train trip to north carolina

Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, amtrak to north carolina.

Multiple Amtrak trains travel to North Carolina each day. You can board trains in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City.

The following five Amtrak routes travel to North Carolina:

• Silver Meteor
• Silver Star

Additionally, the Piedmont route travels within the state.

Use the Find Trains feature on the Amtrak.com homepage to view all your travel options based on your starting location and desired destination.

Other Things to Know

There are no Amtrak train stations in Asheville, Chapel Hill, Wilmington or the Outer Banks. Connecting bus service to Wilmington is available if you choose this destination on the Amtrak website.

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5 Stunning Train Rides To Take In North Carolina

All aboard! The magic of train travel is back in vogue , and we couldn’t be happier. There’s something that feels inherently Southern about taking a train. Maybe it’s the old-fashioned dining cars , where you can savor a sweet tea. Maybe it’s the vintage appeal. Maybe it’s the gorgeous countryside and rural farmland railways always seem to cut through. Or maybe it’s the fact that trains give us the gift of time, prompting to us slow down and become a passenger of the world. Whatever the reason, we can’t wait to punch our train ticket and get rolling. In North Carolina, there are plenty of ways to savor all the nostalgic joys of train travel. From are scenic day rides cutting through the Great Smoky Mountains to 30-minute cruises where you can learn the history behind the state’s railways, here are five incredible train rides in the Tar Heel State. It's time start planning your weekend railway excursion!

New Hope Valley Railway

Courtesy of New Hope Valley Railway

Affectionately known as the Triangle’s Train, this railway right outside of Raleigh offers scenic rides on vintage trains as part of the North Carolina Railway Museum’s mission to preserve and share North Carolina’s railroad history. Each season (lasting roughly from April through December), the railway takes passengers along a 4-mile historic track through piney woods and over a trestle on an hour-long round trip from Bonsal to New Hill and back. The open-air train cars allow you to feel the breeze on your face as you traverse the gorgeous North Carolina landscape. New Hope Valley’s Operate-a-Loco program gives hardcore railfans the chance to drive a train by spending an hour at the throttle on an 8-mile trip!

Tweetsie Railroad

This Wild West theme park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina is all about family fun. There are rides, regular live performances, a deer park zoo, and a range of activities for the entire family. But the park’s most defining and beloved feature is the historic trains for which the park is named. Guests can climb aboard Engine No. 12 or Engine No. 190 for a 3-mile cruise around the park’s grounds. Along the way, you’ll get gorgeous views of the North Carolina mountains and rolling hills, and in the fall, it’s a great place to seek out colorful foliage . Fun fact: Engine No. 12 is the last surviving steam locomotive of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, which ran from Johnson City, Tennessee to Boone, North Carolina, from 1919 to 1940.

North Carolina Transportation Museum

Ride and learn at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer. The historic site was once home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair facility in the Southeast; today it is a museum that celebrates all types of transportation history—railways included! Admission to the museum, plus a 25-minute train ride through the 60-acre site (complete with onboard history narration) only costs $12. For a romantic evening, reserve your seats for Wine & Dine on the Rails. On the very special ride, you’ll be treated to cocktail hour, followed by a leisurely train ride paired with a three-course meal and wine. Be on the lookout for a special St. Patrick’s Day Train come March, as well!

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

North Carolina’s most popular passenger railroad sits in the heart of Bryson City and gives riders the chance to see some of the state’s greatest sights—Fontana Lake, the Fontana Trestle, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Tuckasegee River—all from the comfort of a train car. Popular rides include the Nantahala Gorge Excursion , a 4.5-hour roundtrip jounrey traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala River where you’ll see Fontana Trestle, Fontana Lake, and the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge, and the Tuckasegee River Excursion , a 4-hour ride through quiet countryside to Dillsboro, where you’ll have an hour and a half to deboard and check out the quaint historic town before heading back to the station.

