Blue Ridge Railway or Smoky Mtn Railway

Question

Trying to decide between the Blue Ridge Railway or the Smoky Mtn Railway in Bryson City. Blue Ridge is a little closer for us, but wondering if one of the train rides is better than the other. I know both stop in small towns,

but don’t know which of those is better either.

Answer

Both the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina, offer relaxing and scenic train experiences, but they each have a different “feel” and are better suited for different types of outings. Since Blue Ridge is closer for you, the deciding factor will likely be whether you want a short, charming local experience or a more dramatic, all-day mountain excursion.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose:

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Blue Ridge, GA)

Scenery & Ride Experience: The ride runs along the Toccoa River, offering peaceful river views, rolling hills, and a very relaxed pace. The scenery is pleasant and pretty, but not as dramatic as the Smokies.
Trip Length: Typically 4 hours total, including a 2-hour layover in the twin towns of McCaysville (GA) and Copperhill (TN).
Town Stop: McCaysville/Copperhill has a small-town charm with casual restaurants, breweries, ice cream shops, and the novelty of standing on the GA/TN state line. Slow-paced but enjoyable.
Atmosphere: Great for a relaxing half-day trip. It’s family-friendly and perfect if you want something scenic without committing to an all-day adventure.
Best For: Visitors who want an easy, convenient outing with mild scenery and a quaint small-town stop.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City, NC)

Scenery & Ride Experience: The views are more striking—mountains, deep valleys, rivers, tunnels, and more varied terrain. This railway offers the classic “mountain train ride” experience.
Trip Length: Options range from 4.5 to 6.5 hours depending on the route (Nantahala Gorge or Tuckasegee River). Longer and more immersive than Blue Ridge.
Town Stop: Dillsboro (for the Tuckasegee route) has artisan shops, pottery studios, cafes, and a more walkable, charming downtown than McCaysville. Nantahala Gorge trips tend to focus more on scenery and activities rather than a long town stop.
Atmosphere: Feels more like a full-day excursion. The settings are more dramatic and appeal to those who want a “wow” experience.
Best For: Travelers who want the most impressive scenery, a longer ride, and more structured excursions.

How to Choose Based on Your Priorities

Choose Blue Ridge Scenic Railway if you want a shorter, easier day, gentle scenery, inexpensive tickets, and a laid-back stop in a quiet small town.
Choose Great Smoky Mountains Railroad if you prefer a more memorable, photo-worthy mountain experience with better scenery, more impressive landscapes, and a more vibrant destination town.
If convenience is important, Blue Ridge wins—less travel time, simpler logistics, and still very enjoyable.

In short: Blue Ridge is charming, easy, and scenic in a gentle way. The Smoky Mountain Railway is the more impressive and dramatic ride overall but requires more time and travel.

If your main goal is “the best scenery,” go with Bryson City. If your priority is “a nice day with minimal effort,” Blue Ridge is perfect.