9. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Appalachian Splendor
Route: Bryson City, NC (Round-trip)
Step aboard for a peaceful journey through the serene beauty of the North Carolina mountains. With various excursions available, you can choose a trip that winds along the Tuckasegee River or crosses the historic Fontana Lake Trestle.
The open-air gondola cars are particularly popular, allowing you to feel the fresh mountain air and get unobstructed photos of the rolling hills and lush forests. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to immerse yourself in the gentle beauty of Appalachia, and it’s especially popular for its special seasonal trips, like the “Polar Express” during the holidays.
I’m interested in these train rides.
I am a Rail Aficionado (rare milage collector). I have ridden ALL of Amtrak, and almost all of VIA (missing Prince William to Prince Rupert).
I have not (but want to this year – 2026) do two end-to-end Rocky Mountaineer’s Canadian excursions. SPECIFICALLY: “First Passage West” – starting on a WEDNESDAY – from Banff. Do a three-day lay over in Vancouver, BC. (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Then starting MONDAY, board the “Rainforest to Gold Rush” – Vancouver to Jasper. Then connect with VIA Canadian in Jasper to Prince William and take the split of train to Prince Rupert. Finally: fly out of Prince Rupert to either Seattle or Portland.
Also want to do (probably next year) Rocky Mountaineer’s US tour. Denver to Moab. Then Moab to Salt Lake.
Do you do anything in Mexico? I have done the ‘Copper Canyon Train.
I am 78 years old and fairly mobile.
Talk to me!
I would like to know about the senior train rides available.