Craggy Mountain Line

Courtesy of Craggy Mountain Line

Head to small-town Woodfin, a suburb of Asheville, and support the Craggy Mountain Line, a nonprofit formed in 2001 to obtain the last three miles of the Craggy Mountain Line. Today a 3.5-mile track takes visitors through the beautiful North Carolina countryside for just $15. Like clockwork, trains run at 4 p.m. every Saturday afternoon. If you’ve got a big family or have a celebration coming up, you can rent the entire railroad in 2-hour increments for groups of up to 25.

Related Articles

10 Great Train Rides in North Carolina

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

If you want to explore the state the way travelers did before the advent of automobiles and airplanes, nothing beats taking one of the many train rides in North Carolina.

The U.S. railroad system dates back to the 1820s , with its “Golden Age” in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Many of the great fortunes in modern America were linked to trains, including that of the  Vanderbilts  (who owned the Biltmore Estate in Asheville ).

It was train lines that tied the United States together, from New York to Los Angeles, and the business tycoons of transportation were happy to make the most of it.

After cars took over domestic travel, the tales of Jack Kerouac, songs of Johnny Cash, and depictions in Western films kept the railroads alive, even through near-collapses for most major railways during the 1970s.

Nowadays trains  are coming back ‘round the bend, and North Carolina railways and North Carolina train rides rank high among our favorites.

Read on for our in-depth guide to locomotive history in the state of North Carolina , as well as the NC railway museums and train rides in the NC mountains that bring that history to life.

READ MORE:  7 Covered Bridges in North Carolina You Can Visit in 1 Day

Train Rides in North Carolina Guide

• The Carolina Moonshine Experience (Great Smoky Mountain Railroad)
• Craggy Mountain Line 
• Lynx Blue Line
• Nantahala Gorge Excursion (GSMR)
• New Hope Valley Railway
• North Carolina Transportation Museum
• The Polar Express (GSMR)
• The Smoky Mountain Beer Run (GSMR)
• Tuckasegee River Excursion (GSMR)
• Tweetsie Railroad

North Carolina Railroad History

The first big push for a railroad in NC dates back to the 1830s, when there was a legislative shift to represent the growing population in Western North Carolina .

There was great enthusiasm for passenger trains at the time, but the difficulty of moving through the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains  was a huge motivator.

Some of the first trains in North Carolina were the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad, the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad from Goldsboro to Moorehead City, and the Western North Carolina Railroad.

In 1849 the North Carolina Railroad was chartered, and by 1850 freight trains were proving to be a massive boon for the local economy.

NC trains were instrumental in moving cargo before the Civil War , moving passengers during the war, and reviving the southern economy in the 1880s.

By the 1920s, automobiles had taken over as the most convenient mode of passenger transportation. Though the rails still played a big role in freight transport, passenger lines began to decline as a means of commuting.

At its peak, North Carolina railways combined for over 5,500 miles of track, with around 30 short lines and three major companies criss-crossing the state.

Today, many of the old rail lines are being revitalized for urban transportation and unique train excursions through the North Carolina Mountains .

READ MORE:  20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

1. Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

45 Mitchell St, Bryson City NC • ( 800) 872-4681 • Official Website

Also known as the “Shine and Dine” ride, the Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience is part of a fleet of cool experiences the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers in Bryson City .

This excursion is aboard an adults-only First Class car, with a sampling of triple-distilled, locally crafted moonshine served during one of our favorite   fun train rides  in NC.

The ride is offered as part of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion (details below), but the Moonshine Experience focuses on the proud  Appalachian history of mountain spirits.

Passengers can sample several flavors of moonshine, as well as special cocktails created with them. Cajun-seasoned pulled pork barbecue is served for dinner.

The Moonshine Experience train rides start in late May and go daily until October.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best North Carolina Distilleries to Visit

2. Craggy Mountain Line

111 North Woodfin Ave, Asheville NC • ( 828) 808-4877 • Official Website

Based in Asheville , the Craggy Mountain Line is mainly available for chartered rides.

