DESTINATIONS

SCHOOL GROUP FIELD TRIPS

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) offers an unforgettable educational adventure perfect for schools. Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, GSMR combines history, science, and Appalachian culture aboard a scenic train journey through the Smoky Mountains. Students experience real working locomotives, historic railcars, and breathtaking mountain views while learning how railroads shaped communities and industry. With group-friendly pricing, easy planning, and a safe, organized environment, GSMR makes hands-on learning exciting, memorable, and fun for all ages.

supports classroom learning in:
Geography, Bryson City History, History of Diesel & Team Locomotives, Smoky Mountains, Importance of Railroads in the Economy.

topics covered:
Appalachian mountain geography, Biodiversity of the Smokies, Bryson City history, Connection to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, Diesel vs Steam locomotives, How trains operate, History of the Cowee Tunnel & other Trestles, Importances of railroads, Film and media history of the Railroad, Logging railroads of Western NC, Passenger rail travel experience, Railroad safety practices, Role of Railroads in regional economy, Seasonal changes in the Smoky Mountains, Train operations and crew roles.

contact info
Name: Brittany Shuler
Phone: 800-872-4681
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Minimum of 20. Program Type: Day Trips, Overnights, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities Recomm. Length of Visit: Excursions vary between 4 and 4 ½ hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1 Registration: Email, Phone, Website Food Options: Bring Your Own, Lunch Options Program, Snack, Place for Picnicking Cost: Fee, Group Rates

ABOUT

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a historic passenger railroad based in Bryson City, North Carolina, offering scenic train excursions through the beautiful Smoky Mountains along the Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River and Fontana Lake. Originally established to support local industry and transportation, GSMR now welcomes families, tourists, and train enthusiasts for unforgettable journeys featuring steam and diesel locomotives, vintage railcars, and year-round special events that celebrate the region’s rich railroad heritage.

contact info

Hrs: Vary. Check website.

SCOUT GROUP FIELD TRIPS

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) offers an unforgettable educational adventure perfect for scout troops. Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, GSMR combines history, science, and Appalachian culture aboard a scenic train journey through the Smoky Mountains. Scouts experience real working locomotives, historic railcars, and breathtaking mountain views while learning how railroads shaped communities and industry. With group-friendly pricing, easy planning, and a safe, organized environment, GSMR makes hands-on learning exciting, memorable, and fun for all ages.

supports scout badges in:
Geography, Transportation, History of Railroads

topics covered:
Appalachian mountain geography, Biodiversity of the Smokies, Bryson City history, Connection to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, Diesel vs Steam locomotives, How trains operate, History of the Cowee Tunnel & other Trestles, Importances of railroads, Film and media history of the Railroad, Logging railroads of Western NC, Passenger rail travel experience, Railroad safety practices, Role of Railroads in regional economy, Seasonal changes in the Smoky Mountains, Train operations and crew roles

contact info
Name: Brittany Shuler
Phone: 800-872-4681
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Minimum of 20 Program Type: Day Trips, Overnights, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities Recomm. Length of Visit: Excursions vary between 4 and 4 ½ hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1 Registration: Email, Phone, Website Food Options: Bring Your Own, Lunch Options Program, Snack, Place for Picnicking Cost: Fee, Group Rates

ABOUT

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a historic passenger railroad based in Bryson City, North Carolina, offering scenic train excursions through the beautiful Smoky Mountains along the Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River and Fontana Lake. Originally established to support local industry and transportation, GSMR now welcomes families, tourists, and train enthusiasts for unforgettable journeys featuring steam and diesel locomotives, vintage railcars, and year-round special events that celebrate the region’s rich railroad heritage.

contact info

Hrs: Vary. Check website.

CAMP GROUP FIELD TRIPS

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) offers an unforgettable educational adventure perfect for camp groups. Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, GSMR combines history, science, and Appalachian culture aboard a scenic train journey through the Smoky Mountains. Campers experience real working locomotives, historic railcars, and breathtaking mountain views while learning how railroads shaped communities and industry. With group-friendly pricing, easy planning, and a safe, organized environment, GSMR makes hands-on learning exciting, memorable, and fun for all ages.

topics covered:
Appalachian mountain geography, Biodiversity of the Smokies, Bryson City history, Connection to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, Diesel vs Steam locomotives, How trains operate, History of the Cowee Tunnel & other Trestles, Importances of railroads, Film and media history of the Railroad, Logging railroads of Western NC, Passenger rail travel experience, Railroad safety practices, Role of Railroads in regional economy, Seasonal changes in the Smoky Mountains, Train operations and crew roles

contact info
Name: Brittany Shuler
Phone: 800-872-4681
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Minimum of 20. Program Type: Day Trips, Overnights, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities Recomm. Length of Visit: Excursions vary between 4 and 4 ½ hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1 Registration: Email, Phone, Website Food Options: Bring Your Own, Lunch Options Program, Snack, Place for Picnicking Cost: Fee

ABOUT

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a historic passenger railroad based in Bryson City, North Carolina, offering scenic train excursions through the beautiful Smoky Mountains along the Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River and Fontana Lake. Originally established to support local industry and transportation, GSMR now welcomes families, tourists, and train enthusiasts for unforgettable journeys featuring steam and diesel locomotives, vintage railcars, and year-round special events that celebrate the region’s rich railroad heritage.
.

contact info

Hrs: Vary. Check website

HOMESCHOOL GROUP FIELD TRIPS

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) offers an unforgettable educational adventure perfect for homeschool groups. Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, GSMR combines history, science, and Appalachian culture aboard a scenic train journey through the Smoky Mountains. Homeschool students experience real working locomotives, historic railcars, and breathtaking mountain views while learning how railroads shaped communities and industry. With group-friendly pricing, easy planning, and a safe, organized environment, GSMR makes hands-on learning exciting, memorable, and fun for all ages.

supports classroom learning in:
Geography, Bryson City History, History of Diesel & Team Locomotives, Smoky Mountains, Importance of Railroads in the Economy.

topics covered:
Appalachian mountain geography, Biodiversity of the Smokies, Bryson City history, Connection to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, Diesel vs Steam locomotives, How trains operate, History of the Cowee Tunnel & other Trestles, Importances of railroads, Film and media history of the Railroad, Logging railroads of Western NC, Passenger rail travel experience, Railroad safety practices, Role of Railroads in regional economy, Seasonal changes in the Smoky Mountains, Train operations and crew roles

contact info
Name: Brittany Shuler
Phone: 800-872-4681
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Minimum of 20. Program Type: Day Trips, Overnights, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities Recomm. Length of Visit: Excursions vary between 4 and 4 ½ hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: 10:1 Registration: Email, Phone, Website Food Options: Bring Your Own, Lunch Options Program, Snack, Place for Picnicking Cost: Fee

ABOUT

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a historic passenger railroad based in Bryson City, North Carolina, offering scenic train excursions through the beautiful Smoky Mountains along the Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River and Fontana Lake. Originally established to support local industry and transportation, GSMR now welcomes families, tourists, and train enthusiasts for unforgettable journeys featuring steam and diesel locomotives, vintage railcars, and year-round special events that celebrate the region’s rich railroad heritage.

contact info

Hrs: Vary. Check website.