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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS SCENIC RAILROAD TRAIN TRIPS

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train at Nantahala River
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train at Nantahala River

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers a variety of scenic excursions through the mountains of western North Carolina. The following are some of the most popular excursions that Carolina Outfitters can book for you:

NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION:
This 4 ½ hour round trip excursion departs from Bryson City and travels 44 miles to the scenic Nantahala River Gorge. This trip crosses Fontana Lake on a 100 foot high Trestle Bridge that spans almost 800 feet across the Lake. It winds through the scenic western North Carolina mountains into the Nantahala Gorge. There is a 1 hour layover at the Nantahala River depot for lunch, sightseeing, shopping and relaxing. Guests can enjoy the scenic splendor of the Nantahala Gorge and view the fun and exciting whitewater rafting activities on the Nantahala River on this trip! The train goes along the river through the Nantahala Gorge giving guests a great view of the high cliffs and rugged terrain that the Cherokee called "The Land of The Noonday Sun".

THE TUCKASEGEE RIVER EXCURSION:
Trains depart from the historic Bryson City depot. This 4 hour, 32 mile round-trip travels along the Tuckasegee River, through the historic Cowee Tunnel, and past The Fugitive film site. Arrive in the quaint village of Dillsboro for a 1½ hour layover for shopping and dining

RAFTING AND RAILROAD:
We suggest one of the following:

Option A: We will book your whitewater rafting with Carolina Outfitters and your scenic railway trip with Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on two seperate days. Both are major adventures! (You enjoy the full train trip both to the Nantahala Gorge and then back to Bryson City, and you raft the full river on the Nantahala on two separate days.)

Option B: We will book your scenic railway trip with Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in the morning and your whitewater rafting with Carolina Outfitters in the afternoon. You enjoy the full railway trip from Bryson City into the Nantahala Gorge and then back to Bryson City. (The return trip from the Nantahala Gorge to Bryson City is a very enjoyable part of the trip, and this way you won't miss it!) You then drive from Bryson City to Carolina Outfitters Rafting (about a 30 minute drive) and go on a (full river) whitewater rafting trip down the Nantahala River with Carolina Outfitters!

MYSTERY THEATRE DINNER TRAIN:
Enjoy a three-course dinner and participate in solving an intriguing mystery during your trip. Guests are entertained with a suspenseful 3 hour performance aboard the Mystery Theatre Dinner Train. Adults age 21 and up. Dressy casual dress code enforced. Cocktails and wine available on board.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™:
Bring the magical story of the Polar Express™ to life as you depart Bryson City for an imaginary journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express™. Enjoy the enchanting lights, decor and atmosphere of the Christmas Season. Guests on board will enjoy hot chocolate and a snack while listening to and reading along with the magical Polar Express Story. Children will be delighted when the train arrives at the "North Pole" where Santa Claus and his reindeer will be waiting. Santa will board the Polar Express where he will greet each child and give them their own sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung on the return trip to Bryson City.

PEANUTS ™ THE EASTER BEAGLE EXPRESS:
Trip departs Dillsboro and follows the Tuckaseegee River to Bryson City where refreshments are served. During the layover, children may seek out bunnies carrying brightly colored eggs, enjoy photo opportunities with Snoopy and the Easter Beagle, and admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum.

THE LONE RANGER:
Join in on the fun as America's favorite hero the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto save the train from bandits.

A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS ™:
When the classic storybook engine comes to Dillsboro, families can enjoy a 25 minute ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt tm, hear storytelling, live music and much more.

PEANUTS ™ THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH EXPRESS:
Trip departs Dillsboro Depot on selected dates in October. Meet Snoopy, Charlie Brown & Lucy, and select your own pumpkin. Enjoy hayrides, live musical entertainment, storytelling, hay bale maze, bouncy house, apple cider, peanuts gift shop, face painting and trick or treating. Kids wear your costumes!

