Train worth it?

Question

Husband and I are visiting in mid October for three days. We are considering the train trip without the stopover. We've done the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City several times and enjoy it. I'm wondering if the Blue Ridge Railroad is comparable. Is it worth the time and money when we only have three days to explore the area?

Answer

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a beautiful and relaxing experience, especially if you enjoy scenic train rides through the North Georgia mountains. However, compared to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City, the Blue Ridge Railway is a bit different in terms of the experience and scenery. Here's what to consider when deciding if it's worth your time and money during your 3-day stay:

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers several types of trips, including round trips from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, with options for different durations. The trip without a stopover will take you along the Toccoa River, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and water. It's a leisurely ride, but it can feel a bit more commercialized compared to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. That said, it’s still a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the local scenery.

Since you've already experienced the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad several times, here are a few points to help you decide:

Scenery: The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers lovely views of the Toccoa River and the surrounding forest, especially in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. However, it might not offer the same level of awe-inspiring mountain vistas as the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
Duration: The round trip is about 4 hours, so it's a bit shorter than some of the longer trips you might have taken with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, making it more suitable for a shorter visit.
Experience: The Blue Ridge trip is mostly about relaxing and enjoying the views, while the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad often offers more themed experiences or additional stops, which can provide a bit more variety and entertainment.
Time Efficiency: If you only have three days to explore, the train ride can take up a significant portion of your time, so you might want to consider whether you'd prefer to spend more time exploring the area through hiking, shopping, or other activities in Blue Ridge.

Overall, if you love scenic train rides and want to experience a different part of North Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is definitely worth considering. It's a beautiful and relaxing way to see the area, especially in October when the fall colors are in full display. However, if you're looking for a more adventurous or varied experience, you might prefer to explore the area on foot or by car, especially if your time is limited.

If you're short on time and want to maximize your experience, consider combining the train ride with other local activities like hiking in the Chattahoochee National Forest or visiting the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Depot and Downtown Blue Ridge for shopping and dining. That way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds!