Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

This Scenic Train Ride Is One of the Best Ways to See Fall Foliage in the U.S. South—With Open-air Cars and Riverwalks in Charming Small Towns

"I experienced one of the Southeast’s most charming front-row seats to leaf-peeping season aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Departing from its 1905 depot like a moving postcard, the train follows the Toccoa River, passing sycamores and sourwoods, rolling hills, and farms along the way." - Taryn White Taryn White Taryn White is a D.C.-based travel writer who covers a wide range of topics, including family travel, hotels, food, aviation, beaches, historical and cultural topics, and wellness travel. She can often be spotted around the world with her husband and two travel-loving kids. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

Guide to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

"Located in the Appalachian foothills, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has been bringing passengers along a scenic 26-mile, round-trip route since 1998 using vintage rail cars (some from the early 20th century). The journey begins and ends at the depot and runs from Blue Ridge, Georgia to the sibling towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, offering famous views of the Toccoa River, wildlife, and the natural beauty between State Routes 5 and 60. Each leg takes about an hour; travelers can choose a two-hour express (with a 10-minute engine switch on arrival) or a four-hour trip that includes a two-hour layover for lunch, shopping, and exploring the towns. The railway operates most of the year (early March through the beginning of January), with peak fall foliage between Sept. 21 and Nov. 6 (best in late October); tickets typically sell out weeks or months in advance and are usually purchased online (handicap-accessible car reservations are booked through a ticket agent at 877-413-8724). Onboard options include open-air coaches (bench seats that face out), an open-air handicap-accessible coach, closed coaches, and a premier car — all have padded seats and restrooms, open-air cars lack heating/air conditioning (vinyl windows help in colder months), and passengers switch sides for the return so everyone can enjoy river views. The concession car sells popcorn, soda, and candy; premier passengers (18+) get unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a catered snack, a complimentary group photo, and a tote (one per reservation), while premier seats are not available on two-hour or special holiday rides. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited and only certified service animals are allowed. Seasonal rides include a July Firecracker Special for fireworks viewing and December Holiday Specials (one-hour Holiday Express or four-hour Holiday Pavilion) featuring holiday music, a reading of "The Night Before Christmas," hot chocolate, gifts for kids (a jingle bell and a candy cane), and a chance to see Santa." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

13 Scenic U.S. Train Rides for Fall Foliage Views

"The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway begins at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia, and takes riders on a four-hour, 26-mile round-trip journey along the Toccoa River through the northern Georgia countryside. The railway offers a choice between traditional closed cars (featuring large picture windows) and open-air cars, for riders who want to breathe in the crisp mountain air while admiring the autumn colors. The journey starts with a one-hour trip to McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, neighboring mountain towns situated on the state line. Travelers enjoy a two-hour "layover" there before making the one-hour return trip through the scenic forest and back to the depot in Blue Ridge." - Travel + Leisure Editors

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"This historic train leaves from the 1905-built depot in downtown Blue Ridge. The bright blue engine pulls a line of open-air and climate-controlled rail cars through the Chattahoochee National Forest for a two-hour “layover” in Copperhill, Tennessee. The 26-mile round trip overlooks the Toccoa River for most of the way. Guests can typically walk up to the depot counter to purchase a ticket on the spot, but themed rides (like the popular Santa Express) sell out early, so advanced tickets are a good idea. The scenery along the Toccoa River is beautiful, so anywhere you look (no matter the season), you’re likely to have a great view." - Jennifer Bradley Franklin

This independent railway rolls along the Toccoa River from a 1905 depot to twin border towns and back. Regularly highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler, it’s an easygoing ride with seasonal themes and time to wander in McCaysville/Copperhill.