But they also host special public events such as Dinosaur Day, fall hayrides, and Jingle Bell Trolley Christmas  train rides as well.

This non-profit organization was formed in 2001 to preserve a 3.45-mile stretch of historic rail line known as the Asheville to Craggy Branch. It was formerly part of the Southern Railroad.

CML has restored (and continues to restore) historic railroad equipment to display on the tracks, and the line is regularly maintained to be operable.

Visitors can take a ticketed train ride on Saturdays at 4 PM, with tickets costing $15 per person. Small groups of up to 25 people can also rent the tracks for two hours.

READ MORE:  Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC

3. Lynx Blue Line

Charlotte Area Transit Systems

9025 Cameron Blvd, Charlotte NC • ( 866) 779-2287 • Official Website

Opened in 2007, the Lynx Blue Line is a light rail line, the first in the Charlotte Area Transit System. It was also the first major rapid rail service in North Carolina .

The Blue Line has 26 stations and covers 19.3 miles, connecting the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (the northern terminus) to Pineville City limits at I-485 (the southern terminus).

Blue Line ridership has far exceeded early expectations, with routes passing through major Charlotte landmarks like NoDa, Uptown, and South End. 

This line opens between 5 and 6 AM in most stations, and shuts down after midnight.

Tickets for the Lynx Blue Line are $2.20 one-way for adults, and half-price for senior citizens, ADA-disabled, and K-12 passengers.

READ MORE:  Christmas Town USA: 10 Ways to Celebrate in McAdenville NC

4. Nantahala Gorge Excursion

One of our favorite  Smoky Mountain train rides, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion starts in Bryson City, follows the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, crosses over Fontana Lake, and loops into the Nantahala Gorge.

The entire trip takes about 4.5 hours (including a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center), and travels about 44 miles, departing from and returning to Bryson City .

Options for the ride include Adult First Class seats, a premium open-air gondola with dinner service, Coach Plus and Crown seats in climate-controlled cars, as well as Coach class and open-air gondolas.

This route starts running in April, departing just about every day at 10:30 AM, and continues through October.

Ticketed passengers should plan to arrive at the station an hour early.

READ MORE: 20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

5. New Hope Valley Railway

North Carolina Railway Museum

3900 Bonsai Rd, New Hill NC • ( 919) 396-5833 • Official Website

Operated by the North Carolina Railway Museum, the New Hope Valley Railway is a historic railroad (and volunteer non-profit organization) that locals call “the Triangle’s Train.” 

The New Hope Valley Railway travels over four miles of track, from Bonsal to New Hill and back. The hour-long excursion runs through pine forest and crosses a train trestle.

This train runs several days a month from April through December, often with multiple rides scheduled per day. Tickets for this NC train ride are in the $11 to $17 range.

When it is open, you can also see a number of exhibit railroad cars, a museum gift shop car, and a garden railroad with over 1000 ft of track.

Some of their specialty rides include the craft beer -themed Brew ‘n’ Choo Train Ride, the family-friendly Track or Treat Halloween Train, and Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Christmas Train Ride.

READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Mountain Resorts to Visit

6. North Carolina Transportation Museum

1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer NC • ( 704) 636-2899 • Official Website

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is located 35 miles south of Winston-Salem NC . Its visitor center is an authentic North Carolina C train station, which was built as the Barber Junction Depot circa 1898.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday in January and February, and Tuesday to Sunday from March through December.

Train trips at the NC Transportation Museum are available on Saturdays only in January/ February; Friday to Sunday (and select Thursdays) from March through May; and Thursday to Sunday from June to Labor Day. 

Most of their train rides take about 25 minutes and circle the museum ‘s 60-acre site, the former home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair center.

NCTM also has a Wine & Dine ride (one of the few dinner train rides in NC), as well as Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express train rides.

Visitors can also take a spin on the Bob Julian Roundhouse, which is the largest remaining railroad roundhouse in the USA today. 

