A Blue Ridge Scenic Railway excursion is like taking a trip back in time. You’ll begin your train adventure in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia, just a short drive from Murphy, NC. Located in the beautiful north Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge has seen freight and passenger traffic since the 1800s. In fact, train service played a large part in the town’s growth as a mountain getaway destination.
Since 1998, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has operated its popular excursion service, appealing to seasonal visitors along with residents who appreciate a daytime diversion. The rail line runs varied daily schedules from March through December, and also offers specialty trips throughout the year.
Depart from Historic Blue Ridge, GA
Today, Blue Ridge’s circa-1905 train depot blends perfectly with the downtown area’s enticing shops, antique stores, and eateries. In other words, spend some quality time in Blue Ridge before or after your train ride.
When purchasing your current trip’s tickets, choose a vintage climate-controlled rail car, or soak up the great outdoors in a spacious open car. After boarding the train, settle into your comfortable seat, and chat with the well-informed volunteer Car Hosts who will add a personal touch to your trip. Then, get ready for the four-hour, 26-mile round trip along the scenic Toccoa River and through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Travel to McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN
After the train chugs out of the Blue Ridge depot, you’ll enjoy a leisurely one-hour trip to McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN. Along the way, you’ll spot vacation homes and farms, horses grazing in nearby fields, and railroad crossing arms operating on scenic country roads. On any given day, you might also encounter fly fishermen in waders, along with tubing enthusiasts cooling themselves in the river’s chilly water.
Next, you’ll arrive in McCaysville/Copperhill, where you’ll spend a two-hour layover. This single town is divided by the Georgia and Tennessee state line, giving you a nice photo opportunity while you straddle the state-splitting “Blue Line.” During your visit, stop for lunch and poke around the craft, antique, and variety stores. Or, relax near the river before boarding the train for your one-hour trip back to Blue Ridge.
Spotlight on Popular Special Events
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway also offers several themed excursions during 2016. During October and early November, book a ride on a wildly popular Fall Foliage trip. In fact, Southern Living Magazine has designated the BRSR as one of the top five regional fall color attractions. As a special October treat, the Pumpkin Express runs two trips on October 23. These excursions will stop at Farmer Brown’s field, where guests can choose their own pumpkin before returning to Blue Ridge.
The Santa Express, operating from November 25 through December 24, is a perennial favorite with kids of all ages (including adults). When you hop aboard for this one-hour daytime trip, you’ll relax in a festively decorated car while you mingle with Christmas characters and sing popular carols. As an added bonus, Santa Claus will delight guests with a special onboard appearance.
On Saturday evenings from November 25 through December 17, kids are invited aboard the Santa Night Pavilion Train, where they’ll enjoy quality time with Santa before receiving a BRSR memento and candy cane. During the two-hour layover in McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN, guests can do some Christmas shopping in the festively decorated town.
For a distinctively different New Year’s Eve celebration, adults 21 and older are invited to ring in the New Year aboard the train. Departing at 10:00 p.m. and returning about 12:30 a.m. on December 31, the trip features appetizers, adult beverages, and party favors. You’ll even get a glass of sparkling wine when the clock strikes midnight!
If you can’t wait to take yourself on a train ride, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is an easy drive from Murphy, NC. Choose an excursion on the railroad’s website, pile your family into the car, and prepare to enjoy a train trip you won’t forget.
The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.ilovemurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team