Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Photo by Trainsfan13, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

🍂 2026 fall foliage season

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Nantahala Gorge Fall Leaf Looker Excursion 2026

Bryson City, NC

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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs Nantahala Gorge Fall Leaf Looker Excursion for the 2026 season from Bryson City, NC. Premier 44-mile, 4.5-hour Smoky Mountains fall foliage train ride along the Nantahala Gorge from Bryson City. 2026 dates are April 3–October 31, 2026. Tickets are listed at $144.72. Peak color in the Smoky Mountains typically arrives mid- to late October.

2026 dates

April 3–October 31, 2026

Price range

$144.72

Peak color

Peak color in the Smoky Mountains typically arrives mid- to late October.

Where to stay

Bookings through this map support usatrainrides at no extra cost.

Rent a car

Most heritage railroad depots sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.

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Book on the operator

Tickets are sold by Great Smoky Mountains Railroad via operator website — this is the only link on this page that leaves usatrainrides.

Book on Great Smoky Mountains Railroad→

Frequently asked

How long is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion?
It is a 4.5-hour roundtrip excursion that travels 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back.
Where does the train depart?
From the Bryson City Depot at 226 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713.
Is this the railroad's main fall foliage trip?
Yes, GSMR markets the Nantahala Gorge Excursion as its premier fall foliage excursion.

More about Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Year-round schedule, equipment, and visitor info live on the operator's full page.

See the full Great Smoky Mountains Railroadpage →