READ MORE:  T he 15 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Cabins, Inns & Resorts)

7. The Polar Express

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has the Polar Express, Bryson City’s most magical ode to the yuletide spirit and one of the must-do NC Christmas events .

In short, this is the premier spot for Christmas train rides in North Carolina.

The Polar Express NC goes all-out for the kids by issuing golden tickets, serving hot cocoa and cookies, and singing songs from the Tom Hanks film, with Santa greeting everyone and gifting silver bells along the way.

This Bryson City train ride gets rolling in early November, and has multiple daily trips all the way into the New Year.

It’s a VERY popular holiday activity, so be sure to make Polar Express reservations in advance. You’ll want to do the same if you plan to dine at any of the best Bryson City restaurants .

As with most GSMR train excursions in NC, there are several classes of seats to choose from, with prices ranging from about $40 to $70 for Coach and $70 to $100 for First Class.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC

8. The Smoky Mountain Beer Run

A once-a-year occurrence, the Smoky Mountains Beer Run happens on St. Patrick’s Day. This Bryson City-to- Dillsboro train ride celebrates North Carolina’s excellent craft beers .

The Dillsboro NC train ride includes two samples from Innovation Brewing , plus a third sample at the brewery in Dillsboro, where passengers can belly up to the bar during a 1-hour layover.

Each party also gets a sampler tray of snacks to enjoy along the ride, such as spinach artichoke dip, breaded cauliflower, stuffed tater tots, and smoked sausages.

It takes about 1.25 hours to get to Dillsboro , with an hour layover there before the return trip to Bryson City. All in all, it’s nearly four hours of entertainment and libations.

Smoky Mountains Beer Run tickets are $109 for the diesel train, and $119 for the steam train.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

9. Tuckasegee River Excursion

One of our favorite scenic train rides in NC, the GSMR’s Tuckasegee River Excursion is 32 miles round-trip from the Bryson City Depot to Dillsboro and back.

This amazing train ride in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina includes a bridge crossing, passes through a tunnel, and passes a movie set from  The Fugitive (the Harrison Ford version).

The train trip includes a 1-hour layover in the charming North Carolina mountain town of Dillsboro, which has great shops, cafes, and restaurants.

First Class, Premium Air Gondola, and Family First Class tickets all have a meal included, while Crown Class, Coach Class, and the Open-Air Gondola have lunch available for purchase.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

10. Tweetsie Railroad

300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock NC • ( 800) 526-5740 • Official Website

If you’re looking for a Boone NC train ride to take, the closest option is Tweetsie Railroad , which is on the way to Blowing Rock .

Tweetsie Railroad has two narrow-gauge steam engines. 

One is the last surviving steam locomotive– the No. 12 from the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad. It ran from Boone to Johnson City, Tennessee .

The other is No. 190, the “Yukon Queen”, which came down from Alaska. It was formerly part of Alaska’s White Pass and Yukon Railway.

Another of the great scenic train rides in North Carolina, Tweetsie is all about family fun.

It’s part of a Wild West theme park that also has live music , amusement rides, and the Deer Park Zoo.   –by Jonathon Engels; featured image of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad provided by Bryson City/Swain County Chamber of Commerce.

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Jonathon Engels

After visiting North Carolina for the first time, Senior Writer Jonathon Engels and wife Emma spent 2 years exploring Western NC in search of a homestead property. They first lived in Brevard, where Jonathon taught writing at Blue Ridge Community College and extensively explored the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music.

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5 Beautiful Train Rides in North Carolina Through Quaint Towns, Vibrant Cities, and the Blue Ridge Mountains

All aboard for these adventures in North Carolina.

There’s something classic and timeless about taking a train trip . For some, it’s a daily part of their commute, but for others, it’s an invitation to embark on an adventure back in time. If your travels are bringing you to the Tar Heel State, these train rides offer a unique view of the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains , as well as themed holiday experiences. Here's a guide to the best train rides in North Carolina that you (and the whole family) won’t want to miss.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Nestled in Bryson City, roughly a one-hour drive from Asheville, is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takeoff station. There are two train types — an old-fashioned steam-powered locomotive and a more modern diesel option — as well as several routes varying in distance, time, and theme, though all provide a scenic experience.

