Delano Station FAQ

Yes, food and beverages may be consumed while on board all trains. Please help keep our trains clean and use trash receptacles. Report any problems to the conductor or train crew. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on TVRM trains.

We request that passengers move from one side to the other at the excursion’s midway point. Since the train doesn’t turn around, this is the only way to assure that everyone gets the same views. We appreciate your cooperation.

Yes, passengers can move about on the train.

The current CSX mainline is the only rail line running past the depot and our trains are not allowed on those tracks. CSX handles freight traffic only in this area. The “Old Line” tracks branch off the CSX near Wetmore.

Unfortunately, as much as we try to accommodate all our visitors, we generally can’t delay a train full of passengers. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Note that Delano is in the Eastern Time Zone.

The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association (TOHA) is our host through the support of Glenn Springs Holdings Inc. TVRM owns and operates the trains, while the railroad line is owned by our partner, the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association. This storied line has a rich history.

The coaches are air conditioned and heated.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Inc. (TVRM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, an educational corporation which is membership based. The mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is to collect for preservation, operation, interpretation, and display railroad artifacts in an authentic setting to educate the public concerning the role of railroads in the history and development of our region. We are honored to be the operator of TOHA’s historic L&N “Old Line” through the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge.

TVRM runs full-sized, historic trains for which you can purchase a ticket and take a ride. It is an educational and entertaining experience. The trains are pulled by vintage diesel locomotives, most built around 1950.

Trains operate rain or shine. The coaches are fully covered and enclosed from the elements with heat or air conditioning as needed.

Report to the our parking area at 9406 hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325. We do not suggest Dome and Observation since they require walking up some stairs.

You will report to our parking and boarding ramp in 9406 HWY 411, Delano, Tennessee 37325.

Restroom facilities are available on the train and are never more than one coach length or so from your seat.

It is similar as far as boarding because you enter by climbing stairs and then walk down an aisle between rows of seats. Unlike a bus, however, some of the train car seats can be turned to make a group of four.

Please purchase your tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available at the Etowah Depot before the departure times only if the train is not sold out in advance. On peak days, especially during the autumn season, tickets will sell out well in advance. Check availability online and purchase your tickets in advance.

Smoking is prohibited on all trains by State law.

Service animals (defined as dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities) are welcome at TVRM.

You can purchase refreshments on board the commissary car which sells food, snack items, and even souvenirs. Note that snack items are included for those passengers holding tickets in the premium dome coach and dome observation seating areas.

Hiwassee River Rail Adventure by Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.  Report to the our parking area at: 9406 hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325

Be sure to visit the L&N Depot and Museum located at 727 Tennessee Ave South, Etowah, TN 37331. The Museum typically closes at 4 pm.

After you’ve enjoyed your train ride, consider visiting the other wonderful attractions offered around Etowah and the Hiwassee & Ocoee Rivers.  You can check with the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association for more information: tennesseeoverhill.com or the Etowah Area Chamber of Commerce: etowahchamber.com. For activities in Etowah please visit: cityofetowahtn.com.  For information about the Chattanooga area, see www.visitchattanooga.com

Etowah and the surrounding region have numerous hotel, cabin, and other lodging options.  See the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association website under “lodging” for more information: tennesseeoverhill.com  or the Etowah Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.cityofetowahtn.com/2195/Etowah-Local-Business. Other options are available around the Ocoee River and in Athens, Tennessee, at I-75 exit 49.

The Tri Cities Business Association has listings for some of the shops and restaurants in the joint towns of Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia available on their website, https://www.tnvacation.com/east-tennessee/copperhill

All Chattanooga train services must be boarded at Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga (unless otherwise specified.) It is approximately a one hour and 45-minute drive between Chattanooga and Delano.

All contributions to TVRM are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. We recognize all contributors by a letter of receipt, and a listing in the association’s newsletter, Smoke & Cinders.

Historic rail cars were built before the advent of technology which accommodates people with special needs. Our rail cars were not designed to accommodate wheelchairs safely. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes the limitations of such historic rail equipment and expressly exempts trains and stations of this type from accessibility requirements. Though we cannot accommodate wheelchair use or access within our historical passenger cars, all persons who can board the train themselves and occupy a standard passenger seat are welcome and encouraged to ride.

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