Great Smoky Mountains Railroad — Attraction in Bryson City

READ THIS before you book!!! Steam train review: DO NOT GO if you have MOBILITY issues whatsoever, DO NOT GO in the summer unless you do fine with multiple hours of high HEAT, DO NOT GO there if you need internet connection. There is NO INTERNET CONNECTION or WIFI for 98% of the train ride, so don't waste your time even trying. DO NOT GO if you have small children bc you will end up carrying them and the walks are extreme for some people! DO NOT GO unless you love walking in direct sun. BRING AN UMBRELLA FOR SHADE! They charge you $10 for parking but when you park you have a 15 to 16 min WALK to the depot. Once there, there is no air conditioned waiting areas or drinks available. There are 2 small golf carts that go back and forth taking disabled people and seniors the long walk that is like more than a football field. There are 2 black metal benches for them to sit on while they wait and there is no shade so they are baking in the sun. I had to wait with my 75 year old dad that has to walk with a cane. If doing the hike to the train or parking lot wear a hat and sunscreen or bring umbrellas. The walk to the train is not shaded either and is another 10 to 15 min walk. And once you do get to your train car you have to wait in a line with the sun continuing to beat down on you and your family until they finally allow you to board. Also they told my husband on the phone that they didnt allow any food, and only bottled water, but most people bring a bookbag packed with sandwiches, snacks, and water. There is one snack car that was about 7 car links ahead of our that sells a small amount of seriously overpriced items. 3~20 oz drinks cost us $12. That alone is far away. With the train stopped and no AC in any car, I was already sweating when i made it to the consestion area. The bathrooms are basically a Porta potty with a sink and our bathroom didn't have a changing station in it for babies or any handrails for disabled or elderly individuals. The metal was peeling, the hand dryer was broken. The train itself was not restored looking at all and all the paint and metal was chipping. It definitely needs an update. My seat was actually DOUBLE BOOKED!!! Both me and another man, I didn't know, had the exact same ticket for the same day, train booth and time. We were in the open air area with a long bench and there was enough room so we didn't complain. The first 30 mins was good, but then you are ready to get off. Instead we were on the train over 2 hours before it stopped. The train goes past the layover area for a long while before it backs up and eventually stops there. After about 5 mins on the train your phone looses service. I had a movie I had downloaded to my tablet previously so me and the kids were able to watch it.You DO NOT NEED TO GET OFF THE TRAIN at the stop. Especially if you have any issues walking. But also note that there is no air conditioning and it gets hot. The people in my car with mobility issues could only manage to make it to the very 1st picnic table. There was a small obstructed view of a river but it was blocked off by a fence. There were NO golf carts at the layover. People were still walking forward beside the train for as far as the eye could see. A lady at our picnic table with a cast on her foot told me she asked if there was any assistance in getting to the layover area. The worker said, "WELL NO, YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A FIRST CLASS TICKET BC THAT'S AT THE FRONT OF THE TRAIN....." she told the man that she wanted too but HER DAUGHTER WAS ONLY 16 & YOU COULD ONLY PURCHASE 1ST CLASS TICKETS IF YOU WERE OVER 21." he said, "sorry"and walked away. The train moves slower on the way back so it's hotter. Once back & off the train Disabled/elderly can sit directly in the sun and wait for a golf cart & other people begin the 15 min hike back. After 5/10 mins I stopped a cart that had an open space & asked if my dad could hop on. He said, "no, another golf cart would come by soon." Don't waste...

My husband, father-in-law, his girl friend, and I rode the GSMR, on Wednesday, October 23, the 1PM, Nantahala Gorge Excursion. All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We got there earlier than expected because someone (ME!), misread the length of time for our drive up, but no biggie. Several shops and restaurants were open for exploring.

From the moment we arrived, the staff provided us with answers and information as our questions arose. Everyone we spoke with was professional, and friendly, going out of their way to make sure we were being taken care of. My FIL has a hard time getting around, so staff members (THANK YOU, RICK!!!) offered rides on the golf carts to get him (us) to our loading zone. ANYONE with handicaps, or mobility issues, they DO have a lift to assist people who can't climb steps, or are in a wheelchair, so if that's keeping you from going, I'm here to tell you - they have it covered! It's a manual crank lift, but it got the four of us up, and safely onto the train.

