Best Kid-Friendly Train Trips Near Atlanta

Get out of town for the day or plan an overnight trip with these train experiences in Atlanta and beyond. Travel by train for the perfect way to see the leaves change. Reservations are required, so make your plans now.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

This historic train depot sits in the heart of Bryson City, N.C. Go on train rides for gorgeous views of Fontana Lake, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, rivers, historical structures and wonderful fall foliage. Take the 4.5-hour Nantahala Gorge Excursion for views of the beautiful Nantahala River and Fontana Lake, or go on the Tuckasegee River Excursion for a four-hour trip to the historic town of Dillsboro.

Tennessee Valley Railroad

Explore the beauty of Chattanooga and Hiwassee with these train rides. Options include riding the Missionary Ridge Local for a short line train about local history; a 50-mile round trip through the Hiwassee River gorge with the Hiwassee Loop; or the eight-hour scenic journey to Copperhill, Tenn. with the Copperhill Special. Also, for a special event, consider the Homefront Tea Room experience, or starting on Sept. 14, the Rails, Wizards & Spells ride through an enchanted forest. For $6-$10, visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum for an interactive and historical experience.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Go on a nostalgic journey through the charming Appalachian foothills of North Georgia. Starting at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, take a round-trip journey along the Toccoa River to spot beautiful fall foliage. Fall Rides are available starting on Sept. 19, and you can purchase a two- or four-hour trip.

SAM Shoreline Excursion Train

Travel to Jimmy Carter’s childhood home by train, explore the museum and sample peanut butter treats. Even explore the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum. The variety of trips include stops in towns such as Americus, Leslie, Plains and Archery depending on schedule and time of the year. Starting in September, try to solve who the murderer is with the Murder Mystery Dinner Train, and on September 28, leave from Georgia Veterans State Park for a trip to enjoy the annual Peanut Festival. Celebrate Halloween with the Halloween Express for a trunk-or-treat event and costumes.

Tweetsie Railroad

The Wild West Theme Park features a historic steam locomotive, live interactive shows, amusement rides, Deer Park Zoo and more. Two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives are in operation: “Tweetsie” and “Yukon Queen.” A daily admission ticket includes a ride behind one of the historic steam locomotives, live Wild West-themed entertainment, the Deer Park Zoo, amusement rides and a chance to pan for gold.

Close to Home:

Scenic Railway at Stone Mountain Park

Climb aboard the full-size locomotive from the 1940s with open-air cars that will take you on a five-mile excursion around the mountain. Marvel at beautiful views of Stone Mountain and the surrounding landscape. See website for schedule. Included with an All-Attractions Pass. 

Southeastern Railway Museum

Explore many pieces of historic steam and diesel locomotives in Duluth. Kids can pretend to be an engineer for the day while they explore train cabooses, see giant wheels and more. There is an antique miniature train that runs on the museum grounds; check website for schedule.

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

Head to Kennesaw to experience the history of railroads in the South through models and hands-on activities. Kids can use telegraph stations to send messages via Morse Code or drive a replica train in the Play Motion Train Simulator. Check website for schedule.

North Georgia Live Steamers

These miniature trains in Conyers are one-eighth the size of full-size railroads, and passengers can ride right on top! The live steam, electric or gas powered trains operate like real locomotives for a fun, realistic train adventure. Oct. 5 and Nov. 9, 1-4:30 p.m.