Nestled in the mountains of Georgia in the Chattahoochee National Forest, historic Blue Ridge awaits you and your family. Our regular 4 hour, 26 mile round trip winds along the beautiful Toccoa River for one hour in vintage climate controlled or open air railcars.
This was one of the most quaint and relaxing excursions I have had in a long time. Our kids liked riding the train so much that we knew we would be doing this again and again. So we got a season pass and it was the best investment we have ever made with regard to family activities. We have ridden the Santa Train, the Easter Train, the Firecracker Train and the Pumpkin Train and have loved every moment.
I could ride BRSR every day! This round trip from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, with a layover just long enough to dine on home-smoked BBQ and shop, had me marveling at how copper mining + rail transportation virtually created and sustained three North Georgia towns (Copperhill abuts McCaysville.) The whistles, the clacking tracks, smiling volunteers and “chill” fellow riders all make the experience fun. Who wouldn’t want to ride in the mountains, with their A/C-temp woodlands, and meander along the Toccoa, whose clear water this day babbled up against a low layer of misty fog? And If you’re into history, you’ll enjoy Curtis Switch, where people used to flag down the train to board, Kyle and Galloway, two train stops that no longer exist, and Cherokee Indian fish traps—a “V” formed with rocks to catch fish in the Toccoa River, and visible from the train. Go & ride! I may be there, too.
We rode the Santa Night Train yesterday! Even though the weather was drizzly and cold, we had an a wonderful time. I had pre-purchased tickets … that were easy to pick up … we were first in line to board the train … and the train conductor stopped and spoke and took pictures with my son too. When my son heard the train whistle (age 7) he was just so excited! Everyone we came in contact with was happy, helpful and extremly friendly. The train car was decorated and playing Christmas music. Santa and Mrs. Claus walked through the train taking pictures along with a few of his friends and elves. Once in McCaysville, we had dinner at the Serenity Cafe. Great food, fast with friendly service … and guaranteed we would make the train or they would drive us back to Blue Ridge. I want to give an extra shout out to our “train car volunteer.” She made sure everyone was taken care of and shared interesting facts along the train ride. I would highly recommend Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Santa Train!
It was terrific. Everyone there were helpful and fun to talk with.
The only way we got our money’s worth out of this trip is the fact that 2 years later we still talk about how awkward and strange the trip was. If you’d like a little trip in the twilight zone, this is the place for you! If you have money to spend and you’re bored – I suggest you go and just observe the weirdness. I think for what you get, the price should be more like $5 tops. I wish they would make it better… maybe one day after they read these reviews they will.