Great Smoky Mountain Railroad: A First-Class Adventure!

Hey everyone, we just got back from the coolest trip on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, (GSMR) and we have to tell you all about it! If you want a unique and amazing way to see the Smoky Mountains, this is the way to go. Skip the driving – jump on the historic steam engine 1702 and let the train take you there!

Checkout our video for our Top 7 Tips for a perfect train trip on the GSMR.

Watch Here

In this BLOG post and YouTube video we ride the historic steam engine 1702 through the beautiful Smoky Mountains! We're sharing all our best tips for planning your own unforgettable journey, from first-class luxury to must-see sights.  We provide all the insider tips!  Plus, enjoy the stunning scenery of Bryson City and the Nantahala Gorge.

Unforgettable First-Class Journey

We’ve been dreaming of this trip for a while, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We opted for the first-class experience (check out our YouTube video), and from the moment we stepped into our spacious car, I knew we were in for a treat. But first, let me tell you about the star of the show: the 1702.

Built in 1942 for the US Army, this steam locomotive is a real powerhouse.

Historic Steam Locomotive

This isn't just any train, guys. This locomotive is a piece of history! Built way back in 1942 for the US Army, it's a real powerhouse. And the sound? Wow, that deep, booming whistle echoing through the mountains gave me chills! It's the kind of sound that transports you back in time, bringing up images of an old-school era of travel and adventure. You can just feel the power of that steam engine as it chugs along, taking you through some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever see.

Exploring Train Travel

We love the nostalgia of train travel and always look for them when we're on the road. They're an awesome way to check out the local scenery, soak in amazing views, and pick up some history. We've also hopped on the Conway Scenic Railway in Conway, N.H., and the Mount Washington Cog Railroad to the top of New England's highest mountain. In our Conway Scenic Railway video, you'll notice it was a lot like our Great Smoky Mountain Railroad trip, except for the GSMR ride, we decided to splurge on a first-class experience.

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Riding the Mount Washington Cog Railroad was a totally unique experience, nothing like your usual train ride. It's actually an incline railroad that takes you all the way up to the top of Mount Washington. If you haven't heard, Mount Washington is known for having some of the craziest weather in the U.S. The weather can flip in an instant, and temps can drop out of nowhere. When we made it to the summit, we faced strong winds, couldn't see a thing, and it was almost freezing—and this was during the summer!

Watch Here

GSMR Tour Packages

The GSMR offers a bunch of different tours, and we chose one that took us through the Nantahala Gorge. Let me tell you, the views were absolutely spectacular. Towering mountains, lush forests, and the sparkling waters of Fontana Lake – it was like a postcard come to life. The train moves at a leisurely pace, which is perfect for soaking it all in and snapping a million photos.

Find more information and pricing at www.GSMR.com

First Class Experience

So, let's talk about that first-class experience… If you want to spoil yourself, this is the way to do it. We had super comfy seats with private tables and huge windows that gave us amazing views. Say goodbye to cramped airplane seats – this was luxury on wheels! We got complimentary drinks and delicious meals the whole trip. Imagine a tasty brunch on the way there and decadent desserts on the way back – definitely a step up from plane food!

But the best part of first class? The personalized service. Our concierge was awesome! He was super attentive and knew so much about the railroad and the area. He made sure we had everything we needed and really made the experience special.

Top 7 Travel Tips

When planning a trip on the GSMR, here are our top 7 travel tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.

1. Bring a blanket and dress warmly if you book a ticket in one of the open-air Gondola Cars. It gets cold in the spring and fall in the Smoky Mountains, and you'll want to be prepared for the long train ride.

2. The Gondola Cars are quite noisy. For a quieter and more relaxing train ride, book an enclosed train car. This will make conversations with fellow travelers much more enjoyable.

3. Don't hesitate to purchase the First Class food. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of food served in first class. It's not 5-star, but it's very good.

4. Book tickets online. This makes your trip less stressful, and you may be able to choose your seats when you book in advance.

5. Sit on the left (driver's side) of the train. For the Nantahala Excursion, the views are much better on that side of the train.

6. Pay for all-day parking. Parking in town is limited to 2 hours, and you could get a ticket.

7. Upgrade to First Class. If your budget allows, we highly recommend upgrading to First Class. The cost isn't much more, and the enhanced comfort and experience are well worth it.

   
   

   

   Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains is a must see when traveling in western North Carolina.

   
   

Final Thoughts

If you're heading to the Smoky Mountains, make sure to put the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad on your must-do list. Whether you're into history, love nature, or just want a cool adventure, this is the spot for you. And if you can, go for the first-class ride – it's totally worth it! Seriously, you won't regret it. Hit like and subscribe for more travel adventures from The Wright Life!

Safe Travels & Happy Camping,

Rick & Lisa