Quick Details
Ride Through the Famous Hiwassee Loop
Embark on the scenic Ride Through the Famous Hiwassee Loop and delight in a 50-mile roundtrip journey through the stunning lower Hiwassee River gorge. Our excursion commences at 1:30 p.m. and concludes around 5:30 p.m., encompassing a 5-hour adventure that will take you to the apex of the renowned Hiwassee Loop. Witness this incredible railway marvel near Farner, Tennessee, where the tracks intriguingly cross over themselves as they spiral up the mountain. Notably, there are only six such loops in North America, with this one being the sole example east of the Mississippi River. Please note that there is no layover on this trip; passengers will enjoy the entire duration on the train.
The railroad over which Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trains travel on its Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad was formerly part of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad’s Atlanta Division stretching between Etowah, Tennessee, and Marietta, Georgia.
IMPORTANT: Ticket prices vary for the Fall Premium dates, which occur in October through the first two weeks of November.
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Passengers switch sides at our midway point from the mountain side to the river side and vise versa so everyone has an opportunity to experience all scenic views.
Dome (9410):
- All ages
- Priced per Seat
- The dome is on the second floor of the car and features a glass top ceiling.
- Dome seats around 18 individuals
- Not recommended for individuals with mobility/walking issues
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a unique experience for visitors, with a Copperhill Special Train that features dome seating for the best view of the scenery.
Discover Copperhill by Train
Dome (Algonquin Park):
- Ages 13+
- Priced per Seat
- The dome is on the second floor of the car and features a glass top ceiling.
- Dome seats around 18 individuals
- Not recommended for individuals with mobility/walking issues
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is offering a special opportunity to experience the 360 degree views of the upper level dome. This is a great chance to see the beautiful scenery of the area.
Observation:- Ages 13+
- Priced per Seat
- The observation seating is on the ground floor and features a round end with windows.
- Observation seats 12
- Not recommended for individuals with mobility/walking issues
The observation car is a type of passenger coach, often found at the rear and thus with windows for viewing. This form was nearly universally removed from service on American railroads beginning in 1950’s but some still exist today!
Low-Profile Dome Luxury: C&O 1877’s Charm
Coach:
- All ages
- Priced per Seat
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This train departs from Delano (9406 hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325) and NOT from Chattanooga. Departure from Delano is 1:30 p.m., return is approximately 6:30-6:45 p.m.
The Hiwassee Loop Location is about between 51 minutes and 2 hours from Chattanooga, and it’s well worth the drive. Please give yourself enough time before our departure. It is the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking for something fun and unique to do. The local police are on the lookout for speeders, so be sure to stay under their posted speed limits if you want to avoid getting a ticket.
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Train Ride Route Map for Hiwassee Loop and Copperhill Special
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- Snack items are available for sale on the train, including soft drinks, coffee, water, chips, crackers, and candy bars.
- You are also welcome to bring your own lunch with you (alcohol is prohibited).
- Souvenirs are sold onboard, including T-shirts, caps, and books.
- Restrooms are located on each train car.
- Trains consist of enclosed, climate-controlled coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive.
- Coach seating is open, while limited first-class tickets are available for reservation.
- Parking is located at 9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325
Videos:
Tennessee Adventures Begin – Discover the Hiwassee Loop’s Natural Beauty!
- Summary: Experience the Hiwassee River Gorge trip with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, a 4-1/2 hour, 50-mile round trip through the scenic lower Hiwassee River gorge, ending at the Hiwassee Loop. Enjoy climate-controlled coaches and breathtaking views as the train ascends near Farner, Tennessee. Passengers can purchase snacks and souvenirs onboard. Departing from the historic Etowah Depot, this journey combines comfort and natural beauty, reflecting the mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. For schedules and group specials, contact the TVRM office. Start your scenic adventure in Tennessee today!
