From the simplest train toy to the most extensive model train collection, trains of all shapes and sizes continue to capture our imagination. So it’s no wonder that the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Ga., attracts passengers both young and old to take a journey through North Georgia’s rustic landscape as it travels along the Toccoa River.
As passengers explore the towns of McCaysville, Ga., and Copperhill, Tenn., the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway stands as a sentry over the railroad tracks. Photo by Karon Warren.
Starting in downtown Blue Ridge at the 100-year-old depot, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway welcomes visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy the view as the train traverses a 26-mile roundtrip route that includes a two-hour layover in the town with two names: Georgia’s McCaysville and Copperhill, Tenn.
The train features two types of passenger cars: climate-controlled closed cars and open-air cars. Both have their own appeal. Obviously, the closed cars are ideal if outside weather conditions are not. However, the open-air cars bring the outdoors in, immersing passengers in the terrain around them. There is no price difference based on the car type, so feel free to choose the one with which you feel most comfortable. The train also includes a concession car where passengers can purchase drinks, snacks and souvenirs.
Once you are seated, prepare yourself for a leisurely ride through the countryside. Along the way, you will catch various glimpses of the Toccoa River along with beautiful wooded vistas. Car hosts also will bring attention to various points of interest along the route, such as a Native American fish dam, original train lines to Murphy, N.C., and the location of original train depots that served area residents traveling throughout the region.
Traveling at a rate of 15 to 20 mph, the train covers the distance between Blue Ridge and McCaysville/Copperhill in approximately one hour. Once the train arrives in McCaysville, passengers are free to explore the town, where they can grab some lunch and peruse the local shops. A variety of cuisine is available, including country-style cooking, diner favorites such as cheeseburgers and milkshakes, Mexican, soups and sandwiches, barbecue, and more.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway provides glimpses of the Toccoa River during most of the 26-mile roundtrip excursion. Photo by Karon Warren.
With a two-hour layover, there’s no need to rush around. Just about every merchant is within walking distance, so returning to the train in time for boarding is easily accomplished in about 10 minutes. In fact, the train engineer sounds the whistle 10 minutes prior to departure to advise passengers to return to the depot for boarding.
When returning to your assigned car for boarding, the car host will ask you to take part in a time-honored tradition: take a seat on the opposite side of the car from where you sat during the first leg of the journey. This allows all passengers to take in the views from both sides of the train. Passengers on the east side of the train enjoy the view of the Toccoa River, while passengers on the west side of the train primarily take in the wooded landscape. Regardless of your view, remember to sit back and take it all in; that is, after all, the point of the trip!
While the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway provides passengers with a memorable trip from March through December, there are some excursions scheduled throughout the year that merit special mention. Obviously, fall is a great time to experience the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway as the leaves change color. However, spice up the trip a little more with a ride on the “Pumpkin Pickin’ Special,” wherein guests travel to Farmer Brown’s field to pick their own pumpkin. Another popular seasonal favorite is “The Santa Express,” which celebrates the holidays with Christmas stories, caroling and a visit with Santa Claus himself. For a twist on the usual train excursion, sign up for a “Twilight Trip,” wherein the train departs in late afternoon (usually 4:30 p.m.) and returns after sunset (usually 8:30 p.m.).
Check out the railway’s website (www.brscenic.com) for a complete calendar of scheduled train trips, pricing information and to purchase tickets.
Disclosure: The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway provided a ticket for Karon Warren to ride on the train.