One of the most popular trips is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion , a 4.5-hour round-trip journey offering a pit stop to soak in the mountaintop views. Or, you can hop aboard the Tuckasegee River Excursion , a four-hour trek that includes a stop in a small historic town for some quick shopping.  

Locals and tourists alike swarm to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for its special Polar Express train during the holidays, which includes cookies, hot cocoa, and a Santa sighting, as well as encourages passengers of all ages to wear their pajamas while on board. Couples can enjoy dinners with a wine pairing, a Carolina moonshine tasting, a murder mystery party, and other themed rides that make for a fun date night.

Ticket prices range based on age and class of service, including first class, premium open-air gondola, coach plus, crown, and coach class. Prices start at $58 for adults and $33 for kids ages two to 12. 

Tweetsie Railroad

A kid's wonderland can be found in the small, quaint village of Blowing Rock, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tweetsie Railroad is known for its adventure park offering themed experiences, including Thomas the Train, a ghost ride, and a holiday adventure. In addition to railroad trips, the admission fee includes access to kid-friendly amusement park rides, a deer petting zoo, live interactive shows, and more. Seasonal events like a dog frisbee competition and visiting musicians also add to the character and charm of this tiny town experience. Daily admission tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for children ages three to 12, and free for kids under two. 

New Hope Valley Railway

New Hope Valley Railroad

If experiencing a historic train ride is on your wish list, consider the New Hope Valley Railway . This four-mile, hour-long trip from Bonsal to New Hill is known as the "Triangle’s Train" as it’s located in the Piedmont region of the state (or the Triangle), connecting Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.

Passengers aboard this vintage locomotive will wind through tall pine trees, a signature of the state. Throughout the year, seasonal experiences are on offer, including summer adventures with Thomas the Train, an Easter egg hunt in April, and more. Check the website for special events that sell food and drinks while aboard the train, too. 

While some seasonal rides may cost more, general admission is $11 for kids ages two to 12, $14 for adults, and $13 for seniors 60 years and older. 

North Carolina Transportation Museum

For a daytime excursion fit for the whole family, consider visiting Spencer, North Carolina, a small town situated between Charlotte and Greensboro. This Rowan County destination is the home of the North Carolina Transportation Museum , which was once the Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive factory in the southeast. 

Here, you and your travel companions can learn about various forms of transportation in the Tar Heel State over the years, from aviation and railroads to automobiles and more. You can tour the Barber Junction Depot, a train station built in 1898 that’s now the visitor center. 

And, of course, no visit would be complete without a train ride. The train takes you through the museum’s 60-acre campus and lasts about 25 minutes. Ride availability changes each month, but you can hop board Fridays to Sundays (and select Thursdays and Easter Monday) from March to May. From June to Labor Day, you can enjoy rides from Thursdays to Sundays. Like other railroads in the state, themed rides are part of the fun, including Easter bunny excursions and Wine & Dine date-night events. 

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and active-duty military members, $8 for children ages three to 12. Admission for kids under three is free.

Craggy Mountain Line

For those seeking craft beer and mountain views, nothing hits the spot quite like Asheville . This vibrant city offers quirky experiences, including boozy rafting down the French Broad River, a tour of the largest privately owned home in America — the Biltmore Estate — and a train ride on the Craggy Mountain Line . Locals call it the "Asheville to Craggy Branch," a nonprofit organization that acquired the last three miles of the Craggy Mountain Line in 2001. 

They’ve turned it into a fun way to experience and view the Blue Ridge Mountains, whether for a family-friendly adventure or romantic afternoon date. There are no frills or extra bells and whistles; it’s simply a quick tour on a historic train. 

Tickets are $15 per person, with kids three and under for free. You can also rent the railroad with a group for two hours for weddings or bachelorette parties. For travel planning, remember the train only runs on Saturdays at 4 p.m. 