- Summary: The Hiwassee Loop, a railway engineering feat constructed in 1898, is located along the Hiwassee River near the North Carolina border in Polk County, Tennessee. Built by the Atlanta, Knoxville & Northern Railroad to replace switchbacks around Bald Mountain, it significantly reduced travel time between Marietta, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad later absorbed it. Today, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers scenic excursions and occasional freight operations on this historic line, saved from abandonment by the Tennessee Overhill Association in 2001. – Delay In Block Productions
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1. Can I Reserve Tickets in Advance?
Please purchase your tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available at the Etowah Depot before departure times if not sold out in advance. On peak days, especially during the autumn season, tickets sell out well in advance. Check availability online and purchase your tickets early.
2. Where Do I Park?
Report to our parking area at:
9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 373253. Can I Bring Food and Beverages on the Train?
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.
4. Are There Restroom Facilities on the Train?
Yes, restroom facilities are available on the train and are never more than one coach length from your seat.
5. Is the Train Air-Conditioned or Heated?
The coaches are air-conditioned and heated for passenger comfort.
6. What if I Have Trouble Climbing Stairs?
If you have difficulty climbing stairs, please contact us at info@tvrail.com before purchasing tickets. Dome and Observation seating are not recommended as they require walking up stairs.
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.
7. Does the Train Run if it is Raining?
Trains operate rain or shine. The coaches are fully covered and enclosed from the elements with heating or air conditioning as needed.
8. Why Are Passengers Requested to Swap Seats at the Midway Point?
We request passengers to move from one side to the other at the midway point of the excursion. Since the train does not turn around, this ensures everyone gets equal views of the scenery.
9. Can We Get Up and Walk Around on the Train?
Yes, passengers are allowed to move about the train.
10. Why Can’t the Train Be Boarded at the L&N Depot & Museum?
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.
11. What is the Purpose of TVRM?
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational corporation. The mission of TVRM is to preserve, operate, and display railroad artifacts to educate the public about the historical role of railroads.
12. Can We Bring Our Pet on the Train?
Service animals (defined as dogs trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities) are welcome at TVRM.
13. Is Food Available on the Train?
You can purchase refreshments onboard the commissary car, which sells food, snack items, and souvenirs. Passengers in premium dome coach and dome observation seating receive complimentary snacks.
14. Can I Visit the Depot Museum?
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.
15. Can I Bring a Firearm with a Concealed Carry Permit?
No firearms are permitted on our property as authorized by T.C.A. Section 39-17-1359.
16. Who Makes These Trips Possible?
The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association is our host with support from Glenn Springs Holdings Inc. TVRM operates the trains, while the railroad line is owned by the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association.
17. Where Should I Stay Overnight?
Etowah and the surrounding region have various hotel, cabin, and lodging options. Visit the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association for more information.
18. What if I Have Tickets for a Train Trip Based in Chattanooga?
All Chattanooga train services depart from Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga unless otherwise specified. It is about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Chattanooga to Delano.
19. Do You Accept Monetary Donations?
Yes, all contributions to TVRM are tax-deductible and appreciated. Donors are recognized by a letter of receipt and in the association’s newsletter, Smoke & Cinders.
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Special educational rates are available for the Hiwassee Loop excursion. Click here to learn more.
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Hiwassee Loop
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CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What a wonderful experience. We wanted to see the changing of the leaves and we were not disappointed. The scenery was like traveling through a Monet painting. The train trip was quite an adventure. We spotted a bald eagle that flew along beside the train for a short distance. The commentator was excellent. We heard all the history about the area and the building of the train tracks. Most of us brought picnic lunches since the trip was 5 1/2 hours long, round trip, non stop. The commissary car did sell limited food items and souvenirs. We had some musical entertainment about half way through the trip which was fun. I recommend this trip regardless of the time of year. The train company offers a variety of excursions with different themes, times and travel lengths. Put this one on your Bucket List for sure.
– TripAdvisor
Peaceful ride on a dreary day through the beautiful scenery along the Hiwassee River Gorge. Choose to upgrade for dome view (1st class), very nice with complimentary snacks and beverages along the way. Our car hostess, LouAnne, was very cordial and gave some history behind the trains. Narration along the way was both informative and light hearted. 2 hour layover in McCaysville, GA allowed time for lunch and some shopping.
– TripAdvisor