FINAL EVENING RIDGE RUNNER OF THE SEASON — RIDE BEHIND STEAM STAR 630
Final Evening Steam Ride at TVRM
As the golden sun dips behind the ridges of Chattanooga, a final whistle will echo through the valley — the last Evening Ridge Runner of the season is ready to depart. And it’s going out in unforgettable style: with Southern Railway 2-8-0 No. 630 in the lead.
This Saturday marks your last chance in 2025 to ride into the twilight behind one of the South’s most beloved steam locomotives. Whether you’re a local, a railfan, or a visitor looking for a unique experience, this special night offers an atmospheric ride unlike any other.
🚂 A Living Legend: No. 630
Built in 1904 by the American Locomotive Company, engine 630 has hauled everything from heavy coal trains to passenger excursions across the Southeast. Lovingly maintained and operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, No. 630 now brings the sights, sounds, and smells of the steam era to a new generation.
As she pulls out of the depot this Saturday night, you’ll hear the sharp bark of her exhaust and see steam curl upward into the cool evening air — a moment both majestic and fleeting.
“Riding behind 630 isn’t just a ride. It’s an experience that stirs the soul.”
🌆 Twilight Departures & Schedule
The Evening Ridge Runner departs from Grand Junction Station at:
- 6:00 PM
- 7:30 PM
Each ride lasts approximately 65 minutes, traveling over Missionary Ridge through an original pre-Civil War tunnel and including a brief stop at East Chattanooga to see a demonstration of the turntable.
🎟️ Tickets are limited — secure yours now: https://bit.ly/4jheRTE
🌌 Why Ride the Evening Ridge Runner?
- Steam at Sunset: Catch golden-hour lighting for photos and ambiance
- Ride Vintage Equipment: Enjoy lovingly restored coaches
- Rail History in Motion: This is steam railroading the way it was
- Final Chance Until 2026: The Evening Ridge Runner won’t return until next season
Whether you’re seated in a climate-controlled coach or an open-air car, every seat has a view — of twilight railroading at its finest.
📍 Overview
Duration: 65 minutes
Departure Times: 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Location: Grand Junction Station, Chattanooga, TN
Locomotive: Southern Railway 2-8-0 No. 630 (steam-powered)
Highlights:
- Train ride at sunset
- Pre-Civil War tunnel
- Turntable demonstration
- Rare steam locomotive in action
Ticket Types:
- Adult
- Child (2–12)
- Children under 2 ride free in lap
Requirements:
- Trains depart promptly — arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Not recommended for those with severe mobility issues
- Restrooms available at departure and return only
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I take photos during the ride?
A: Absolutely — this is one of the best times for rail photography. Tag your photos with #EveningRidgeRunner.
Q2: Is this ride steam-powered?
A: Yes, both departures are pulled by Southern Railway 630, one of TVRM’s crown jewels.
Q3: Can I bring food or drinks onboard?
A: Light refreshments are allowed, but please no alcohol or glass bottles.
🌿 Final Thoughts
The Evening Ridge Runner is more than just a train ride. It’s a farewell to summer, a twilight tour through Chattanooga’s railroad legacy, and a front-row seat to the timeless magic of steam.
When the whistle blows on this final night, it won’t just mark the end of a ride — it will signal the close of a season rich with memory, motion, and Southern charm.