Tuckasegee River Excursion

• Train Schedule
• Steam Powered
• Diesel Powered

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

• Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
• Boxed Lunches
• Raft & Rail
• Rail & Trail
• Tarzan Train
• KidZip Train
• Serene Relaxation At Stonebrook Lodge
• Private Caboose Party
• THE POLAR EXPRESS™
• Smoky Mountain Beer Run
• Bunny Hopper Express
• Map & Directions
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum
• 722 Rebuild Blog
• Southern Highlands Attractions
• Health & Safety Tips
• Andrews Valley Rail Tour
• Weather and Road Closures

Welcome to Your Next Greatest Adventure

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad historic train depot sits in the heart of Bryson City, North Carolina, and is a favorite regional attraction for family fun. A round-trip on the train is an ideal way to see extraordinary places that you can’t get to by car. Get a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures, and stunning foliage.

Choose from steam-powered with the official “Steam of the Smokies” or climb onboard an excursion powered by diesel locomotives. A variety of passenger round-trip train options and special event trains — including THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — makes this the perfect attraction for making memories and experiencing the true form of railroading.

Climb aboard for your next unforgettable adventure today.

Make Plans for 2024!

Regardless of the season, you can expect a truly exceptional experience when you climb aboard one of our historic trains. Our excursions run year round offering our guests with incredible access to this beautiful, yet remote region of North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Purchase your trip in advance to secure the best seats and dates!

So Much To See & Do

When you come to ride the train, we hope you’ll plan to stay awhile. You’ll enjoy the country inns, lodges, resorts, quaint shops, places to dine, historic sites, museums, and amenities. This is America as it used to be; a treasury of friendly people, a restful environment, and the beauty of nature everywhere. There’s a reason why Bryson City is one of the top family-friendly destinations in North Carolina!

Scenic Train Rides & Special Excursions

Take a train ride alongside the beautiful Nantahala River on our Nantahala Gorge Excursion! Departing from Bryson City, this 4½-hour roundtrip excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge.

Join us for a relaxing ride through the quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion.

Special Events

Check out the upcoming special events such as The Carolina Moonshine Experience. We will be proudly serving hand-crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine.

Group Sales: 800-872-4681 Option 3

Reservations line: 800-872-4681 option 1.

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Board These 5 Trains In North Carolina For A Memorable Experience

OnlyInYourState Staff

Researched and written by our staff writer who enjoys contributing about their state for our site.

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In North Carolina, taking the ‘scenic route’ is always the best option. Between North Carolina’s picturesque mountains, rolling hills and valleys, and babbling streams and rivers, the best way to enjoy the views is to go the old-fashioned route – and take a train. No matter the season, these five scenic train rides in North Carolina will leave you in awe of the unparalleled beauty of the Tar Heel State.

1. Nantahala Gorge Excursion

2. Tuckasegee River Excursion

3. Moonshine Experience

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4. New Hope Valley, Triangle Train

5. Tweetsie Railroad

Have you experienced any of these scenic train rides in North Carolina? Tell us about your expedition in the comments! Book a trip to North Carolina and ride on some more charming train rides .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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What are the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina?

Some of the best scenic overlooks in North Carolina include:

• Mt. Mitchell is absolutely stunning; it's the highest peak East of the Mississippi, and on a clear day, you can see for miles.
• Hanging Rock State Park is also particularly beautiful, but if you're wary of heights, this overlook's steep drop-off might leave you feeling some major vertigo!

North Carolina has some seriously beautiful overlooks where visitors can take in all those quintessential Carolina views.

What are some beautiful road trips in North Carolina?

