The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Through The Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia
Perhaps the most popular tourist railroad in Georgia is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The railroad is located in the northern mountainous regions of Georgia and operates over 13 miles (a 26-mile round trip) of a former Louisville & Nashville Railroad branch line (originally part of the Marietta & North Georgia Railroad). The railroad has become quite a popular tourist destination in general since 1998 when it first began. Part of the railroad’s success has come from its breathtaking scenery afforded from the Blue Ridge Mountains located in the northern regions of Georgia although another reason for its popularity has come from its friendly service and nearby attractions like whitewater rafting and cabin rentals.
While the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is an independently operated tourist line it is actually a subsidiary of a shortline freight hauler, the Georgia Northeastern. This railroad, based in Marietta, Georgia hauls a variety of freight ranging from timber to marble and its tourist line operates a route branching off from its main line at Blue Ridge.
Aside from the Blue Ridge Scenic’s standard excursion train which according to the railroad it also plays host to specials like the Mild and Wild Water Adventures (a train ride/rafting combo) and The Santa Express. To give a brief history of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad it was synonymous with the southern states and southeastern US, served major cities from New Orleans and Memphis to St. Louis, Atlanta, and later Chicago. The L&N is also one of the few classic fallen flags to never have had its original chartered name changed at any point throughout its history, serving its home state and the southeast for over 120 years known as simply the Louisville & Nashville. While the railroad would become part of the burgeoning CSX system it was a highly respected and well-known transportation company for much of its existence.
As the 1970s gave way to the 1980s the Louisville and Nashville would officially be merged out of existence. When the Family Line System became the Seaboard System Railroad in 1982 under the CSX banner, along with the Chessie System, there was little need for so many different company names and the L&N along with its other allied roads were merged out of existence that year. While the L&N is no more today the system and railroad it left behind continues to be an important part of CSX’s southern lines.
While the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad does not operate any steam locomotives, at least at this time, they do use a small collection of older diesel locomotives, which are listed below:
· Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad #2097 – EMD GP7u (Originally Santa Fe)
So, if you’re even in northern Georgia considering stopping by and visiting the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Between the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and experience of riding a train (where you can ride in either open or enclosed cars), you shouldn’t be disappointed. Lastly, if you have the time please consider volunteering to help them with not only restoration work but also maintaining their railroad. I am sure they would very much appreciate the help!
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