Steven was our host on the MacNeill car. He was a hoot, very entertaining, and kept us listening with the stories - and jokes - about the history of the area. The MacNeill was clean, inviting, and comfortable. Windows were a bit dusty, but hey, the train moves up and down the tracks, and dust happens. It didn't keep us from seeing an American Bald Eagle 🦅, as we were riding past a section of Fontana Lake. It was AWESOME!

Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it costs a lot to keep the train running. Our meals were quite tasty, but my recommendation is make sure you eat breakfast, or get a snack to eat before the ride, because we were three hours +/- into the ride before lunch was served. The 1st class cars were served lunch. The other cars offer a boxed lunch that you pick up before getting on the train. Yes, we splurged at my father-in-law's request. We went 1st class. My husband and I had the roast beef, with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans (NOT CANNED), and a dinner roll. The other two had the grilled chicken salad - and to clarify - it is strips of grilled chicken, on top of a salad mix along with sliced, boiled eggs, crackers, and they each had a dinner roll with butter. The meals were delicious and filling. *And included in the 1st class ticket price.

Our complementary insulated drink glasses remained filled with water, tea, coffee, or sodas. You can order alcoholic beverages from their list of options, but that's extra, although you can get a souvenir glass with those beverages. (We're not drinkers, but I paid attention to those around us who chose to imbibe). Dessert was good to me, but my husband is picky, and opted not to eat his after taking a taste - pumpkin swirl cheesecake. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the crust was a ginger cookie of some sort, or graham crackers with a ginger seasoning in it. It was definitely a seasonal type of dessert. He doesn't care for ginger spice.

CHRIS came out with his guitar, towards the end of our trip, and sang a couple of requested tunes. Nice touch to round out our day. You CAN sing along ... "Country roads, take me home ..."

One more thing then I'm done, the STEAM engine pulls you up to the NOC, then they **switch around power sources, and the diesel engine pulls the train back to the depot. It helps keep both engines running smoothly and efficiently.

**This is done during the layover. Guests can get off the train to walk around and explore, or do a little bit of shopping.

If you're on the fence about going on the train ride?...

What a wonderful excursion. Our family had talked about taking this train ride for years. We finally decided to quit talking about it and make it happen. We drove out from Charlotte, which makes it about a 3-hour drive each way. Do not let that deture you. It was a pleasant ride with not as many twists and turns you would expect driving up into the mountains. We arrived in good time to gather our boxed lunches and head to our section of the train for boarding. Heads up, after you pass through the ticketing window, walk down the hallway, exit the ticketing section, and make an immediate right to the window to gather your lunch orders. Give them your name, and they will politely bag all of your lunches. Very polite staff at the window. Thank you for all of your hard work. After stepping on the train and heading to your assigned seats, it will best serve you to look just to the left and right of the top of the windows. This will show you the seat numbers and letters. We traveled in the Coach Cars, and the seats were quite comfortable. Please be mindful that when they say the Train leaves on time.... it leaves on time! I must acknowledge the young lady who attended our train car. Katelyn was exceptional. Her service was given with a wonderful smile and a joy for what she does. For our ride, she served the Southland car. It is my understanding that she moves around into different roles. Should you be fortunate enough to have her be of service in any capacity, you will see first hand why I give her so much credit. She will be departing her service with GSMR soon, so I hope you have the opportunity to have the pleasure of her service. Good luck and best wishes on your endeavors, Katelyn. Moving on, the ride was great. It really puts you in a position that allows you to stop and slow down. To take in the ride and its sites. To hit the pause button. I would advise you to have your camera ready to capture some scenery that you may not see in your everyday life. The stop and layover in Dillsboro was very nice. There are plenty of unique shops to pick up some nice items and places to take some nice pictures. Once again, when they say the Train will depart on time, be on that Train🙂. The return ride was just as enjoyable. MAKE an effort to switch seats to allow those that are traveling with you the opportunity to have the same view you did. Upon our return to Bryson City, we walked through the different shops to see what they had to offer. I made it a point to walk through the train museum that offered up working scale model train systems. I hope this review is helpful in planning or considering your...