SUMMERVILLE STEAM SPECIAL

What’s Included

• Round-trip steam train ride between Chattanooga, TN and Summerville, GA
• Optional dining car lunch available for purchase
• One-hour layover in downtown Summerville to enjoy local shops, dining, and sights

What’s Not Included

• Personal items or souvenirs
• Additional snacks or beverages not listed on the dining menu

Itinerary (Approximate Times)

• Depart Grand Junction Depot – 9:00 AM (Eastern)
  Enjoy a scenic ride through North Georgia, passing Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette, and Trion.
• Arrive in Summerville – Approximately 1:05 PM
  One-hour layover in Summerville (1:05–2:05 PM) to explore the town, visit the depot, or enjoy lunch.
• Depart Summerville – Approximately 2:05 PM
  Begin the return trip to Chattanooga.
• Return to Grand Junction Depot – Around 6:00 PM

Highlights

• Historic Steam Locomotives: Travel behind Southern Railway 4501 or 630, authentic icons of American rail heritage
• Scenic Georgia Foothills: Capture the beauty of rolling hills, farmlands, and fall colors during select autumn dates
• Summerville Stopover: Discover small-town charm, enjoy local hospitality, and watch the locomotive turn on the historic turntable

Please Note

Tickets are required for all guests ages 2 and older.

Train Car Options

Car assignments may vary by date and availability. Photos are representative.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ride?
The Summerville Steam Special is a full-day excursion, lasting approximately 8–9 hours from departure to return. The train departs Chattanooga at 9:00 AM and returns around 6:00 PM (Eastern Time).

Is lunch included?
Lunch is included with Dining Car, Parlor, Observation, and Dome seating.
Coach seating does not include a meal by default, but optional onboard dining or boxed lunches may be available for purchase, depending on your seating selection.

Can I stay on the train during the layover in Summerville?
Yes. Guests may choose to remain onboard during the one-hour layover in Summerville or disembark to explore the town, visit local shops, or enjoy lunch.

Is this ride suitable for kids?
Yes. The Summerville Steam Special is family-friendly and enjoyed by guests of all ages. Due to the length of the ride, it is best suited for children who are comfortable with a full-day experience.

Are there mobility considerations?
Yes. The Summerville Depot does not have a platform ramp. Guests must be able to use train car stairwells to disembark. Guests with mobility concerns may choose to remain onboard during the layover.

Dining car lunch: House-smoked pulled pork with blackberry BBQ sauce, coleslaw, potato salad, pickles, and dessert.

Breakfast: Quiche, hash brown casserole, sausage links, blueberry muffin, and fresh fruit.

Schedule & Departure Times

All times below are approximate and subject to change based on operating conditions. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow for check-in and boarding.

Depart Grand Junction Depot (Chattanooga): 9:00 AM (Eastern)
Begin your full-day adventure as the Summerville Steam Special departs from our Grand Junction Depot. Guests are encouraged to check in by 8:30 AM to ensure an on-time departure.

En Route to Summerville: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Enjoy a leisurely ride through the Tennessee-Georgia foothills, passing historic towns such as Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette, and Trion. The route offers scenic farmland views and opportunities for memorable photos along the way.

Arrive in Summerville, Georgia: Approximately 1:05 PM
Upon arrival, the train will pause for a one-hour layover. Guests may disembark to stretch their legs, explore local shops, or enjoy lunch downtown before re-boarding.

Depart Summerville: Approximately 2:05 PM
Following servicing and turntable operations of the steam locomotive, the train departs for the return trip to Chattanooga.

Arrive Back at Grand Junction Depot: Around 6:00 PM
The train returns to Chattanooga in the early evening. Guests should expect a total excursion time of roughly nine hours from departure to return.

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.

Explore Downtown Summerville

Make the most of your visit with time to explore charming downtown Summerville—just steps from the depot. Guests can take advantage of our complimentary 8-person golf cart shuttle, offering easy transportation between the train and downtown.

Known as the Friendship Capital of the World, Summerville welcomes visitors with small-town charm, local flavor, and plenty to discover.

Dining & Local Favorites

Enjoy a variety of nearby dining options, including Jefferson’s, Dos MaGuey, Subway, and DIRT Pour Coffee & Sandwich Shop, located in the historic downtown district. Seasonal food vendors and live music are often featured during event days, adding even more to the experience.

Shopping & Unique Finds

Browse a collection of locally owned shops, all within walking distance:

• Hayden Taylor Design – Jewelry, home décor, and gifts
• Sweet Beaux Mercantile – 30+ vendor booths with unique items
• Merle Norman Cosmetics and Ga Ga’s Boutique
• Morris Jewelers, The Furniture Shoppe, and Duff’s Florist

A Place Worth Exploring

Directly across from the depot, visit the World Friendship Pocket Park and the Solid Rock of World Friendship—perfect for photos and a relaxing stroll.

Founded in 1848, Summerville is the county seat of Chattooga County and home to just over 4,500 residents. The community is recognized as a Purple Heart City, City of Ethics, and Tree City USA, and hosts more than 20 festivals and events each year.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or making it part of your rail experience, Summerville offers a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to enjoy.

2026 Public Calendar of Events

For Train Enthusiasts

At Summerville, the steam locomotive is turned on the historic turntable, inspected, serviced, and refilled with water in preparation for the return trip to Chattanooga. Power for the Summerville Steam Special is most often provided by Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501, with No. 630 occasionally taking the lead depending on operational needs.

Typical Crew

• Engineer
• Fireman
• G&W Pilot
• Conductor
• Trainman
• Stewards
• First-Class Attendants
• Cooks

— Steam operations & locomotive specifications —

Locomotive Details

• Coal consumption: 6–8 tons
• Water usage: 13,000–15,000 gallons

Operating Speeds

• 20 mph – Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trackage
• 15 mph – Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) trackage

Historical Context Along the Route

Historic Central of Georgia Railway timetables recorded average speeds of approximately 23 mph between Chattanooga and Rome, including station and flag stops.

One of today’s most popular photo locations, Rock Spring, was once a rural flag stop where farmers shipped poultry, eggs, and produce north to Chattanooga—some of which later supplied dining services at the Chattanooga Terminal.

Railroad Ownership & Operations

Today’s route follows the former Central of Georgia main line, departing the East Chattanooga Belt Railway at 23rd Street. The line is owned by Norfolk Southern as far as Rossville, then by the State of Georgia, and is operated by Genesee & Wyoming’s Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway.

TVRM extends sincere thanks to Norfolk Southern, Genesee & Wyoming, and the State of Georgia for their continued partnership and support in making these steam excursions possible.