A Much Needed Escape In NC During These Challenging Times

If you need an escape, want to immerse yourself in beautiful scenery, or are looking for a place to take visiting family and friends, then this train ride through the Great Smokey Mountain should be on your list. It will give you a peaceful and rejuvenating experience as you go in deep into the mountainous region of NC.

It was a trip I did not know I needed and I’m so happy that my mom surprised me with it. To be honest, I thought it was going to be the worst idea. The location where we arrived was very tiny, and since it looked like an old coal-mining town, everything seemed a bit old and rustic. Appearance-wise there wasn’t much to note, so I didn’t expect much. Well, I was wrong.

As you pick up your tickets, you can see the enormous train waiting for people to board. You may think that a train ride through the mountains sounds boring (which is what I thought at first) but when you board the train you truly feel as if you are in a completely different time and place. Much of the train has kept its original structure and design. Each section of the train has different seating arrangements depending on the ticket you purchase. Our ticket was Coach, so we had two booths facing each other with a table in between and a window we could open or close, a great option if it rains. Other sections only have benches and are open, with no tables. There is also a first-class cart with dining tables, floor-length tablecloths, vintage chairs, and a full dining set but was unavailable during the time of my visit.

After you find your seat and are given directions, the train departs and you begin the trip through the mountain. When you purchase your tickets they give you the option to purchase a meal, which I highly recommend. It’s convenient and turns the trip into a moving scenic picnic. I suggest the turkey sandwich which comes with chips, a cookie, and water. It is a simple yet fulfilling meal.

The entire trip is about four and a half hours. You arrive at a spot near the river where you have an hour to explore the restaurants, get in the river, buy souvenirs and snacks, etc. If you buy another package, you have the option to ride the train and get off a stop earlier to do outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, zip-lining, hiking, etc.

This trip was so peaceful and there was something so rejuvenating about being in the middle of the mountains, disconnected from technology (literally, the signal was not great) and listening to the rustle of the trees, the water hitting the rocks, and the sound of the train on the tracks. I felt a great sense of relief finally being outdoors and surrounded by so much tranquility.

I highly encourage this trip and I enjoyed it so much after being quarantined for months. It's great to go any time of year. During the fall the foliage of NC is breathtaking. For winter they decorate and even have a Polar Express event where your inner child can run free, you wear pajamas and drink hot chocolate. In the summer the weather is perfect for water activities and the water is a bit cold but refreshing.

What I recommend for this trip:

1. I would recommend bringing a deck of cards or a game to play with your group. On the way back, you may be tired and the soothing movements of the train it’s perfect to make you fall asleep. If you don’t want to miss out on the views bring something that will keep you entertained.

2. At the spot near the river where you get off the train, I recommend you cross the bridge and go to the small convenience store to get Nyes Hand Crafted Ice Cream Sandwiches. They are yummy and really refreshing to eat while you dip your toes in the river (if you go in the summer). We had the key lime pie and it was delicious, so worth it!

3. It’s a small town but I recommend exploring it and eating there once you get off the train. Small towns that have preserved much of their history are not common to come by, especially if you live in more suburban areas and cities.

To plan your escape go check out their packages here!