Blue Ridge, about a half hour north of Ellijay, has a historic train that leaves from the middle of downtown and follows the Toccoa River to the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. It is one of the easiest ways to see fall color without driving mountain roads, and in October it sells out fast.
The railway now markets itself as Blue Ridge Railway; most people still call it the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Details below come from its ticketing page and reflect the 2026 season.
How the trip works
The round trip covers about 26 miles. There are two main experiences:
- 2-Hour Express. A round trip along the river with no layover. Offered only on select dates.
- 4-Hour Extended. The same scenic ride plus a two-hour layover in McCaysville and Copperhill, enough time for lunch and a walk. Part of the fun is standing with one foot in Georgia and one in Tennessee where the state line crosses town.
Car hosts share stories about the area’s history along the way. A concession car sells snacks and drinks. Only trained service animals may ride; the railway does not allow pets or emotional support animals.
Choosing a coach
| Coach | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Open Air | Bench seats facing out, large open windows; vinyl windows go in during winter. All ages. |
| Closed | Air-conditioned, seats in facing pairs (groups of four). All ages. |
| Premier | Ages 18 and up, reclining seats, catered snack and non-alcoholic drinks included, alcohol for purchase. Only on 4-hour rides. |
| Accessible | Open-air coach with stair and lift access and an accessible restroom. Reserve by calling a ticket agent at 877-413-8724; these seats are not sold online. |
Which to pick for fall color? Open air is the best for photos and the feel of the trip, but bring a jacket on cool mornings. Closed coaches are more comfortable in rain or cold.
Seasons and dates
The railway runs most of the year, with fall as the peak. The 2026 schedule:
- Spring: Feb. 28–May 31
- Summer: June 1–Sept. 18
- Fall: Sept. 19–Nov. 3
- Winter: Nov. 5, 2026–Feb. 28, 2027
- Holiday specials: Nov. 27–Dec. 24
The 2027 calendar had not been fully published when we last checked. Expect a similar pattern, and check the railway’s ticket page for exact dates and departure times.
The Holiday Express
From Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve, the railway runs a one-hour Holiday Express in place of some regular trips. The railway describes holiday music, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” a jingle bell and a candy cane for each child, and a visit with Santa. Hot chocolate is sold on board.
The Fannin County Chamber lists 2026 rides on Nov. 28 and 29, Dec. 5 and 6, Dec. 12 and 13, and daily from Dec. 19 to Dec. 24. The railway’s home page lists select dates from Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, so confirm your date on the booking page. These are the first trips to sell out each year. Light Up Blue Ridge, the town’s parade and tree lighting, is the same weekend the holiday rides start; see our Christmas in Blue Ridge guide.
Other experiences
The railway also offers locomotive cab rides with the engineer, a private caboose for up to 10 people and rail bikes you pedal along the track. These have their own schedules and limited space.
Tips for booking
The railway says rides often sell out weeks in advance and does not recommend waiting to buy on the day. How far ahead we would book:
| When you are going | Book |
|---|---|
| October weekend | As soon as the fall schedule opens |
| Holiday Express | Several weeks ahead; weekends and Dec. 19–24 go first |
| October weekday or spring/summer weekend | Two to three weeks ahead |
| Winter weekday (January–February) | A few days ahead is usually enough |
| Accessible coach | By phone, as early as possible |
The depot is at 241 Depot St. in downtown Blue Ridge. The ticket office is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week, at 877-413-8724.
- Book early for October. Fall weekends, especially during the Georgia Apple Festival, sell out well ahead.
- Go on a weekday if you can. Easier parking in Blue Ridge and more seats.
- Arrive 45 minutes early. That is the railway’s own advice. If you want to eat first, our Blue Ridge breakfast guide lists which places are open each morning. Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure, and downtown parking fills on weekends.
- Check fall color first. The river valley is lower than the peaks, so color there often peaks later than at Brasstown Bald. See our fall color guide.
- Plan your layover. McCaysville and Copperhill have restaurants and shops within walking distance of the station.
Pair it with Ellijay
The train makes a good half day. Combine it with orchard stops on the way back to Ellijay, or with the zip lines and ropes course in Blue Ridge. Our fall weekend itinerary shows how it fits into two days.
Sources and further reading
Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.
