Went with my family just when fall was starting. The main purpose was to experience the train ride and have an outing and we were not disappointed. The company recommends to reach early and for a good reason, the boarding of the train starts around 30 mins before departure and would be a good idea to get a nice seat. The seats were comfortable, the confectionary train had good options. The recommendation from the guide is to view both sides - mountain and river though river has definitely much better views. Our guide Chip was a cheerful guy who narrated the history of the rail and also pointed out the realty rates of the river side villas. He was a great pleasure. We took the 4 hour ride which in my view is nicer as you get to break for lunch. I would definitely recommend this for an experience through the mountain rail.

We spent a weekend at Blue Ridge GA and did four hour train trip to the state line everybody in my family had a ball we opted for seats in an open air car and our car host was Ken. We had an outstanding time. Ken was very informative and entertaining. He made my day because my wife told him it was my birthday and the whole car sang happy birthday to me. That was the first for me on a train ride. We highly recommend taking the trip. The train ride is entertaining, learning having fun all at the same time. The layover at the state line Was unique we had a meal at Kenny’s pizza & sub long with some souvenir shopping definitely worth the money and the time.

Online ticket ordering was very confusing, so we went down to the depot. They did, in fact, have 2 adult tickets for the day we went. The man who sold us the tickets was very helpful and informative. It was an easy process. Parking is chaotic even at this time of year. Tickets are a little pricey for this tour, especially when paying for concessions, gift shop, the picture they take on the train, and everything else you may purchase. I would have much rather been on an open-air cart, but it was cold, so we decided to get tickets inside. There were babies and toddlers who screamed the entire time, teenagers who were loud and obnoxious the entire time, and we couldn't even hear the people speaking. We understand families want to enjoy this too, but carts should definitely be split up for those with strollers and car seats / children. It's very annoying for those trying to enjoy a ride and enjoy the scenery and history. All in all, it was disappointing for those reasons.

We had hoped to see the fall foliage and while Mother Nature wasn't fully cooperating, we did see some pops of color. We happened to go the first day the temps dropped into the 40's - 50's. Ooof! Despite all of this, it was a fantastic experience! We did the open car which truly gave us the best views and photo ops. We also did the layover in McCaysville/Copperhill. 2 hours is just enough time to grab lunch and explore the town a little bit. A few tips: When you get off the train, head straight to the GA/TN sign. (make a right off the train, cross the street and walk just a couple of blocks). If you don't hit this right away, you'll wind up waiting in line for a pic. Grab lunch next. We went on a Tuesday and many of the restaurants were closed, so take that into consideration. We went to the mexican place, which was great. Once you've eaten, it's a good time to walk around town. We went and did some bourbon tasting at Copperhill Brewery, the place right behind the GA/TN state line. (The line runs through their bar!!!) The McCaysville Riverwalk Shops is like a small indoor mall. They have public bathrooms that are nice and clean!! For the train ride, our guide was Randy. He was fantastic. He gave great historic insights along the way, along with a few jokes. He didn't overload us with talk... just the right amount of insights. He also made sure we had all the pertinent information about timing, where to be, etc. One insight I wish I had known before the tour- you can leave your stuff on the train when you explore the town. I might have packed a bag, had I known that. So feel free to pack a bag with snacks and a blanket, knowing you won't have to lug it around town. The best view is on the right side of the train (facing the depot). However, if you don't get in line early enough to get a seat on that side, the guide will encourage everyone to swaps sides for the return ride home. So assuming everyone cooperates, you should get the more scenic side on the way back! There is a concession car that will sell drinks and snacks, but you can also bring your own. Definitely a fun experience - enjoy!!

Starting with the organized boarding process, comfortable seating in open air cars, great snack bar everything was top notch. And then there was our car host, Mark. He kept telling us that he’d only been a host for four weeks but he was so knowledgeable and personable. He was very clear on our deboarding instructions in McKaysville, where we had a two hour stop to have lunch or shop. There were 9 in our party, including 4 young kids and everyone loved the trip.

We had the Premiere Experience this time, which included snacks, drinks, and a souvenir enamel pin. In November 223, I did the open-air car, which was less expensive and didn’t include the snacks and drinks, but concessions were reasonable, and the popcorn was fresh and warm! The premiere coach was comfy, though I’m larger and have to say the seats are made more for average-sized people. Tom was our host — I’d previously had him as the host in the open-air car. He’s funny, warm, and engaging. The scenery is pretty even when the trees are bare and the sky is grey. The real draw for me is the ease and comfort of the train ride. It’s very relaxing. The towns of McCaysville and Copperhill, should you choose the longer ride, are pretty and most of the sidewalks are safe. It’s a pretty conservative area politically and many businesses will advertise themselves as such so you don’t have to wonder. We also experienced people handing religious tracts in town as we stepped off the train (NOT affiliated with the company AT ALL). Overall, I recommend this whether or not you get the Premiere package. also BRING CASH or use an ATM in town, as it’s customary to tip the car attendant.

Excellent ride on the train. We rode in one of the open cars and it was great. The four kids with us aged 6-11 enjoyed it also. Although it was warm, the ride was comfortable for us as the train moves along averaging 12-15 mph creating a good breeze. There are nice shops on both ends of the trip as well as good places to eat. The tour guide Scott was very informative as well as pretty funny with his "dad jokes".

We are two families with older children and we decided to take the 2 hour scenic railway tour. We booked the open air car and it was very relaxing. We switched sides halfway through the ride so everyone gets to see both sides. Ronnie was our guide and he was very informative.

Our family recently took my niece’s seven-year-old son and her eighty-five-year-old mother-in-law on a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ride to McCaysville, Georgia (and Copper Hill, Tennessee), a trip they were both very eager to take. Because of some last-minute changes of plan, we did not all have tickets for the same car. When the conductors noticed this, they voluntarily made arrangements for us to sit together. My niece had assumed her mother-in-law’s wheelchair wouldn’t be allowed on the train and so had not brought it. They noticed this too and promptly provided one. What could have turned into a stressful and exhausting trip enchanted both her and my son and was thoroughly enjoyable for all of us. The train moved along at a steady but unhurried pace, so that we had adequate time to enjoy the view. Charlie’s commentary along the way was casual, unobtrusive but very informative. For city dwellers, this journey beside the Toccoa River, with occasional houses grouped along both sides of the riverbank and miles of timberland, can seem like a rediscovery of a rural past. None of us wanted it to end. We especially wish to thank Sam, Ellen and Charlie for their attention to our comfort, and for all the other work they were doing at the same time to make this a safe trip.

This was on my bucket list & glad I made this great adventure. We schedule a Premier car which is well worth the price, unlimited beverage and great snack as well as other surprises on the home trip. Our car coach was well informed of the area . Thank you MaryAnn for a job well done . From the time you pick up your tickets, to a great ride in your train car ) air conditioned, beauty/relax seats and the quaint town your able to shop - you are wisk away into a step back in time ! Don’t miss this adventure & my Hat off to all the staff for a job well done LOVED IT