The Nantahala Gorge

A Train Ride in the Great Smoky Mountains to the Nantahala River Gorge

The Nantahala River Gorge is located in Western North Carolina within the Nantahala National Forest, and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It can be explored any number of ways, but one of the most enjoyable is via train.

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Whenever possible, I aways try to incorporate a scenic train journey in my travel itinerary. It’s so nostalgic feeling and a great way to see the countryside without having to focus on driving.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a heritage railroad that offers a few different excursions and special events throughout the year. It departs from Bryson City, North Carolina, which is just a 20-minute drive from the US-441 junction in Cherokee. If you are driving Newfoundland Gap Road, the train ride is a great way to start or end your road trip.

We decided to take the Diesel locomotive trip through the Nantahala Gorge along the beautiful Nantahala River to enjoy the fall foliage on a misty October morning during our 6-day trip through the Smoky Mountains.

Above photo: Mural at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson, NC

While we were slightly early for peak color during the third week of October, there was still color change to be seen and the cool air of fall blowing through in the open air gondola. Booking early is key if you want to snag seats in one of the open air compartments. We chose the premier class, which included lunch and a couple cute souvenirs.

When we boarded the train, there was self-serve coffee and hot chocolate waiting for us. Our seats faced the open window, as opposed to the back of another person’s head. There is absolutely nothing required of you but to sit back, sip on your hot beverage, and snuggle up with the person next to you as the train chugs along.

Above photo: Starting out in the morning on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

There was a knowledgable guide on-board who provided information on various points-of-interest, history, and train trivia. This was an added bonus as we crossed over bridges and through landscapes — It’s always nice to know what you’re looking at!

One of the main highlights of the trip is crossing the historic 791-foot long Fontana Trestle Bridge that spans Fontana Lake 100-feet above the water. You’ll want to have your camera ready for this.

Fontana Trestle Bridge, Nantahala River Gorge, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Above photo: Crossing the Fontana Trestle

Fontana Lake, Nantahala River Gorge, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Above photos: Mist rising off Fontana Lake

There is no shortage of beautiful scenery or photo opportunities. That being said, there was a point where I put my camera away and just enjoyed the time as the train wrapped around the lake, through epic scenery, and along the Nantahala River.

Nantahala River Gorge, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Above photo: Nantahala River Gorge

Eventually, we reached our layover destination at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge. We had an hour here to grab a drink, use the restrooms, and enjoy time walking along the river as our locomotive switched to the other end of the train for the return trip back.

Above photo: Nantahala River Gorge

Back on board, all passengers switched seats so we were facing out of the opposite side of the train and could enjoy the other view. We also enjoyed a bbq pulled pork lunch. I had my expectations set pretty low, but it was really quite delicious and hit the spot on an autumn afternoon! The fog had lifted and we now had clear blue skies and sunshine. Just ever so lucky with the weather!

Above photo: Return trip

Above photos: Floating houses

Above photos: Scenic landscape en route

Back at the GSMR Depot in Bryson City, the town was now bustling with people enjoying the day. There are quite a few little shops to wander in-and-out of, along with cafes, ice cream shops, and restaurants. We were in no rush to get anywhere, so we took our time shuffling down the sidewalks and grabbing coffees-to-go for our drive east to Asheville.