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRIP DATES AND TIMES:
For a complete information on 2009 trip dates and times please click here for the 2009 EXCURSION SCHEDULE

TRIP PRICES FOR 2009:

1 Star Trips Adults Children Children
(under age 2)
(Jan, Feb, Mar)      
Nantahala Gorge Excursion: $34.00 $19.00 Free
Tuckasegee River Excursion: $34.00 $19.00 Free
       
2 Star Trips      
(Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Nov, Dec)      
Nantahala Gorge Excursion: $49.00 $29.00 Free
Tuckasegee River Excursion: $49.00 $29.00 Free
       
3 Star Trips      
(Oct)      
Nantahala Gorge Excursion: $53.00 $31.00 Free
Tuckasegee River Excursion: $53.00 $31.00 Free
       
Other Trains      
Mystery Theater Dinner Train:
(Departs Dillsboro in Summer and Fall)
$104.00 per person
(plus tax & gratuity)
Polar Express™ $38.00 $26.00 Free
Peanuts ™ Easter Beagle: $49.00 $29.00 Free
The Lone Ranger: $49.00 $29.00 Free
A Day Out with Thomas ™: $18.00 $18.00 Free
Peanuts ™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express: $53.00 $31.00 Free


RESERVATION REQUEST FORM FOR GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRIP

<< Prices and schedules are subject to change >>


GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS AND SCOUT GROUPS

Special discounts are available for School Groups and Scout Groups at $13.00 per person on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. For every 10 in the group 2 staff members will receive the $13.00 per person discount price, and additional adults would pay only $22.00 per person. (ie: for 20 in the group 4 staff members could go for $13.00 each and additionals at $22.00 etc.) Bus drivers for schools always get a complimentary ticket.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR REGULAR GROUPS

Special discounts are available for regular groups of 20 or more on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

  • 1 Star Trips (Jan, Feb, Mar): $28.20 per person
  • 2 Star Trips (Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Nov, Dec): $36.30 per person
  • 3 Star Trips (Oct): $40.80 per person and $45.00 per person on Saturdays in October

For every 20 paying persons one group leader gets a complimentary ticket. Bus drivers for groups of 20 or more get a complimentary ticket.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRAIN CAR TYPES:
Guests may choose Open Car (open air) or Coach (heated). Seating may be upgraded to Crown Coach (AC/heated, beverage). Add $12.00 for adults and $6 for children for Crown Coach. Seating may by upgraded to Club Car (AC/heated, beverage & snack, beer & wine available for purchase) Add $20.00 for upgrade to Club Car (must be 21+ only). New in 2009 - Family Class Club Car (June, July, and August only). Add $20 for adults and $12 for children 2-12 years old.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD FOOD OPTIONS: Guests may choose:
CONCESSION ON BOARD: A selection of soft drinks, coffee and snacks is available. Sandwiches and hot dogs are available on select cars.
PICNIC LUNCHES ON THE TRAIN: $9.00 per adult/$5.50 per child. With advance reservations adults choose from roast beef, ham or turkey on a kaiser roll with American cheese, served with chips, a snack, and a beverage. Children enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chips, cookie and beverage.
CONDUCTOR'S HOT DOG LUNCH: $8.50 per adult. Two hot dogs, chips, cookie, and beverage in a souvenir cup.
LIL' CONDUCTOR'S HOT DOG LUNCH: $6.00 per child. 100% beef hot dog, chips, cookie, and child's beverage.
Vegetarian option available.

RESTROOMS:
Restrooms are available at depots and on board the trains. Limited disability access is available.

(Prices are subject to change.)

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRIP DATES AND TIMES:
For a complete information on 2009 trip dates and times please click here for the 2009 EXCURSION SCHEDULE

We will email you a confirmation number for your train trip. (We will notify you of any change in price or availability prior to your confirmation)

RESERVATION REQUEST FORM FOR GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD TRIP

We can help you fit the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad trip into your vacation schedule as well as whitewater rafting with Carolina Outfitters on the Nantahala River, gemstone mining at Nantahala River Gem Mine, bicycle rentals for a variety of scenic bike path options, and horseback riding on the scenic back-country trails of the Nantahala River Gorge or other scenic trails. In addition, we offer a variety of vacation cabin rental lodging options!




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CAROLINA OUTFITTERS, INC
FAMILY WHITEWATER RAFTING ADVENTURES
12121 Hwy 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713
www.carolinaoutfitters.com
1-800-468-7238 or 1-800-GOT-RAFT

Email: raft@carolinaoutfitters