Reservations being taken for train trip September 6 in Smokies
The Watauga Valley (N.C.) Railroad Historical Society and Museum is accepting reservations for its steam train excursion Saturday, September 6, on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
The excursion is offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of Western North Carolina while riding the rails behind a steam engine in vintage passenger railroad cars.
The No. 1702 locomotive dates to 1943. The engine’s construction was an officially commissioned WWII steam engine plan. It is of the world’s largest engine class and is one of two remaining in the United States.
The one-day excursion will cover most of the operating trackage of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
The track follows the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy Branch Line, established in 1891, with its five percent grade and many bridges.
The trip travels from the historic depot in Bryson City through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, into the breath-taking Nantahala Gorge surrounded by the majestic Smokies, and back to Bryson City.
Much of the route hugs the banks of the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers. It crosses Fontana Lake on a trestle spanning 780 feet, 100 feet above the lake.
Passengers ride in comfort in First class, Crown class, Tourist coach or open-air coach. All classes offer seating in classic antique restored passenger cars. There are restrooms throughout the train.
• First class: Cars are climate-controlled and feature large windows and lounge-car seating. Includes lunch options
• Crown class: Cars offer large windows and climate control for passenger comfort.
• Tourist coach: Cars have ceiling fans and windows that open and close for fresh air viewing.
• Open-air coach: Cars are great for picture-taking and “experiencing” the ride and scenery.
Tickets are $185 for first class, $126 adult/$98 children 2-12 for crown class, $110/$88 for tourist and $112/$87 for open-air.
Passengers have two options for arrival at the Bryson City Train Depot — ride a chartered tour bus from Johnson City, Tenn., (Liberty Bell Middle School), or drive directly to Bryson City.
Passengers will board the train beginning at 11:15 a.m. for a 12:01 p.m. departure. Arrival back in Bryson City is approximately 4:30 p.m.
All tickets include free admission to the Smoky Mountain Lionel Train Museum near the Bryson City Depot.
The museum boasts a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and an impressive operating layout and children’s activity center.
Box lunches are available for the excursion for $16. These include a deli sandwich, Ms. Vickie’s Kettle chips, Grandma’s chocolate Pecan pieces, and crunchy fresh celery along with a drink.
There also is a concession car with sandwiches, drinks, chips, and snacks available for purchase. Riders also may bring their own food in a small cooler.
Tickets and pre-purchased meals must be ordered online with a credit card by visiting http://www.wataugavalleynrhs. org/. Click on the EXCURSIONS link.
The excursion runs rain or shine. Every effort will be made to maintain an on-time schedule.
The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society Museum assumes no liability due to passengers not arriving on time at the Bryson City Depot.
Questions about the trip or to order tickets? Go to www.wataugavalleynrhs.o rg, or email wataugavalley@ gmail.com
