SUMMERVILLE STEAM SPECIAL

What’s Included

• Round-trip steam train travel between Chattanooga and Summerville
• A one-hour downtown Summerville layover
• Access to the seating and meal experience selected during booking

Highlights

• Historic Southern Railway steam power, typically No. 4501 or No. 630
• North Georgia foothills, farmland, and seasonal fall color
• Locomotive servicing and turntable activity in Summerville

Meals, snacks, souvenirs, and other extras are included only when stated with the selected ticket or add-on.

Compare Your Seating Options

Choose the experience that best fits your day. Fares shown are starting prices; select a departure date to confirm the exact fare and availability.

How Seating Works

Select your seating category while booking. The specific coach may vary by date and operating needs. TVRM assigns seating and makes every effort to seat guests on the same reservation together. Specific seat requests and equipment assignments cannot be guaranteed.

Ticket rule: Tickets are required for every guest age 2 and older.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ride?
The Summerville Steam Special is a full-day excursion, lasting approximately 8–9 hours from departure to return. The train departs Chattanooga at 9:00 AM and returns around 6:00 PM (Eastern Time).

Is lunch included?
Lunch is included with Dining Car, Parlor, Observation, and Dome seating.
Coach seating does not include a meal by default, but optional onboard dining or boxed lunches may be available for purchase, depending on your seating selection.

Can I stay on the train during the layover in Summerville?
Yes. Guests may choose to remain onboard during the one-hour layover in Summerville or disembark to explore the town, visit local shops, or enjoy lunch.

Is this ride suitable for kids?
Yes. The Summerville Steam Special is family-friendly and enjoyed by guests of all ages. Due to the length of the ride, it is best suited for children who are comfortable with a full-day experience.

Are there mobility considerations?
Yes. The Summerville Depot does not have a platform ramp. Guests must be able to use train car stairwells to disembark. Guests with mobility concerns may choose to remain onboard during the layover.

Dining car lunch: House-smoked pulled pork with blackberry BBQ sauce, coleslaw, potato salad, pickles, and dessert.

Breakfast: Quiche, hash brown casserole, sausage links, blueberry muffin, and fresh fruit.

The complete itinerary appears in Plan Your Day near the top of this page. All times are approximate and may change because of railroad or operating conditions. Please arrive by 8:30 AM for the 9:00 AM departure.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a camera, weather-appropriate layers, and any personal items needed for an approximately nine-hour excursion.

Equipment & Schedule Notice

Times, stops, railcars, and locomotive assignments may change because of operating requirements. Open-window Coach 1000 is not air-conditioned.

Explore Downtown Summerville

Make the most of your visit with time to explore charming downtown Summerville—just steps from the depot. Guests can take advantage of our complimentary 8-person golf cart shuttle, offering easy transportation between the train and downtown.

Known as the Friendship Capital of the World, Summerville welcomes visitors with small-town charm, local flavor, and plenty to discover.

Dining & Local Favorites

Enjoy a variety of nearby dining options, including Jefferson’s, Dos MaGuey, Subway, and DIRT Pour Coffee & Sandwich Shop, located in the historic downtown district. Seasonal food vendors and live music are often featured during event days, adding even more to the experience.

Shopping & Unique Finds

Browse a collection of locally owned shops, all within walking distance:

• Hayden Taylor Design – Jewelry, home décor, and gifts
• Sweet Beaux Mercantile – 30+ vendor booths with unique items
• Merle Norman Cosmetics and Ga Ga’s Boutique
• Morris Jewelers, The Furniture Shoppe, and Duff’s Florist

A Place Worth Exploring

Directly across from the depot, visit the World Friendship Pocket Park and the Solid Rock of World Friendship—perfect for photos and a relaxing stroll.

Founded in 1848, Summerville is the county seat of Chattooga County and home to just over 4,500 residents. The community is recognized as a Purple Heart City, City of Ethics, and Tree City USA, and hosts more than 20 festivals and events each year.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or making it part of your rail experience, Summerville offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to enjoy.

2026 Public Calendar of Events

For Train Enthusiasts

At Summerville, the steam locomotive is turned on the historic turntable, inspected, serviced, and refilled with water in preparation for the return trip to Chattanooga. Power for the Summerville Steam Special is most often provided by Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501, with No. 630 occasionally taking the lead depending on operational needs.

Typical Crew

• Engineer
• Fireman
• G&W Pilot
• Conductor
• Trainman
• Stewards
• First-Class Attendants
• Cooks

— Steam operations & locomotive specifications —

Locomotive Details

• Coal consumption: 6–8 tons
• Water usage: 13,000–15,000 gallons

Operating Speeds

• 20 mph – Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trackage
• 15 mph – Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) trackage

Historical Context Along the Route

Historic Central of Georgia Railway timetables recorded average speeds of approximately 23 mph between Chattanooga and Rome, including station and flag stops.

One of today’s most popular photo locations, Rock Spring, was once a rural flag stop where farmers shipped poultry, eggs, and produce north to Chattanooga—some of which later supplied dining services at the Chattanooga Terminal.

Railroad Ownership & Operations

Today’s route follows the former Central of Georgia main line, departing the East Chattanooga Belt Railway at 23rd Street. The line is owned by Norfolk Southern as far as Rossville, then by the State of Georgia, and is operated by Genesee & Wyoming’s Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway.

TVRM extends sincere thanks to Norfolk Southern, Genesee & Wyoming, and the State of Georgia for their continued partnership and support in making these steam excursions possible.