Hiwassee River Rail Adventures

ADA Accessibility Notes

Limited Access

Ride the historic Hiwassee River Railroad excursionthrough the unspoiled Cherokee National Forest, along the beautiful and scenic Hiwassee River Gorge. Rails cross the Hiwassee River in Reliance and follow a circuitous route nestled between hillsides and the scenic river. While gaining elevation, tracks cross the Great Hiwassee Loop. At the top you'll be passing over a bridge 62 feet above the tracks on which you've just traveled, as the rails negotiate a spiraling formation. The adventure begins in Etowah at the L&N Depot & Museum.

Driving Directions

This train departs from Etowah: directions

Highlights and Key Points Along the Route

For a scenic trip through the Cherokee National Forest, you may want to try our Hiwassee River Rail Adventure. These excursions leave from the old L&N Depot at 727 Tennessee Avenue South in Etowah, TN, and feature a short shuttle ride from the depot to the train boarding location. Please note there is no connecting passenger rail service between Grand Junction and Etowah. To take one of the Hiwassee trips, you must drive to Etowah in order to catch the train.

Length of Byway or Route

22-45 miles