One Of The Best Ways To See The Great Smoky Mountains Is This Bucket List-Worthy Ride

The great outdoors are not just for hikers and adventurers; they are for the wanderers and the dreamers, for people who find comfort in the natural beauty of this world. They are for people who long for a breath of fresh air and a peaceful state of mind. There are many ways to appreciate nature in all its glory.

You can hike miles to majestic waterfalls or experience everything from above on a helicopter ride. Or you can time travel back to the days of innovation when the talk of the town was a new mode of transportation by railroad. One of the most laid back, luxurious, and romantic ways to enjoy Earth's natural beauty is by embracing the union of nature and engineering and taking a ride on a scenic train.

One of the most beautiful and rewarding round-trip rides you can take is on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. On this historic locomotive, you ride along rivers, take in stunning mountainous views, and maybe even take a trip to the North Pole. Rides depart from the downtown Bryson City depot and take passengers around 53 miles of track, through two tunnels and across 25 bridges. The vintage-style cars will take you back to simpler times and the views will keep you captivated throughout the whole journey. Whether you take a short ride or a full-day trip, you're in for a memorable experience on one of the most scenic train rides in the U.S.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs along the cascading waters of the Nantahala and Tusckasegee Rivers, and offers various unique excursions throughout the year. If you're interested in exploring a specific natural wonder, take a ride during the Nantahala Gorge Excursion or the Tuckasegee River Excursion. If you don't care about where you're going and are just along for the ride, book the Steam-Only Excursion.

If you want to capture the perfect golden hour content for your socials, try the Sunset Tuckasegee River Excursion. If you want to inspire some Christmas cheer, head over in the winter for the Polar Express experience. No matter the trip, passengers will get great views of the old railroad towns, gorgeous meadows, and of course the grandiose beauty of the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most trips are fairly long, ranging from 3.5 hours to full days, so expect to dedicate a large chunk of your overall trip to this experience.

While the stunning views of the region are the main draw, visitors should not overlook the locomotive's classic design. Passengers can select from coach class, crown class, and first class. A full-service concession car is available on most excursions, offering riders snacks, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a price. First class passengers can enjoy meals included with the price of their ticket. The open-air cars allow all passengers to breathe deep and take in the views. Tickets for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad start at $44, a steal for some of the most stunningly beautiful train rides in America.