Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock: Locomotive makes 3-mile loop around the mountain at the heart of a Wild West theme park, Fridays-Sundays through May 28 and Aug. 24-Oct. 28; daily June 1-Aug. 19. The 25-minute trip includes stops within the grounds. ($35; $22 for kids; cost includes park admission. Make reservations early for the park’s Railroad Heritage Weekend for train buffs (Sept. 8-9) and the fall Ghost Train Halloween Festival. Also, for Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine (June 1-10), the interactive Bob the Builder show (July 13-15) and the Riders in the Sky singing cowpokes (Aug. 18-19). (www.tweetsie.com)
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City: Various schedules and themed trips, cost varies. Basic trips are $49-$92; less for kids. Views of Nantahala Gorge and Tuckaseegee River are spectacular. (Rates rise in leaf-peeping season). GSMR offers an amazing array of themed events and packages (lodgings, rafting). Check out the runs that go to the amazing and invigorating Nantahala Outdoor Center (the other route goes between Bryson City and Dillsboro). Make reservations early for the “Polar Express” rides offered in November and December. (www.gsmr.com)