Some beautiful road trips in North Carolina include:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Cherohala Skyway

The Blue Ridge Parkway  is one of the most beautiful road trips in North Carolina. From straddling you over mountainous peaks to weaving you through some of the best natural scenery the state has to offer, Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the best views in the state. We also love the drive along the Cherohala Skyway . This entire drive is a scenic experience in and of itself, but some must-stop by destinations include Little Huckleberry Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top, and John’s Knob -- which are also some of the oldest mountains in the Appalachian range. Of course, when you start your journey outside of Robbinsville, take time to stop at the overlook above Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

Does North Carolina have any railroad museums?

A railroad museum in North Carolina is the N.C. Transportation Museum

• Locomotive lovers of all ages will totally geek out at the  N.C Transportation Museum, a hands-on history lesson on everything that gets us from point A to point B. History buffs will love the experience of the antique diesel engine. Throughout the year, there are also specialty train rides (like the popular Thomas the Train) and trains that visit the museum.

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Here's the latest on NCDOT's plans to develop a Fayetteville to Raleigh passenger rail line

A federal grant secured by the state Department of Transportation will be used to develop seven passenger rail corridors to connect smaller municipalities in North Carolina to larger cities — including a line from Fayetteville to Raleigh.

The NCDOT was awarded $500,000 for each corridor totaling $3.5 million in the Corridor Identification and Development program in December, with the Fayetteville to Raleigh line eventually connecting to Washington, D.C., Jason Myers, rail program manager at the NCDOT, said Friday.

The seven new NC corridors

In addition to the Fayetteville to Raleigh line, the other corridors are Charlotte to Washington, D.C.; Salisbury to Asheville; Raleigh to Wilmington; Charlotte to Kings Mountain; Raleigh to Winston-Salem; and Charlotte to Atlanta.

Five other corridors were submitted but were not funded: Raleigh to Greenville; Raleigh to Hamlet; Raleigh to Morehead City; Winston-Salem to Charlotte and Raleigh to Weldon. Myers said the NCDOT plans to resubmit applications for these corridors in 2025.

With a focus on improving intercity transportation, NCDOT is developing a plan that includes total construction cost estimates, defining the scope and schedule, and creating a plan for step two, which is project development, Myers said.

“The whole goal for the Corridor ID program is to be shovel-ready so you can submit a grant to then build,” he said.

What is the Corridor ID program?

The Corridor ID program funds long-term projects that guide intercity passenger rail development throughout the country, creating a pipeline of rail projects ready for implementation, according to the Federal Railroad Administration . The goal is to increase average speeds, improve train frequencies and enhance travel reliability.

Myers said that being able to move freely from place to place is a fundamental aspect of freedom and this new way to travel locally will enhance those freedoms.

"In the U.S., since the 1950s, we have sometimes consciously or sometimes without realizing, we have eroded our freedom," he said. "We lost most of what we had, but I'm happy to be a part of a new system that serves today's needs."

The NCDOT rail division is finalizing a Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility study that will analyze costs and commuting patterns for these new corridors. The Western North Carolina feasibility study was completed in December 2023.

“We don’t know for certain, but we expect to learn more about the work needed to achieve travel time goals that are competitive with cars,” Myers said.

What happens now?

Myers said that because the current rail lines in Fayetteville are mainly used for freight and three Amtrak passenger lines, a new passenger rail line will have to be laid downtown.

Hank Graham, executive director of the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, emphasized that for the NCDOT passenger rail line to become a reality, NCDOT and FAMPO will collaborate on completing the feasibility study to assess the practicality of these new corridors. With the results of the study, FAMPO plans to apply for federal grants for another commuter rail line to Raleigh. 

"From Fayetteville to Raleigh, we would not be sharing that rail line with Amtrak, we would have to build a new line that would go to Raleigh," Graham said on Friday. "We can't do anything with federal dollars until these studies have been put in place."

FAMPO will use the results to determine the optimal location for a commuter-train transit line between Fayetteville and Raleigh , whether that be on the eastern or western side of the city. This is a separate rail project from NCDOT's passenger rail line, as NCDOT's line will feature food service and boarding options, while a commuter train is meant for shorter distances.

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin believes the new rail lines from Fayetteville to Raleigh will provide significant options for those living in Fayetteville and working in the Triangle.

