If you’ve ever wanted to ride an old-fashioned train through the mountains, this one’s got your name all over it.
We’re talking real vintage railcars, big windows, and views of peaceful rivers, rolling hills, and trees that turn every shade of fire in the fall.
You can just sit back and watch the scenery fly by.
There’s also a stop where you can grab lunch, shop, and even stand in two states at once.
It’s the kind of ride that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Here’s everything you need to know before hopping on board.
Where Is It?
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is located in the charming mountain town of Blue Ridge, way up in North Georgia near the Tennessee border.
It’s about a 1.5-hour drive north of Atlanta, and about a 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
If you’re coming from Asheville, North Carolina, you’re looking at a 2.5-hour drive, perfect for a weekend road trip.
The depot sits right in downtown Blue Ridge, at 241 Depot Street, so you can grab coffee or wander through the cute shops before you hop on board.
About
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is hands-down one of the coolest ways to explore the North Georgia mountains, on a vintage train, no less.
This old-school railway has been rolling along since 1998 in tourist mode, but the tracks themselves date all the way back to 1886, when the Marietta & North Georgia Railroad first reached the Blue Ridge area.
So yeah, when you climb aboard, you’re literally riding on over 100 years of history.
Today, you can enjoy a 26-mile round trip that hugs the Toccoa River almost the entire way, winding through scenic forested terrain in North Georgia.
The ride starts at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge and winds through stunning mountain scenery and alongside peaceful river bends.
You’ll cruise north to the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee which are basically split down the middle by the state line.
Seriously, there’s a blue line painted on the sidewalk so you can hop between two states in under five seconds.
The whole experience takes about 4 hours total, with a 2-hour layover in McCaysville/Copperhill to grab lunch, do some shopping, or just stretch your legs and soak up the small-town vibes.
You can choose from vintage climate-controlled coaches or open-air rail cars with bench seating and unbeatable views.
Either way, expect lots of oohs and ahhs, especially when the leaves start changing in fall as this ride is a total show-off during peak foliage season.
It’s also super popular during the holidays thanks to their themed rides like the Fall Foliage Train and the Holiday Express, complete with Santa sightings and Christmas carols.
Know Before You Go
Alright, if you’re thinking about hopping aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Best time to visit?
Hands down, fall is the fan favorite.
From late October to early November, the trees along the route turn every shade of red, orange, and gold.
It’s basically a rolling postcard.
That said, spring is gorgeous too with wildflowers and fresh mountain air, and the holiday rides in November and December are super fun especially if you’re bringing kids.
But there’s truly no bad time to hop aboard.
Train schedule & hours
The railway typically runs from late March through December.
Trains depart most days during peak season (spring through fall), but it’s best to check the exact schedule on their website since times shift a bit depending on the month.
Most rides leave in the morning, often around 10 to 11 a.m., but they also offer afternoon departures on weekends and special evening rides during events.
Ticket prices
Here’s the breakdown as of this year (but double-check online for updates):
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Ticket Prices (2025)
2-Hour Winter Express (No Layover)
Coach:
- Adults (13–64): $44.99
- Seniors (65+), Military, 1st Responders, Teachers: $41.99
- Children (2–12): $30.99
- Lap (0–23 mo): Free
Premier (18+):
- Adults (13–64): $63.99
- Seniors (65+), Military, 1st Responders, Teachers: $60.99
4-Hour Winter Extended (with State Line Layover)
Coach:
- Seniors (65+), Military, 1st Responders, Teachers: $54.99
- Children (2–12): $37.99
- Lap (0–23 mo): Free
Premier (18+):
- Adults, Seniors, Military, 1st Responders, Teachers: $109.99
Getting there
Plug 241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA into your GPS and you’re good to go.
There’s parking right near the depot, but arrive at least 1 hour early because it gets busy, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
What to bring
Bring a light jacket if you’re riding in the open-air cars, even in summer, it can get breezy once the train gets moving.
If you’re visiting in fall or winter, layer up. The mornings can be chilly up in the mountains.
Oh, and don’t forget your camera.
Between the river views and the old bridges, it’s basically impossible not to take photos.
Things to do nearby
Downtown Blue Ridge is packed with cute shops, cafés, and galleries.
You can grab a coffee at Das Kaffee Haus, get homemade fudge at Three Sisters Fudge, or browse books at Blue Ridge Booksellers.
If you’ve got time before or after your train ride, head to Mercier Orchards (less than 10 minutes away) for fresh apple cider donuts, U-pick fruit (depending on the season), and a market full of local goodies.
You can also hike part of the Benton MacKaye Trail, which passes through and is accessible from Blue Ridge.
Or rent a kayak and float down the Toccoa River for a totally different kind of view.
Quick tip: This is a super popular attraction, especially during October and around holidays, so book your tickets early.
Like, book weeks in advance if you want your pick of seats.
This is a laid-back, scenic, slow-roll through one of the prettiest parts of North Georgia, and it’s one you’ll definitely want to plan ahead for.
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