Thanks to the innovative private/public partnership between Swain County commissioners, Tourism Development Authority and GSMR, #1702 is revived and ready to roll on the rails. 

Steam excursions will depart from the historic Bryson City Depot beginning July 22 with a variety of options. Throughout the season 39 excursions will follow the Nantahala Gorge route and 22 excursions will follow the Tuckasegee River route. All general excursions will offer the full variety of seating options including our most popular First Class seating. Before departure, passengers may arrive early to enjoy a meet and greet with one of GSMR’s star conductors along with the engine crew. As it prepares for its journey, #1702 will be on display allowing for photos opportunities and an up close and personal view of the impressive equipment. 

On board, passengers will enjoy interacting with staff and hearing about various historical points and interesting facts about #1702. All steam excursion passengers will receive a commemorative #1702 souvenir ticket and lapel pin to celebrate the locomotive’s return to the rails. Upon return to Bryson City, a live demonstration of the turntable will also be on exhibit. A few lucky guests will be selected each day to be an active participant in the manual turning of the locomotive.

In addition to the regular excursion schedule, #1702 will also be leading six special event trains. The popular, family friendly Fontana Trestle Train featuring BBQ & Brews service and THE POLAR EXPRESS train ride will be operating with the steam engine on select dates. #1702 will also pull two new event trains in 2016: the Railroad Reserve, a wine and rail pairing dinner train; and the Photo Special, an 8-hour roundtrip excursion to the Nantahala Gorge departing from Dillsboro, stopping for two run by photo opportunities and a short steam shop tour.  

Booking is now available for the variety of steam-powered options. Pricing and details can be found at www.gsmr.com or by calling 800.872.4681.