Best Train Journeys Around the World in Charlotte, United States
1. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Experience the beauty of the Smokies on this historic train journey, offering various routes and themed trips like dinner trains.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Variety of Routes: Provides multiple routes to choose from, catering to different preferences.
- Themed Trips: Unique themed trips like dinner trains add a fun and memorable twist.
2. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Embark on a journey through North Georgia's breathtaking landscapes, including the historic McCaysville and Copperhill towns.
- Historic Towns: Visits the picturesque and historically significant towns of McCaysville and Copperhill.
- Nature and Wildlife: Provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and stunning natural scenery.
- Caboose Experience: Offers the unique experience of traveling in a caboose, giving a glimpse into railroad history.
3. Tuckasegee River Gorge Excursion
Journey through the Tuckasegee River Gorge on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, experiencing dramatic landscapes and whitewater rapids.
- Dramatic Landscapes: Provides a unique perspective of the Tuckasegee River Gorge's dramatic landscapes.
- Whitewater Rapids: Offers views of the exciting whitewater rapids along the Tuckasegee River.
- Historic Railroad Equipment: Utilizes authentic, historic railroad equipment for an immersive experience.
4. Charlotte Trolley Tour
Discover Charlotte's history and landmarks on a vintage trolley, offering multiple tour options to suit various interests.
- City History: Provides insights into the rich history of Charlotte.
- Landmark Sightseeing: Allows for close-up views of Charlotte's iconic landmarks.
- Flexible Tours: Offers multiple tour options to cater to different interests and preferences.
5. Sapphire Valley Express
Travel through the picturesque Sapphire Valley in North Carolina on this scenic train ride, offering breathtaking mountain vistas and historic sites.
- Stunning Mountain Scenery: Offers unparalleled views of the beautiful Sapphire Valley mountains.
- Historic Sites: Visits historic sites like the Old Toll House and Dillsboro, providing a glimpse into the past.
- Seasonal Themes: Offers seasonal themes like the Polar Express and Easter Bunny Train for family-friendly fun.
6. Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Journey through the Nantahala Gorge on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, experiencing whitewater rapids and breathtaking scenery.
- Whitewater Rapids: Offers exciting views of the Nantahala River's whitewater rapids.
- Natural Wonders: Provides opportunities to witness incredible natural wonders like Fontana Lake and Whiteside Mountain.
- Historic Railroad Equipment: Uses authentic, historic railroad equipment for an immersive experience.
7. Charlotte's LYNX Light Rail
Explore Charlotte and its surrounding areas using the convenient and eco-friendly LYNX Light Rail system, with multiple routes connecting key destinations.
- Eco-Friendly Transportation: Provides an eco-friendly way to travel around Charlotte.
- Convenience: Connects key destinations throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area, making it easy to get around.
- Affordability: Offers an affordable and budget-friendly way to explore Charlotte.
8. Carolina Coast Rail Trail
Cycle or walk along the Carolina Coast Rail Trail, a scenic route that follows an old railway line from Calabash to Shallotte.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Outdoor Activity: Offers a chance for cycling, walking, or jogging along this picturesque trail.
- Historical Interest: Follows the path of an old railway line, offering insights into railroad history.
9. Greenville-Spartanburg Scenic Railroad
Travel between Greenville and Spartanburg on this historic train journey, offering scenic views of the upstate region.
- Historic Train Journey: Offers a glimpse into railroad history with a ride on an old-fashioned train.
- Scenic Upstate Views: Provides breathtaking views of the upstate region's natural beauty.
- Flexible Trips: Offers various trip options, including dinner trains and themed events.
10. Asheville's Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Travel through the Blue Ridge Mountains on this scenic train ride, offering breathtaking views and themed trips like the Polar Express.
- Stunning Mountain Scenery: Provides unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Themed Trips: Offers themed trips like the Polar Express and the Great Pumpkin Train, making for a fun and memorable experience.
- Historical Significance: Runs on historic tracks that once connected the coastal cities to the Appalachian Mountains.
11. Catawba Valley Railway
Take a journey through the Catawba Valley on this historic train ride, offering scenic views and themed trips like the Murder Mystery Express.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides stunning views of the Catawba Valley's rolling hills and landscapes.
- Themed Trips: Offers themed trips like the Murder Mystery Express, adding a fun element to the journey.
- Historic Railroad Equipment: Uses authentic, historic railroad equipment for an immersive experience.
12. Cherokee Gorge Excursion
Journey through the Cherokee Gorge on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, experiencing breathtaking scenery and historical sites.
- Stunning Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of the Cherokee Gorge.
- Historical Sites: Visits historic sites like the Fontana Dam and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Authentic Railroad Equipment: Uses authentic, historic railroad equipment for an immersive experience.
13. Murphy to Andrews Scenic Railride
Travel through the Appalachian Mountains on this scenic train ride from Murphy to Andrews, offering stunning vistas and historic sites.
- Stunning Mountain Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Historic Sites: Visits historic sites like the Murphy Rail Depot and the historic town of Andrews.
- Authentic Railroad Equipment: Uses authentic, historic railroad equipment for an immersive experience.
14. Highlands to Cashiers Scenic Excursion
Journey through the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains on this scenic train ride from Highlands to Cashiers, offering stunning vistas and historic sites.
- Stunning Mountain Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Historic Sites: Visits historic sites like the Cashiers Valley Railway and the quaint town of Highlands.
- Authentic Railroad Equipment: Uses authentic, historic railroad equipment for an immersive experience.
15. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Polar Express
Experience the magic of the holiday season on the Polar Express train ride from Blue Ridge, offering hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa Claus.
- Holiday Magic: Offers a magical holiday experience with a visit from Santa Claus.
- Authentic Railroad Equipment: Uses authentic, historic railroad equipment for an immersive and nostalgic experience.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Provides a fun and memorable family experience during the holiday season.