NC Train Rides
Great Smoky Mountain Railway
For guests at Sunset Farm Cabins looking to experience a true popular pastime, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad will not disappoint. Sunset Farm Cabins is 13 minutes from the train depot in Bryson City! Operating year round with many themed events for children and adults to enjoy this Train Ride in North Carolina is one of the most participated in activities in Western North Carolina. The history of the tracks date back to the 1800's when the Murphy Branch of the railroad delivered mountaineers from the wilderness of their landlocked hills. The railroad changed their way of life and guests today can experience some of the 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels, and 25 bridges while aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
Participants have the option of two scenic excursions including the Nantahala Gorge or the Tuckasegee River route.
Nantahala Gorge
- Timeframe: 4 1/2 hours
- Distance Covered: 44 miles roundtrip
- Layover: 1 hour at NOC for sightseeing and lunch
- Highlights: Great scenery into the Nantahala Gorge while traveling along the Little Tennessee and Nantahala rivers across Fontana Lake.
Tuckasegee River
- Timeframe: 4 hours
- Distance Covered: 32 miles roundtrip
- Layover: 1 1/2 hours in historical Dillsboro
- Highlights: Scenic train ride along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro which has more than 50 shops, restaurants and more to enjoy. The Lone Ranger saves the train from bandits in June, July, and August excursions.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railway offers guests a handful of seating options to accommodate different desires. These include First Class, Family First Class, Crown Class, Coach Class, Open Air Gondola, and Locomotive Cab Rides. Additional items and food can be purchased separately.
If you are traveling with children the themed events are definitely something to consider. We have seen many of smiling faces from
previous guest’s after taking their young loved ones on many of these seasonal events.
The different themed events that take place throughout the year include the following:
Peanuts ™ Be My Valentine Charlie Brown - Passengers will join Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy for old fashioned Valentine's Day fun based on the poular television episode titled by the same name. Mingle with characters, listen to narrated stories, create your own valentines, and more.
Peanuts ™ Easter Beagle Express - Passengers will join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, and the Easter Bunny for old fashioned Easter fun based on the poular television episode titled by the same name. Mingle with characters, participate in an Easter Egg Hunt, crafts, coloring sheets, temporary tattoos, and snack with Snoopy.
Dinosaur Train™ - Based on the popular PBS Kids Television series, Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train will be family fun for all! All ages are sure to enjoy this adventure filled train ride with music, stories, Nature Trackers Club guidebook and activities area. Plus, an oppurtunity to meet the favorite T.rex, Buddy!
A Day Out with Thomas™ - A great children's favorite with Thomas the Tank Engine™. This is a short 25 minute ride to enjoy with the kids.
Peanuts ™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express - Kids can wear a costume to this favorite event that was created to celebrate Charles M. Schulz's story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". When arriving at the depot passengers will have photo opportunities with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy, not to mention the many other activities at The Great Pumpkin Patch.
Polar Express™ - (Dates in November and December) Special 1 1/4 hour holiday train ride to the North Pole departing from the Bryson City depot. Warm cocoa is provided to participants while listening to the magical story. The spectacular light display when arriving at the North Pole will truly light up children's faces. Each child will be greeted by Santa and presented their very own sleigh bell as a gift.
Directions from Sunset Farm Cabins to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
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