Quick Details
Step aboard for an unforgettable day with the Summerville Steam Special — a classic rail excursion from Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia. Experience the sights, sounds, and nostalgia of vintage rail travel aboard a fully restored steam locomotive. Perfect for families, history lovers, and train enthusiasts alike!
Coach No Meal
Available in Enclosed or Open Window Car
$ 90
Coach With Dining Car
Includes lunch in the dining car
$ 120
Parlor
First Class - Includes breakfast and lunch in the dining car
$ 210
Observation
First Class - Includes breakfast and lunch in the dining car
$ 215
Dome Section (each section seats 2 passengers)
First Class - Includes breakfast and lunch in the dining car
$ 500
Historical Steam Engine Train Ride!
Summerville Steam (all rides 9:00 AM)
Reserve your seat for one of these fall departures:
Nov 1, Nov 2, Nov 8.
About the Summerville Steam Special
Experience a classic steam-powered train ride from the Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia, and back. This all-day excursion follows a historic rail route, crossing the Tennessee-Georgia state line at Rossville before winding through the scenic outskirts of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through the charming Georgia towns of Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette, Trion, and finally Summerville.
The Summerville Steam Special departs at 9:00 AM and returns to Chattanooga around 6:00 PM (Eastern Time), offering a full day of rail adventure and nostalgia.
During the fall season, riders are treated to vibrant autumn colors along the route—though every trip features optional dining service and a relaxing layover in Summerville, where guests can stretch their legs, enjoy lunch, and explore the town’s small-town charm. For many passengers, the highlight of the day is hearing one of our authentic steam locomotives echo through the Georgia foothills—an unforgettable sound that defines this heritage ride.
Please note: The Summerville Depot does not have a platform ramp. Passengers must be able to use the train car stairwells to disembark. Those with mobility concerns should consider this before making dining or layover plans in Summerville.
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What’s Included
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Round-trip steam train ride between Chattanooga, TN and Summerville, GA
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Optional dining car lunch available for purchase
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One-hour layover in downtown Summerville to enjoy local shops, dining, and sights
What’s Not Included
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Personal items or souvenirs
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Additional snacks or beverages not listed on the dining menu
Itinerary (Approximate Times)
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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
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Historic Steam Locomotives: Travel behind Southern Railway 4501 or 630, authentic icons of American rail heritage
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Scenic Georgia Foothills: Capture the beauty of rolling hills, farmlands, and fall colors during select autumn dates
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Summerville Stopover: Discover small-town charm, enjoy local hospitality, and watch the locomotive turn on the historic turntable
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Dining car lunch: Brisket sandwich with bourbon sauce and onion straws, coleslaw, potato salad – Dessert: Chocolate pie and other rotating seasonal options
Breakfast (1st class passengers only): French Toast, diced potatoes with green peppers & onions, sausage links, and quiche.
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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. -
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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.
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For Train Enthusiasts
In Summerville, the steam locomotive is turned on the historic turntable, serviced, and refilled with water in preparation for the return trip to Chattanooga. Power for the Summerville Steam Special is typically provided by Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501, though No. 630 occasionally takes the lead.
Typical Crew
- Engineer
- Fireman
- G&W Pilot
- Conductor
- Trainman
- Stewards
- First-Class Attendants
- Cooks
Locomotive Details
- Coal: 6–8 tons
- Water: 13,000–15,000 gallons
Operating Speeds
- 20 mph – Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trackage
- 15 mph – Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) trackage
Historically, the Central of Georgia Railway timetable recorded average speeds of about 23 mph between Chattanooga and Rome — including all station and flag stops. One of today’s favorite 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 the dining services on trains departing the Chattanooga Terminal.
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 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.