The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a heritage and freight railroad in Western North Carolina, near Bryson City. The 53 miles of the Murphy Branch, once a branch of the Southern Railway between Dillsboro and Andrews, is owned by The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The line was completed in 1883 and reached Andrews in 1890. The Railroad began operations in 1988 and passes through a tunnel, a lush valleys and across deep river gorges in the Great Smoky Mountains. Today, several miles of the line near Andrews are out of service. Excursions use the 22-mile long line between Bryson City and Nantahala and the 16-mile long line between Bryson City and Dillsboro.

The Railroad runs almost 1,000 excursions a year. It also operates the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City, located next to the historic Bryson City depot. The museum owns a collection of more than 7,000 Lionel model engines, cars, accessories, a model train layout, a kids’ activity center, and a gift shop.[5]

45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, Phone: 800-872-4681

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.