Blue Ridge Mountains / scenic railroad

About

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers one of the most memorable train experiences in the Southeast. This heritage railroad carries passengers on a 26-mile round trip journey from the charming downtown depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia, following the winding Toccoa River through the heart of the North Georgia mountains.

The ride takes about four hours total, including a layover in the tiny twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, where you can grab lunch, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the novelty of standing in two states at once. The train runs from March through November, with special themed excursions during fall foliage season and the holidays.

Passengers ride in a mix of open-air and climate-controlled cars. The open-air cars are especially popular during autumn, when the surrounding hardwood forests light up in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Even on quieter days, the river views and mountain scenery make the trip worthwhile.

Blue Ridge itself is a vibrant small town with a walkable downtown full of restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and craft breweries. Many visitors pair the train ride with a weekend stay to explore the area. The town sits at about 1,750 feet elevation, so summers are cooler than in Atlanta, just 90 miles to the south.

Tickets range in price depending on the day of the week and type of seating. Weekday fares start at $5, making this an affordable outing for families. It's a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak fall weekends when seats fill up fast.

Whether you're a train enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing day trip, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway delivers a genuinely enjoyable experience. The gentle pace of the ride, the sound of the river below, and the mountain air make it easy to slow down and take it all in.

Accessibility

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway provides wheelchair access at the train depot, located on the corner of East Main Street. Designated handicap parking spaces with nearby wheelchair-accessible entrances are available in front of the depot.

For boarding the train, a wheelchair lift is available to assist passengers who need it. Inside the train, there is designated wheelchair parking with a two-point tie-down system that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs per trip. Because wheelchair space is limited, passengers who require wheelchair accommodation should contact the railway ahead of time to reserve their spot.

Service animals are welcome aboard the train.

The nearby Fannin County Recreation Area is ADA-compliant and has a lift to reach areas that would otherwise not be accessible.

For specific questions about restroom accessibility on the train, sensory accommodations, or assistance during the layover in McCaysville and Copperhill, contact the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway directly before your visit. Staff can help coordinate any additional needs for your trip. The railway's website and phone line are the best sources for the most current accessibility information, as accommodations may vary by season or train car configuration.

More accessible places in Georgia

• High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
• Fox Theatre (Atlanta)
• Andersonville National Historic Site (Andersonville)
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Sandy Springs)
• Fort Pulaski National Monument (Savannah)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (Atlanta)