Guide to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

If you’re traveling to North Georgia, you’re more than likely planning to experience its many outdoor pursuits — like hiking, swimming, or fly fishing — explore the area’s impressive roster of wineries and breweries, or cozy up in a mountainside cabin. There’s also a high probability you’re interested in a vintage train that snakes along the picturesque Toccoa River.

Located in the Appalachian foothills, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has been bringing passengers on its scenic 26-mile, round-trip route since 1998. Every year, more than 150,000 travelers board the vintage rail cars (some of which are from the early 20th century) to make their way from the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia to the sibling towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Famous for its views of the river, wildlife, and the natural beauty found between State Routes 5 and 60, the train ride is a memorable experience for all ages.

Here’s how to plan your trip aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Trip Details 

The round-trip journey begins and ends in Blue Ridge, Georgia, one of the best mountain towns in the Peach State. After boarding the train at the depot, located at 241 Depot St., passengers depart for the sibling towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, which border one another along each state’s line.

Each leg of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s journey takes about an hour, and travelers can opt to embark on either the standard four-hour trip or the express two-hour trip. Both utilize the same route, with the longer trip including a two-hour layover in McCaysville and Copperhill. During this time, passengers can have lunch, shop, and explore the towns. When the train reaches McCaysville and Copperhill on the two-hour journey, there’s just a 10-minute time period when the engineer switches to the engine on the other side of the train; passengers remain onboard.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs throughout the majority of the year — from early March through the beginning of January — but there’s no doubt that autumn is the most glorious time to ride. Book your journey anytime between Sept. 21 and Nov. 6 to get a glimpse of the fall foliage; to see it at its peak, aim for late October.

Ticket Information 

Most tickets for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway can be purchased online, and it’s always recommended to book in advance — particularly if you’re hoping to ride in the peak fall months or during the holiday season. Reservations for the handicap-accessible car, however, are booked through a ticket agent by calling 877-413-8724.

According to the railway, tickets tend to sell out many weeks (or even months) beforehand, so it’s very likely you wouldn’t be able to snag a ticket day of. A ticket assigns each passenger to a car, but seating is first-come, first-served. If you’re traveling in a group and hoping to sit together, the railway suggests arriving on the earlier side (boarding begins 30 minutes before departure).

Ticket prices change slightly depending on the time of year, passenger age, and job title  — teachers, first responders, and members of the military can get discounted tickets. In the spring, a two-hour coach ticket costs $30.99 for children (ages 2 to 12), and the standard adult ticket (ages 13 to 65+) costs $42.99. The four-hour journey costs $37.99 and $54.99 for a child and adult coach ticket, respectively. Premier tickets, which are exclusively for passengers 18 and over, run between $94.99 and $99.99 per person from March through May.

In the fall, prices increase slightly; a round-trip coach ticket will cost anywhere from $45.99 to $59.99 for a two-hour ride, and tickets for the longer journey range from $52.99 for a child ticket and $74.99 for an adult coach ticket to $119.99 for a premier seat. It’s important to note that premier class tickets are not available on any two-hour rides or special holiday rides.

What to Expect on Board 

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway features four different types of cars: open-air coaches, an open-air handicap-accessible coach, closed coaches, and the premier car. No matter which one you book, you’ll get to see the sights from the comfort of padded seats and have the ability to access restrooms. While the open-air cars provide the best views (the bench seats face out), they do not have any heating or air conditioning; vinyl windows, however, are installed in the colder months to help with heat retention. Passengers are also required to switch sides of the train for the return journey, giving everyone the opportunity to properly take in the beauty of the Toccoa River.

If you feel a bit peckish during the ride, head to the concession car, which has popcorn, soda, and candy available for purchase. Those in the premier car can also indulge in unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and a catered snack, alongside receiving a complimentary group photo and a tote bag (one per reservation). Smoking and alcohol are not allowed at any time, and certified service animals are the only pets welcome aboard the train.

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

If you’ve ever wanted to stand in two states at the same time, now’s your chance. All you have to do is spot the hard-to-miss “Blue Line” in town, which marks the border between Georgia and Tennessee. Once you’ve snapped a photo or two, it’s time to head to the main street, otherwise known as Toccoa-Ocoee Street (it’s Toccoa Street in Georgia and becomes Ocoee Street in Tennessee). Here, you’ll find all sorts of delicious restaurants, cafes, galleries, and local shops, many of which are found in McCaysville’s Riverwalk Shops.

For American fare (think fried pickles, chicken tenders, and burgers) enjoyed overlooking a photo-ready steel bridge, grab lunch at Burra Burra; if pizza is more your speed, Twisted Tomato is right next door. While you’re on the McCaysville side,  pop into the McCaysville Visitor Center to see some local art, or shop around Blue Ridge Adventure Wear, Deaf Man Vinyl, and The Pasta Market. After crossing the river into Copperhill, make the rounds to a few local favorites, including Mountain Altitude Designs, Fat Raccoon Gallery, Copperhill Brewery, and Yellowbird Coffee Shop.

Seasonal and Holiday Train Rides

There’s technically no bad time to hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, but there are a few particularly unique rides throughout the year. In July, there’s a one-day Firecracker Special Ride, where the two-hour layover is reserved for watching the fireworks show in McCaysville and Copperhill. Fall rides, unsurprisingly, are extremely popular, given the seasonal show the changing leaves are known for.

Come December, passengers can embark on Holiday Special Rides — either the one-hour Holiday Express Tour or the four-hour Holiday Pavilion Tour (which includes the standard two-hour layover). Both rides are accented by holiday music, a telling of “The Night Before Christmas,” and hot chocolate from the concession car. Younger passengers are also gifted a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell and a candy cane. Even more excitement arises with the chance to see Santa Claus.

What to Know About Blue Ridge, Georgia

When you’re planning your trip aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, make sure to save time on either side of the journey to explore Blue Ridge and the surrounding area. The mountain town is known for its charming stores, amazing breweries, wineries, restaurants, and unparalleled access to outdoor adventures (it’s located in the “trout capital of Georgia”). If you can swing a long weekend, book a room at the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast, where you’ll start each morning with a classic Southern breakfast. Plus, it’s located right downtown — directly across from the train depot.