Blue Ridge · North Georgia Mountains

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

A vintage train ride from the historic 1906 depot in downtown Blue Ridge, winding 26 miles round-trip along the Toccoa River to the sister towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN — one of the most popular things to do in the mountains, just up the road from Ellijay.

Buy Tickets

26-mile round trip

Along the Toccoa River

2 or 4 hours

Express or extended ride

Since 1998

On an 1880s rail line

Year-round

Four seasonal schedules

About the Ride

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway departs from the beautifully restored 1906 Blue Ridge Depot in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge — about a 20-minute drive north of Ellijay. The excursion follows a railroad line first laid in the 1880s, hugging the banks of the Toccoa River through the Chattahoochee National Forest as it rolls toward the state line.

At the north end, the train arrives in the “twin cities” of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee— two little towns that meet right at the state line, where you can literally stand with one foot in each state on the blue line painted down the middle of Main Street. It's a relaxed, scenic outing the whole family can enjoy, and a favorite during fall leaf season.

Two Ways to Ride

Express

2-Hour Ride

A round trip to the river turnaround with no layover — ideal if you're short on time and just want the scenery and the rails. Offered on select dates.

4-Hour Ride

The full experience: the round trip plus a roughly 2-hour layoverto explore McCaysville & Copperhill — shops, riverside restaurants, and the famous GA/TN state-line stripe before you re-board.

Choose Your Car

The vintage train pulls a mix of car types, so you can pick the experience that suits you. Car assignments and availability vary by date — you'll select yours when you book.

All Ages

Open-Air Coach

Open sides with a roof and bench seating — the most immersive way to feel the mountain air and take in the river. The classic, family-friendly choice.

All Ages

Closed Coach

Enclosed, air-conditioned/heated cars with large windows and group seating — comfortable in any weather and a little quieter.

All Ages

Accessible Coach

A wheelchair-accessible car with extra accommodations. Booked directly by phone rather than online — call the depot to reserve.

Ages 18+

Premier Car

Air-conditioned premium car with complimentary beverages and catered snacks. Adults only and available on the 4-hour ride.

Tickets & Pricing

Fares vary by season, car type, and the specific date, and the railway prices each departure in its online booking system. As a guide, regular rides generally start around $50 per adult for standard cars, with premium cars and special events priced higher. A few specifics that are published:

$56.99

Holiday Express · ages 13+

$46.99

Holiday Express · ages 2–12

Infants free

Under 2 ride at no charge

Groups of 15+ qualify for a group discount — reserve through the ticket office.

Book early. Popular dates — especially fall foliage and the holidays — routinely sell out weeks in advance.

See live dates & prices

2026 Season Schedule

Feb 28 – May 31

Spring

Jun 1 – Sep 18

Summer

Sep 19 – Nov 3

Fall (peak leaf season)

Nov 5 – Feb 2027

Winter

Departure times and the number of daily runs change by season and day of week. The ticket office is open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET, seven days a week.

Special Event Trains

Firecracker Special

July 3, 7–11 p.m. — a 4-hour evening ride timed for fireworks viewing along the river.

Trick-or-Treat Train

October 31, 5–9 p.m. — a family Halloween ride with costumes and treats.

Holiday Express

Nov 27 – Dec 23 (select dates) — festive ~1-hour rides to celebrate the season.

Where It Leaves From

Historic Blue Ridge Depot
241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Blue Ridge Depot → McCaysville / Copperhill — Toccoa River route

Open in Google Maps

The green pin is the Blue Ridge departure depot; the blue pin marks the McCaysville/Copperhill turnaround. Plan to arrive early — downtown parking fills up on busy days.

Know Before You Go

Reserve ahead

Buy online in advance — rides regularly sell out, especially fall weekends and holidays.

Arrive 30–45 min early

Give yourself time to park downtown, pick up tickets, and board.

Fall is peak

Late September into early November brings the best leaf color — and the highest demand.

Dress for the air

Open-air cars feel the weather; bring a layer in spring, fall, and winter.

Enjoy the layover

On the 4-hour ride, grab lunch and stand on the GA/TN state line in McCaysville/Copperhill.

Bring a camera

The Toccoa River and the historic depot are some of the most photogenic spots in the mountains.

Official Info & Tickets

Buy Tickets

brscenic.com/tickets — live dates, car options, and prices in the official booking system.

Book now

Official Website

brscenic.com — schedules, FAQs, and everything you need to plan your visit.

Visit

Ticket Office

(877) 413-8724 — open 9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET, seven days a week.

Call

Directions

241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 — open in Google Maps.

Get directions

Schedules, fares, car options, and event dates are set by the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and can change — always confirm the latest details and buy tickets on the official Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website before you go. This guide is provided by your community website and is not affiliated with the railway. Depot photo: public domain via Wikimedia Commons (KudzuVine).