Quick Details
Historical Steam Engine Train Ride!
This train follows a historic route from our Grand Junction depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia and return. Crossing the state line in Rossville, the train wanders through the outskirts of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga Military Park and then passes through the small Georgia towns of Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette, Trion, and finally Summerville. Departure for this all day trip is 9:00 A.M. and returns approximately 6:00 P.M. (all times Eastern)
Fall colors are a scenic highlight during the autumn trips, but every train offers optional dining service and a relaxing layover in Summerville to explore town or get lunch. For many, the highlight of the day is listening to one of our steam locomotives pull the train through the Georgia foothills. Come see why the Summerville Steam Special lives up to it’s name!
*The Summerville depot does not have a platform ramp and passengers will not be able to exit the train except by using the stairwells of a train car. Potential passengers should consider this before making their dining or layover plans for Summerville.
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What’s Included
- Round-trip train ride
- Optional dining car lunch (additional cost)
- Layover in Summerville, GA
What’s Not Included
- Personal items
- Additional refreshments not listed in the dining menu
Itinerary
- Depart Grand Junction Depot at 9:00 AM
- Enjoy the scenic train ride through Georgia
- Arrive in Summerville at 1:05 PM
- Layover for lunch and sightseeing in Summerville from 1:05 PM – 2:05 PM
- Depart Summerville at 2:05 PM
- Return to Grand Junction Depot at 6:00 PM
Highlights
- Historic Steam Locomotives: Ride a vintage steam locomotive through scenic Georgia towns.
- Scenic Fall Colors: Enjoy the autumn foliage during the fall season trips.
- Layover in Summerville: Explore the charming town of Summerville during a one-hour layover.
Please note:
Tickets are mandatory for everyone aged 2 and above.
Train Car Options:
Open Window Coach – Car 1000
The Southern Railway 1000 is a heavyweight coach originally built in 1925 by the Pullman Company.
Coach Car 661
Coach Car 857
Coach 906
1877 Dome
C&O 1877’s Journey: From Chessie to Chattanooga
1877 Observation
Restored C&O 1877: Elegance on Rails
1877 Parlor
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Check-in details
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time.
What to bring
Comfortable attire, camera, personal items for a full-day excursion.
Special requirements
Passengers must be able to use the stairwells to exit the train or stay on the train during layover.
Restrictions
This trip may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
Extras
Optional onboard meal service available for purchase.
Disclaimers
Schedules and stops are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or operational needs.
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The locomotive will be rotated on the turntable, serviced, and watered in Summerville for its return trip to Chattanooga. Motive power is usually No. 4501, though occasionally No. 630 may pull duties for the day.
Crew:
- Engineer
- Fireman
- G&W Pilot
- Conductor
- Trainman
- Stewards
- First Class Attendants
- Cooks
Coal:Â 6-8 Tons
Water:Â 13-15,000 GallonsTrack Speed:
- 20 MPH – TVRM
- 15 MPH – G&W
Historically, the Central of Georgia timetable shows trains averaging 23 MPH between Chattanooga and Rome, which included station and flag stops. The popular photo location at Rock Spring was once a flag stop for farmers sending poultry, eggs, and produce north to Chattanooga. Some of these goods were then supplied to dining services on trains departing from the Chattanooga Terminal.
The route the train follows is over the former Central of Georgia Railway once it departs the East Chattanooga Belt Railway at 23rd. Street in Chattanooga. The track is owned by Norfolk Southern to Rossville, and then the State of Georgia further south, where it is currently operated by the Genessee & Wyoming as the Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway. TVRM wishes to thank NS, G&W, and the State of Georgia for the cooperation and partnership that make these trips possible.
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Depart Grand Junction Depot (Chattanooga): 9:00AM
Arrive in Summerville, GA: 1:05PM
Depart Summerville, GA: 2:05PM
Arrive back to Grand Junction Depot: 6:00PM
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Things to Do in Summerville, GA During the Layover
- August 24: Market & Music at The Depot
- September 14: Chili & Brunswick Stew Cook-Off
- September 28: Cowboy Western Heritage Festival
- October 5: Sum Nelly Arts & Crafts Festival (9AM – 3PM)
- October 12: Renaissance Festival (11AM – 5PM)
- October 13: Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner at The Depot
- October 19: Sequoyah Quilt Show (9AM – 3PM)
- October 20: Sequoyah Quilt Show (9AM – 3PM)
- October 26: Pumpkin Palooza (10AM – 3PM)
- November 2 & 3: Trains & Tracks Expo
- Saturday: 10AM – 3PM
- Sunday: 11AM – 3PM (Double Steam Engine Arrival)
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Dining car lunch: Baked turkey and Swiss cheese croissant with all the fixings, coleslaw, potato chips, and fruit cocktail. Beverages include iced tea or lemonade. A tasty dessert selection is included.