause in the trip brings a splash of local culture and flavor, giving passengers time to stretch, sip a hot coffee, browse for souvenirs, and savor a quick meal before hopping back on the train for the ride home.Passengers board the train at the Blue Ridge Depot, a brick building at 241 Depot Street in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia.Plan to get there at least 45 minutes early so you’ve got time to park, grab your ticket, and make it onto the platform without rushing.The train leaves right on time, and if you show up late-say, still fumbling for your ticket-you might not be allowed to board for safety and scheduling reasons.The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway isn’t just a train ride-it’s a journey that sweeps you past North Georgia’s misty mountains and winding rivers, carries you into the nostalgia of vintage rail travel, and welcomes you with the friendly hum of small-town life.Whether you’re a family chasing fresh mountain air, a couple craving quiet views, a solo wanderer, or a group ready for adventure, it’s got something for you-scenic trails, peaceful hideaways, and unforgettable ways to explore the Appalachian region.From lively seasonal festivals to the gentle sway of its vintage train cars, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers plenty of ways to ride and relax, making it a favorite stop for visitors.
