The Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, 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 Railway 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, “consists of a 26-mile round trip through historic Murphy Junction along the beautiful Toccoa River,” it also plays host to specials like the Mild and Wild Water Adventures (a train ride/rafting combo) and The Santa Express. Here is a bit more history of the railroad courtesy of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway:

The original main line was built to Murphy, North Carolina, which was reached in late 1886. The builders intended to continue until they reached Knoxville, Tennessee, but in 1887, the plans were changed as Knoxville and Blue Ridge were ultimately connected via a slightly different but much more exciting route via the Hiawassee River gorge.

In 1896, the Marietta & North Georgia Railroad was purchased and renamed the Atlanta, Knoxville & Northern, and in 1902 was sold yet again, taking on the new owner's name, the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, in 1905.

While the Blue Ridge Scenic 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 #2097 – EMD GP7u (Originally Santa Fe)

· Blue Ridge Scenic #4125 – EMD GP20 (Originally Southern Pacific)

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!

For more information on tourist railroads like the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway you might want to consider the book Empire State Railway Museum's Tourist Trains 2006 from the Empire State Railway Museum. Given excellent reviews this guidebook covers nearly all of the tourist railroads and museums operating in the country in fine detail. So, if you’re interested in locating a tourist train or railroad near you, or simply want to know more about a particular one, you will certainly not be disappointed in Empire State Railway Museum’s guidebook to tourist railroads and museums. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".