We hope you'll join us on these exciting journeys in North Carolina.

The experience of travelling by rail is one that has stood the test of time and never goes out of style. For some, it's just another part of their regular commute, but for others, it's an opportunity to go on an adventure that takes place in the past. If your travels take you to the state of North Carolina, consider taking one of these train trips, which not only provide a one-of-a-kind perspective of the world-famous Blue Ridge Mountains but also provide experiences that are themed around the holidays. You and your loved ones won't want to miss out on any of these fantastic train journeys in North Carolina, which are detailed in the following guide.
 

Railway that runs through the Great Smoky Mountains

The departure point for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad may be found in Bryson City, which is located approximately an hour's drive away from Asheville. There are two different kinds of trains, including an antique steam-powered locomotive and a more contemporary diesel option. In addition, there are various different itineraries, which vary in terms of distance, amount of time, and theme; nonetheless, they all offer a scenic experience.

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is one of the most well-liked excursions. It is a 4.5-hour ride that takes you round-trip and includes a break when you can take in the mountainside views. You could also participate in the Tuckasegee River Excursion, which is a journey that lasts for four hours and includes a stop in a tiny historic village where you can do some shopping.  

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates a unique Polar Express train during the Christmas season. This train provides passengers of all ages with cookies, hot cocoa, and a possible appearance by Santa Claus. Additionally, the train encourages passengers of all ages to wear their pyjamas while they are on board. Date night activities for couples include moonshine tastings, murder mystery parties, themed restaurants with wine pairings, and other themed rides that make for a wonderful night out together.

Prices for tickets vary according to age and type of service, with first class, premium open-air gondola, crown, coach plus, and coach class being some of the available options. The cheapest tickets cost $58 for adults and $33 for children aged two to 12 years old.

Tweets Railroad

Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the sleepy mountain community of Blowing Rock, which is home to a magical place perfect for children. It is well-known that Tweetsie Railroad has an adventure park that offers a variety of themed experiences, such as a ride based on Thomas the Train, a ghost ride, and a holiday adventure. The price of admission grants guests access to a variety of kid-friendly amusement park rides, a petting zoo with deer, live interactive performances, and other activities in addition to the train rides. The flavour and allure of this experience in a small town are further enhanced by recurring activities, such as a dog frisbee competition and performances by travelling musicians. Adult tickets cost $60 per day, while tickets for children ages 3 to 12 cost $40 and children under the age of two are admitted free of charge.

Railway in the New Hope Valley

Consider taking a trip on the New Hope Valley Railway if travelling back in time on a train is one of your bucket list items. Because it travels through the Piedmont region of the state (also known as the Triangle) and takes exactly one hour to cover a distance of four miles, the journey from Bonsal to New Hill is referred to as the "Triangle's Train." This route connects Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.

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The historic locomotive and its passengers will wind through the state's trademark tall pine trees as they go around the state. Seasonal activities are available at all times of the year, and some of these include a hunt for Easter eggs in April, summertime outings with Thomas the Train, and other activities. Check the website for any upcoming special events that will also have on-board vendors selling food and beverages.

Despite the fact that some seasonal rides may have higher prices, the standard entry price is as follows: $11 for children aged two to 12, $14 for adults, and $13 for seniors age 60 and above.

Museum of Transportation in the State of North Carolina

Consider going on a day trip to Spencer, North Carolina, a charming little town that sits in the middle of Charlotte and Greensboro, if you're looking for a destination that the whole family will enjoy. This attraction is located in Rowan County and houses the North Carolina Transportation Museum in what was formerly the largest steam locomotive plant in the southeastern United States operated by the Southern Railway.

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Here, you and your travelling companions will have the opportunity to learn about the evolution of numerous modes of transportation in the state of North Carolina over the course of time, including airplanes, railroads, vehicles, and other modes. You can take a tour of the Barber Junction Depot, which was originally a train station and was converted into the visitor centre in 1998.

A trip to the area is not considered complete unless it includes at least one ride on the train. The train ride across the museum's complex of approximately 60 acres takes about 25 minutes to complete. The number of rides that are available varies from month to month, but from March to May, you will be able to climb on board Fridays through Sundays (and certain Thursdays as well as Easter Monday). You can go on rides on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning in June and continuing until Labor Day. Themed rides are a part of the pleasure at this railroad, just as they are at other railroads in the state. These rides include Easter bunny excursions and Wine & Dine date-night events.

Tickets are priced as follows: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and members of the armed forces in active duty, and $8 for children aged three to 12. Free admission is given to children younger than three years old.

Bruising Ridge of the Mountains

Asheville is the place to go if you're looking for craft beer and vistas of the mountains, and no other city comes close. This bustling city provides a variety of unique activities, such as drunken rafting down the French Broad River, a visit of the Biltmore Estate, which is the biggest privately held residence in the United States, and a train trip on the Craggy Mountain Line. The residents of the area refer to it as the "Asheville to Craggy Branch," and it is a charitable organisation that purchased the final three miles of the Craggy Mountain Line in the year 2001.

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They have converted it into an enjoyable way to explore and view the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it suitable for an outing suitable for the whole family as well as a romantic afternoon outing for two. The excursion is little more than a speedy ride on a vintage train; there are no extra bells and whistles to speak of.

Tickets cost $15 per person, while children aged three and younger are admitted free of charge. Weddings and bachelorette parties are perfect occasions for renting out the railroad for a party for a period of two hours. When making travel arrangements, keep in mind that the train only operates on Saturdays at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.