Historic Train Ride with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Delano
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most, with minimal physical activity required
Overview
Ride through Tennessee’s breathtaking Hiwassee River Gorge on a vintage train with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Discover history, enjoy stunning scenery, and take a relaxing break in Copperhill—all in one unforgettable day.
Copperhill Special
8 Hours - Journey Through Tennessee’s Scenic Beauty on the Copperhill Special!
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About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour train adventure through the breathtaking Hiwassee River Gorge and the historic Hiwassee Loop. Enjoy stunning landscapes, a 90-minute lunch break in the charming mining town of Copperhill, and a unique journey that blends nature and history, perfect for all explorers and enthusiasts.
Discover the Beauty of Hiwassee River Gorge on the Copperhill Special Day Trip
Overview
Discover the beauty of Tennessee in the summertime on a scenic 8-hour day trip through the stunning lower Hiwassee River Gorge and over the Hiwassee Loop, leading to the joint cities of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA. Enjoy a 94-mile round trip journey surrounded by wildflowers along the tracks and take a 90-minute break for lunch before returning.
Quick Details
- Duration: 8 Hours -- Departure Time: 9:00 AM (Eastern Time) -- Return Time: Approximately 5:30 PM (Eastern Time)
- Departure Location: 9604 Hwy 411, Delano, TN (not from Chattanooga)
Highlights
- Scenic Route: Travel through the Hiwassee River Gorge and over the Hiwassee Loop.
- Historic Journey: Continue further through Turtletown and Ducktown to reach the former mining town of Copperhill.
- Lunch Break: Enjoy a 90-minute break for lunch in Copperhill/McCaysville.
Additional Information
- Snacks and Souvenirs: Snack items and souvenirs are available for sale on the train, including t-shirts, caps, and books.
- Restrooms: Located on each train car.
- Climate-Controlled Coaches: Trains consist of enclosed, climate-controlled coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive.
- Seating: Coach seating is open, with limited first-class tickets available for reservation.
- Parking: Located at 9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325
Note
- Pricing: Varies for Fall Premium dates (October – first two weeks of November).
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 25+ people.
- Charter Options: Available for groups of 50+ people.
- Hiwassee Loop: Ride the Hiwassee Loop on Fridays or Sundays as a half-day trip alternative to the Copperhill Special.
Contact Information
For trip details, dates, pricing, and routes, please contact our Group Coordinator/Passenger Sales Manager at 423.894.8028 ext. 1017 or fill out the Group Information Form at https://www.tvrail.com/groups/.
Book Your Experience
Join us for a memorable adventure on the Copperhill Special Day Trip. Book your tickets today and enjoy the stunning landscapes and historical journey through Tennessee!
Adventure Tips
Dress for varied weather
Layers and weather-appropriate clothing will help you stay comfortable during the outdoor segments and inside the train car.
Bring your camera
The scenic vistas and historic engineering marvels are photogenic—don’t forget your camera or smartphone.
Arrive early
Getting to the station with plenty of time ensures you won’t miss the departure and can settle in comfortably.
Prepare for potential motion sickness
If you're sensitive to train movement, consider taking medication or choosing seats centrally in the train.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer
- Bald eagles spotted soaring overhead
History
The Hiwassee Loop was built in the early 20th century as part of the railroad’s efforts to navigate the challenging terrain, creating an engineering marvel still admired today.
Conservation
The railroad actively promotes sustainable tourism by preserving historic equipment and maintaining scenic routes responsibly, minimizing environmental impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered clothing
Layers allow you to adjust for varying temperatures inside the train and outside environment.
all specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic vistas and historic engine details along the route.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses will help shield you during outdoor stops and waiting times.
summer specific
Water and snacks
Stay hydrated and energized for the full day of travel and sightseeing.
all specific