Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: Your Essential Guide to Spring and Fall on this Fun Adventure (2024)

All aboard for an adventure you won’t soon forget! A ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is a fun way to explore North Georgia, and admire all the beauty the area offers.

Located in Blue Ridge, GA, a ride on the railway is a must-do activity that the whole family can enjoy. Traveling along the Toccoa River by train, while taking in the amazing sights of the North Georgia countryside, just can’t be beat. In the spring, you’ll see green trees and blooming flowers, and in the fall, you can admire the beauty of the changing leaves.

We loved our trip on the BRSR, and we know you will too!

THE BASICS OF THE BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY

No matter what season you choose, your ride with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway will be starting at the historic depot built in 1905 in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia — which is a great place to start!

You’ll enjoy the 26 mile trip along the beautiful Toccoa River and through the Chattahoochee National Forest. The first part of your ride will take you to the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee — located in the Copper Basin. Here you’ll have a 2 hour layover, so you can snack on ice cream, shop for unique crafts and antiques, or snap a picture of yourself standing in two states at the same time!

After you’ve had your fill of the towns, you’ll board the train for your one-hour return trip through the forest and back to Blue Ridge.

Read More: 50+ Top Things To Do in Blue Ridge GA

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON THE BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY

When you buy your tickets, you can choose between open-air coach cars or closed coach cars. The open-air coach cars have bench seating that faces outwards toward the open windows. You’ll be up-close with nature, and will feel the breeze as the train travels along the route.

The closed coach cars are enclosed with large windows and padded seats. The seats are arranged in groups of four — two facing the other two. The closed coach cars are climate-controlled.

There is no assigned seating, so if your group arrives at the same time, you should have no problem finding seating together. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so arrive early for the best results. (The railway recommends you arrive 45 minutes ahead of time.)

You can bring snacks and drinks on your train trip, too! Small, 6-pack coolers (that can fit under your seat) are also allowed. If you don’t bring anything with you — don’t worry! There is a concession car on board that sells snacks, hot and cold drinks, candy, and more. They accept cash and credit. No alcohol is allowed aboard the train.

There are 12 bathrooms on board the train, as well as two baby changing stations (on cars 332 and 405).

If you’re bringing little ones along, strollers are allowed on the train, but they’ll ask you to fold them up when boarding so it can be stored during the actual train trip.

Read More: 33 Dreamy Blue Ridge Cabins (Updated With New Properties for 2024)

BRSR IN THE SPRING

There’s just something about the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in the spring! If you are in Blue Ridge, or anywhere near the area, you cannot skip this train ride.

I highly recommend a ride in the open-air rail car in spring.  You can feel the breeze and smell the honeysuckle along the way. If you have kids traveling with you, an open air car is great for the unobstructed views and the casual feel.

When we traveled on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in the spring, the open-air car was perfect for us. It was a warm day, but once the train started down the track, the breeze ensured we stayed comfortable. 

In our open-air car, two long bench-seats each faced the windows, giving everyone on the car an equally clear view of the scenery.  I felt quite safe with the boys standing at the windows during the ride.  They were just low enough for them to see out the window, but not too low that I worried about them “falling out.”

Read More: These 27 Blue Ridge Ga Restaurants Showcase Culinary Delight in the Mountains

FALL FOLIAGE RIDE ON THE BRSR

Southern Living magazine ranked the Fall Foliage trip on Blue Ridge Scenic Railway as one of the top five attractions for experiencing fall color — and we agree!

We traveled on the BRSR in the fall as well, and it was gorgeous. We again opted for the open-air car — although we wore jackets this time — and it was perfect. The oranges, reds, and yellows in the trees danced in the background as we sat back and enjoyed the view.

The Fall Foliage rides start in mid September and run through early November.

They also offer a Fall Express train ride, that’s just 2 hours, omitting the 2-hour layover in McCaysville. If you’re just interested in the train ride and the views, the Fall Express ride is a great choice.

If you think you may want to ride the train more than twice a year, consider buying a season pass!

Read More: 9+ Fun & Romantic Things To Do in Blue Ridge Ga for Couples

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO BLUE RIDGE

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• RAFTING: White Water Rafting Blue Ridge Ga: 9+ Great Places for Tubing & Rafting You’ll Love
• HIKING: Hiking in Blue Ridge Ga: Our Top 7 Trail Options
• BREWERIES: Looking for the Perfect Blue Ridge Ga Brewery? Here Are 7 Great Options
• WINERIES: 7 Amazing Wineries in Blue Ridge Ga (and Surrounding Areas)

WHERE TO STAY IN BLUE RIDGE