All Aboard for Adventure: Exploring the Andrews Valley Rail Tour 🚂
Nestled in the scenic Appalachian foothills of western North Carolina, Andrews Valley Rail Tours offers a one-of-a-kind rail tour experience in a charming mountain setting. Ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers, this 9‑mile, 2‑hour round-trip journey aboard pedal-assisted RailBikes, leisurely Carts, or quirky two‑person “Choo‑Choo” Speeders takes you through stunning landscapes and historic railroad heritage
Why it’s perfect for Great Smokys Cabin Rentals guests:
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Breathtaking scenery: enjoy mountain vistas, crystal-clear rivers, and vibrant wildflowers along nine open-deck trestle bridges
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Historic Valley River Tunnel: glimpse the 346‑ft hand-carved tunnel, built in 1894 by Southern Railway workers. Don’t miss the natural “air‑conditioning” inside!
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Flexible ride options: from active e‑biking to leisurely cart rides that accommodate families or larger groups
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Kid- and pet-friendly: younger passengers (ages 8+) are welcome, and while pets aren’t mentioned specifically, the open-air format suggests space for furry friends
🗓️ Tour Details & Planning Tips
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Departures | Wed–Sun at 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:00 pm (plus 5:30 pm sessions during peak season) |
| Cost | $59.99 per person |
| Arrival | Plan to arrive 30 min early for safety briefing |
| Best time to go | May through early November—spring wildflowers, fall foliage, and cooler temps during tunnel passage |
Nearby Attractions Around Andrews, NC
Perfect for pairing with your rail tour—fill your getaway with more adventure and culture:
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Fires Creek Recreation Area: Just outside Andrews, enjoy trails, swimming holes, fishing, horseback riding, camping, and picnic areas under lush forest canopy
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Walker’s Inn (1844): A historic stagecoach inn with rich architecture and connections to local Cherokee history and the Olmsted legacy
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Franklin Pierce Cover House: Admire this 1900 Queen Anne–style mansion listed on the National Register—an architectural gem
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Cherokee County Historical Museum & Bear Creek Mini Golf: In nearby Murphy—great for families and history buffs
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Valley River Vineyards & Calaboose Cellars: Local wineries perfect for a relaxing afternoon sip
💡 Why Stay With Great Smokys Cabin Rentals in Bryson City?
Choosing our cabins means you’re only a 45‑minute scenic drive from Andrews Rail Tours, making it easy to fit an unforgettable rail adventure into your mountain vacation. Wake up by the river, enjoy breakfast on the deck, then head out with your camera for a morning rail ride. Cap the day with a cozy evening by the fire, relaxing in peaceful seclusion.
✍️ Top Tips for Visitors
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Book early—summer weekends and fall foliage season tend to sell out fast.
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Pack layers—it’s about 10–15°F cooler inside the tunnel than outside
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Bring water, snacks & a picnic—especially if you choose to relax during the 30-minute tunnel break.
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Plan a full-day trip: rail tour + Fires Creek hike + historic site stroll makes for a memorable itinerary.
🌄 Wrap-Up: Make Andrews Rail Tour Part of Your Smoky Mountain Escape
Whether pedaling through pastoral landscapes, exploring a historic tunnel, or winding down in a cozy cabin by the Great Smokys, Andrews Valley Rail Tours offers a perfectly Appalachian adventure. Elevate your vacation with a unique ride that’s ideal for nature lovers, train enthusiasts, and families alike—and return to the warmth and comfort of Great Smokys Cabin Rentals after a day full of discovery.
Book your cabin stay today, and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip combining rail fun and mountain magic in western North Carolina.
Approximately three hours ago (at the time that this article was written), the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad officially reopened for business, much to the delight of thousands of thrill-seeking travelers. The wondrous, historic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad departs in the heart of beautiful Bryson City, NC, near the banks of the gushing Tuckasegee River. Regardless of the season, curious tourists flock to this top attraction to mosey into the sprawling, rolling Smoky Mountains. The attraction itself is excessively popular, leading up to Christmas and during autumn’s glorious peak. Great Smokys Cabin Rentals knows how integral this particular 53-mile track is to the local tourist industry. Thus, it’s time to show some love to the locomotive team here in downtown Bryson City.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad: Explore the Gorge
Most mid-day trips on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad are either diesel-powered or steam-powered excursions through the Nantahala Gorge in breathtaking Western North Carolina. These 44-mile, four-hour joyrides rumble past trestle bridges, sky-high mountains, serene Fontana Lake, and the Nantahala River itself. There are a variety of packages to choose from, many of which include meals and souvenirs, as well as large picture windows to peer through. Please don’t forget your camera, an appetite, and a sense of wonderment. The hour-long layover allows passengers to stretch their legs, savor a picnic, and enjoy the natural scenery of the peaceful river gorge.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is widely celebrated around Christmastime for its holiday-themed, diesel-powered expeditions into the snowy “unknown.” But oenophiles, beer nerds, and those who appreciate a finely distilled spirit can also discover an array of adult and group-focused rides, mainly in the fall. As you can imagine, these excursions are quite popular among bachelorette and bachelor parties. Click the links below to learn more about the various options available throughout the year.