Information to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

If you happen to’re touring to North Georgia, you’re greater than seemingly planning to expertise its many out of doors pursuits — like mountaineering, swimming, or fly fishing — discover the world’s spectacular roster of wineries and breweries, or cozy up in a mountainside cabin. There’s additionally a excessive chance you’re fascinated about a classic practice that snakes alongside the picturesque Toccoa River.

Situated within the Appalachian foothills, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has been bringing passengers on its scenic 26-mile, round-trip route since 1998. Yearly, greater than 150,000 vacationers board the classic rail vehicles (a few of that are from the early twentieth century) to make their approach from the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia to the sibling cities of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Well-known for its views of the river, wildlife, and the pure magnificence discovered between State Routes 5 and 60, the practice trip is a memorable expertise for all ages.

Right here’s how you can plan your journey aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Journey Particulars 

The round-trip journey begins and ends in Blue Ridge, Georgia, one of many greatest mountain cities within the Peach State. After boarding the practice on the depot, situated at 241 Depot St., passengers depart for the sibling cities of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, which border each other alongside every state’s line.

Every leg of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s journey takes about an hour, and vacationers can decide to embark on both the usual four-hour journey or the categorical two-hour journey. Each make the most of the identical route, with the longer journey together with a two-hour layover in McCaysville and Copperhill. Throughout this time, passengers can have lunch, store, and discover the cities. When the practice reaches McCaysville and Copperhill on the two-hour journey, there’s only a 10-minute time interval when the engineer switches to the engine on the opposite facet of the practice; passengers stay onboard.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs all through the vast majority of the yr — from early March by means of the start of January — however there’s little question that autumn is probably the most superb time to trip. Guide your journey anytime between Sept. 21 and Nov. 6 to get a glimpse of the autumn foliage; to see it at its peak, purpose for late October.

Ticket Info 

Most tickets for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway will be bought on-line, and it’s all the time really useful to e book prematurely — notably if you happen to’re hoping to trip within the peak fall months or through the vacation season. Reservations for the handicap-accessible automotive, nonetheless, are booked by means of a ticket agent by calling 877-413-8724.

In line with the railway, tickets are likely to promote out many weeks (and even months) beforehand, so it’s very seemingly you wouldn’t be capable to snag a ticket day of. A ticket assigns every passenger to a automotive, however seating is first-come, first-served. If you happen to’re touring in a gaggle and hoping to take a seat collectively, the railway suggests arriving on the sooner facet (boarding begins half-hour earlier than departure).

Ticket costs change barely relying on the time of yr, passenger age, and job title  — lecturers, first responders, and members of the navy can get discounted tickets. Within the spring, a two-hour coach ticket prices $30.99 for youngsters (ages 2 to 12), and the usual grownup ticket (ages 13 to 65+) prices $42.99. The four-hour journey prices $37.99 and $54.99 for a kid and grownup coach ticket, respectively. Premier tickets, that are solely for passengers 18 and over, run between $94.99 and $99.99 per individual from March by means of Might.

Within the fall, costs enhance barely; a round-trip coach ticket will price wherever from $45.99 to $59.99 for a two-hour trip, and tickets for the longer journey vary from $52.99 for a kid ticket and $74.99 for an grownup coach ticket to $119.99 for a premier seat. It’s essential to notice that premier class tickets are usually not out there on any two-hour rides or particular vacation rides.

What to Count on on Board 

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway options 4 several types of vehicles: open-air coaches, an open-air handicap-accessible coach, closed coaches, and the premier automotive. Regardless of which one you e book, you’ll get to see the sights from the consolation of padded seats and have the flexibility to entry restrooms. Whereas the open-air vehicles present the very best views (the bench seats face out), they don’t have any heating or air-con; vinyl home windows, nonetheless, are put in within the colder months to assist with warmth retention. Passengers are additionally required to change sides of the practice for the return journey, giving everybody the chance to correctly absorb the great thing about the Toccoa River.

If you happen to really feel a bit peckish through the trip, head to the concession automotive, which has popcorn, soda, and sweet out there for buy. These within the premier automotive can even bask in limitless non-alcoholic drinks and a catered snack, alongside receiving a complimentary group photograph and a tote bag (one per reservation). Smoking and alcohol are usually not allowed at any time, and authorized service animals are the one pets welcome aboard the practice.

What to See Through the Layover in McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee

If you happen to’ve ever needed to face in two states on the similar time, now’s your likelihood. All it’s important to do is spot the hard-to-miss “Blue Line” on the town, which marks the border between Georgia and Tennessee. When you’ve snapped a photograph or two, it’s time to go to the principle avenue, in any other case generally known as Toccoa-Ocoee Road (it’s Toccoa Road in Georgia and turns into Ocoee Road in Tennessee). Right here, you’ll discover all kinds of scrumptious eating places, cafes, galleries, and native outlets, lots of that are present in McCaysville’s Riverwalk Outlets.

For American fare (suppose fried pickles, hen tenders, and burgers) loved overlooking a photo-ready metal bridge, seize lunch at Burra Burra; if pizza is extra your pace, Twisted Tomato is true subsequent door. When you’re on the McCaysville facet,  pop into the McCaysville Customer Middle to see some native artwork, or store round Blue Ridge Journey Put on, Deaf Man Vinyl, and The Pasta Market. After crossing the river into Copperhill, make the rounds to some native favorites, together with Mountain Altitude Designs, Fats Raccoon Gallery, Copperhill Brewery, and Yellowbird Espresso Store.

Seasonal and Vacation Practice Rides

There’s technically no unhealthy time to hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, however there are just a few notably distinctive rides all year long. In July, there’s a one-day Firecracker Particular Experience, the place the two-hour layover is reserved for watching the fireworks present in McCaysville and Copperhill. Fall rides, unsurprisingly, are extraordinarily in style, given the seasonal present the altering leaves are identified for.

Come December, passengers can embark on Vacation Particular Rides — both the one-hour Vacation Specific Tour or the four-hour Vacation Pavilion Tour (which incorporates the usual two-hour layover). Each rides are accented by vacation music, a telling of “The Evening Earlier than Christmas,” and sizzling chocolate from the concession automotive. Youthful passengers are additionally gifted a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell and a sweet cane. Much more pleasure arises with the possibility to see Santa Claus.

What to Know About Blue Ridge, Georgia

Once you’re planning your journey aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, ensure that to avoid wasting time on both facet of the journey to discover Blue Ridge and the encircling space. The mountain city is understood for its charming shops, superb breweries, wineries, eating places, and unparalleled entry to out of doors adventures (it’s situated within the “trout capital of Georgia”). If you happen to can swing an extended weekend, e book a room on the Blue Ridge Inn Mattress & Breakfast, the place you’ll begin every morning with a basic Southern breakfast. Plus, it’s situated proper downtown — instantly throughout from the practice depot.