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Georgia Train Rides and Excursion Trains

You would think that, given the state's location, size, and importance there would be several Georgia train rides to choose from. Instead, the Peach State currently features just three excursions of some kind and includes the SAM Shortline Excursion Train, Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad (located within a resort), and Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It's also rather interesting that despite Georgia being known for its Southern heat, white, sandy peaches and flat coastal areas nearly all of its excursion trains are located near or in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. In any event, the information here just gives a brief highlight of the state's tourist trains along with additional contact information.

Georgia railroading has its beginnings dating back to 1833 when the Central Rail Road & Canal Company of Georgia was chartered. This little line was the earliest history of the later Central of Georgia Railway, and was created to compete with Charleston’s new South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company to the north. Today, only the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway truly attempts to preserve some part of the Georgia's history with trains operating the Louisville & Nashville's historic "Hook & Eye" line north of Atlanta. It has also become the state's most popular tourist train providing not only wonderful scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains but also offering passengers several different excursion options.

The SAM Shortline Excursion Train should also be mentioned as they offer guests many different events and specials throughout the year as well. It is also the only Georgia train ride located out of the mountains, south of Macon. For instance, they offer the "Day Out With Thomas" event for the kids, which is a huge draw when and wherever it is held.

Georgia Train Rides And Excursion Trains

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

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. For more information about visiting the railroad please click here.

SAM Shortline Excursion Train

The SAM Shortline Excursion Train, located in Cordele, Georgia is a beautiful operation that features nearly a 70-mile round trip that makes stops along the four small towns that dot the line while also traveling through the Georgia Veterans State Park. The tourist train also hosts a number of special trains and events throughout the year. For more information about visiting the railroad please click here.

Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad

Part of the Stone Mountain Park and resort this excursion train takes visitors on a half-journey through the park in open-air cars and operates every day the park is open. For more information about visiting the railroad please click here.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Tourist Railroads Section

If you may want to peruse a brief history of Georgia's railroads please click here. Also, for more information about Georgia train rides you might want to consider the book Tourist Trains Guidebook, which is put together by the editors of Kalmbach Publishing's Trains magazine. The guide below is the latest, released in just April, 2011 that now includes more than 470 museums and tourist trains (it also lists all of Alabama's rail museums). In any event, if you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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