1988 the State of North Carolina acquired the Murphy Line from Norfolk Southern Railway for $650,000, and trackage rights were leased to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which began operations on September 15, 1988 with the intent to haul both freight and excursions. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad agreed to lease the track for $40,000 per year for 25 years.

The excursion business quickly became quite popular with tourists. This line goes through some of the most scenic countryside in America, including following the Tuckaseegee and Nantahala rivers and crossing Lake Fontana. As many as 200,000 passengers have traveled over the 67-mile track each year.

With a fleet of four diesels and one steam locomotive, the GSMR provides both day and evening train trips, including a dinner trip and a mystery theater trip.

Click Here for more history of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Towns on Route:

Andrews

Topton

Nantahala

Wesser

Almond

Bryson City

Whittier

Dillsboro