Quick Details
Copperhill Train Ride
Take an extended day trip excursion through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge, over the Hiwassee Loop, and onto the joint cities of Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, GA. Total 94-mile round trip. Have lunch on your own during the 90-minute layover before returning. Departure time is 9:30 A.M. and return is generally around 5:30 P.M.
The “Copperhill” route is the same as for “Loop” trips, but after traversing the river gorge and negotiating the spiral near Farner, the train continues a longer distance through Turtletown and Ducktown to the former mining town of Copperhill.
The railroad over which Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trains travel on its Hiwassee River Rail Adventures was formerly part of the Louisville and Nashville (L&N) Railroad’s Atlanta Division stretching between Etowah, Tennessee and Marietta, Georgia. Learn more
NOTE: Pricing varies for Fall Premium dates (October – first two weeks of November)
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Things to Do in Copperhill TN
There are plenty of food and drink options available in town, so you’ll never go hungry or thirsty.
Food & Drink
- Kenny’s Pizza (take out only) – We are family owned authentic New York style pizza parlor located in the outskirts of downtown Mccaysville Ga across from the train depot.
- Rum Cake Lady – Bienvenidos! We are a family-owned, fast-casual counter-service cafe offering authentic Cuban comfort food, just like “mami” used to make, and our famous rum cakes in the beautiful cities of Blue Ridge, and MCCaysville, Georgia!
- Copperhill Brewery – Definitely casual, very roomy and easy to relax. The best of craft beers are always readily available. Play darts, enjoy occasional live entertainment, or stop by to play trivia!
- Buck Bald Brewing – Since opening our doors in Copperhill, Tennessee in September of 2018, we have built an amazing culture of locally brewed craft beer, ultra-friendly staff, and a dedicated following of locals and visitors that cannot be matched.
Attractions
While in Copperhill, TN, be sure to check out the local attractions!
- Fat Raccoon Gallery – Fat Raccoon Gallery offers pieces created by local artists including; photography, paintings, pottery, forge work, folk art and found object art.
- Mustang Sally Clothing and Jewelry – Mustang Sally is a ladies clothing and jewelry boutique located in Copperhill, TN, just a short drive from Blue Ridge, GA. At Mustang Sally, a good day starts with a pair of jeans that fit just right, kickin’ boots and the perfect piece of turquoise jewelry.
- Christmas is Here! – As Rip and Tammi are artists who earned their living for over twenty years with their woodwork and have their work in the Smithsonian, they appreciate the work of other artists and try to foster interest from visitors to the store.
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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
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
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
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 9:30 a.m., return is approximately 6:30 p.m.
The departure location for Copperhill Special is between 1 to 2 hours from Chattanooga, and 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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- 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
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- 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.
- Why are passengers requested to swap seats at the midway point?
- 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.
- Can we get up and walk around on the train?
- Yes, passengers can move about on the train.
- 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.
- Is the train accessible for wheelchairs?
- 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.
- More FAQs for Delano trips – Click here
- Can I bring food and beverages on the train?
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Children under 2 years ride free if not occupying a seat. Fares are slightly higher during the peak Autumn season. All trains run rain or shine and ticket sales are final.
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