“I think it’s a tremendous growth opportunity to be able to leave downtown Fayetteville and get to Raleigh with a commercial transit like that within an hour,” Colvin told the Observer on Monday. “It will increase commerce that takes place between here and there, which can be an opportunity for Raleigh companies to relocate knowing their workforce can get to work.”

Mayor Colvin highlighted the benefits of two rail projects for the area, saying he thinks the rail lines will have the added benefit of making Fayetteville more attractive to companies looking to expand.

“We certainly want to be a major stop here with the military and airport, but the FAMPO line is critical," Colvin said. "It adds to our workforce and allows the city to leverage its success."

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at  [email protected]

Visit from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to put North Carolina in global spotlight

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit North Carolina as part of a trip to the United States.

"It's unprecedented," explained David Robinson, an international trade attorney at Maynard Nexsen who serves as Honorary Consul for Japan in North and South Carolina.

Kishida will visit the Toyota electric battery manufacturing site in Randolph County and HondaJet facility in Guilford County before heading to an official luncheon at the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh.

"The fact that he's not only coming here but staying here for an extended visit to do a bunch of site tours and have lunch with the governor, I think is just indicative of how this relationship has matured now into it's so important for Japan that North Carolina gets why Japan should be here and invest here and why they should buy our products and vice versa," Robinson explained.

In October, Toyota announced an $8 billion investment towards its Randolph County site; it was the single largest direct foreign investment made in North Carolina history.

"Just in terms of foreign direct investment overall, it's had a huge impact on our state's economic growth over the last ten years. We've announced over 550 projects from FDI sources, almost 60,000 jobs and about $36 billion in capital investment. Japan accounts for half of that capital investment. They're a significant player in terms of the FDI that's coming into our state," explained Korey Howard, Business Development Director with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

"They are looking for a long-term investment and we know that from the fact that there have been so many Japanese companies here for decades. They share our philosophy that they want to put roots down in the communities. Many of these companies give back to our communities and they want to make sure they grow a strong, well-trained, skilled workforce that will put money in the pockets of North Carolina families," added Governor Cooper, part of a one-on-one interview with ABC 11 Tuesday previewing the trip.

Statewide, there are about 225 Japanese companies with 500 locations.

"Thirty thousand North Carolinians went to work for a Japanese company this morning. This evening, tens of thousands of Japanese ate a dish called Tonkotsu with North Carolina pork. So it goes both ways," explained Robinson.

"Japan has a lot of commonalities with the North Carolina strong sectors. (We're) talking about things like automotive, biotech, life sciences, food processing, so there's those similarities there and they really play well in terms of what we are strong here in North Carolina," added Howard.

The growing economic presence has also led to increased enrollment at the Japanese Language School of Raleigh.

"Last year, our number of students was about 200. And this year, we start at 250 and then we are expecting almost 300 students, which means about 150 families," noted Joe Sakai, a native of Japan who serves as Board Chairman of the school.

Sakai, a veteran of the automotive industry, added the state has drawn increasing interest from companies in the sector over the past decade.

"The weather is similar to Japan and living costs are very reasonable compared to other states. The crime rate is low and (this is a) very well-educated area here. So there are many good reasons people choose North Carolina," Sakai explained.

This trip comes months before a gathering later this year featuring Japanese business leaders.

"We are hosting the Southeastern United States Japan Conference, the SEUS/Japan conference in Charlotte in October. There are going to be Japanese companies and representatives from all over the world coming to North Carolina. We can show them all that our great state has to offer," said Cooper.

The luncheon at the Governor's Mansion will feature a menu prepared by James Beard-Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen, food from Sam Jones BBQ, and music from North Carolina bluegrass band Unspoken Tradition. First Lady of North Carolina Kristin Cooper will accompany First Lady Kishida Yuko on a tour of the North Carolina Museum of Science to see the Japanese Friendship Doll on display.

"I think the future is very bright for this relationship," said Cooper.

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