🚂 A Relaxed Pace
Settle in, unplug, and enjoy an unhurried journey through the countryside around Delano.
👨👩👧👦 Welcoming for All Ages
Share an easygoing rail adventure with family, friends, or someone experiencing train travel for the first time.
💺 Time Together on the Rails
Leave the driving behind and make room for conversation, shared views, and memories along the way.
🌿 Close to the Scenery
See the quieter side of Southeast Tennessee from the train, with the landscape unfolding just beyond your window.
Train Rides Departing from Delano, Tennessee
Choose Your Delano Train Ride
Delano offers several ways to experience the Hiwassee River corridor. Pick the trip that best matches your available time and interests:
- Hiwassee Powerhouse: a shorter introduction to the river, forest, and historic powerhouse
- Hiwassee Loop: a half-day journey featuring the celebrated Hook & Eye track design
- Copperhill Special: a full-day trip with a 90-minute layover in Copperhill and McCaysville
- Holiday departures: select family and full-day experiences offered in December
All rides on this page depart from Delano. Use the cards below to compare current dates, ages, durations, prices, and live availability.
Journey Through the Hiwassee River Gorge
These trains follow rail lines first constructed by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in the late nineteenth century to navigate southeastern Tennessee’s rugged terrain. The route winds beside the Hiwassee River through forested slopes, rock cuts, waterfalls, and traces of early Appalachian communities.
The Hook & Eye Line
The original 1890 route relied on steep switchbacks to climb Bald Mountain. In 1898, engineers replaced them with the remarkable looping track now known as the Hiwassee Loop. Together with a nearby double “S” curve, the design earned the railroad its Hook & Eye Line nickname.
Today, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum operates passenger trains across these preserved rails, combining river and mountain views with the story of an unusual engineering achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Delano train rides suitable for children?
Yes. The rides listed here welcome guests of all ages, although durations and onboard experiences vary. Review the individual trip before booking.
How long are the rides?
Options range from approximately 90 minutes to a full day. The Hiwassee Loop is a half-day trip, while Copperhill journeys include a destination layover.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restrooms are available on the train and are located no more than one railcar from passenger seating.
Can I purchase food and drinks?
Most rides offer an onboard commissary with snacks and beverages. Meal choices and inclusions vary, so check the individual ride page.
Where do I park?
Complimentary parking is available at the Delano departure location, 9406 Highway 411, Delano, TN 37325.
When should I ride?
Spring offers fresh greenery, summer brings long river views, fall highlights changing leaves, and December adds select holiday experiences. Check live calendars for current availability.
MAPS & ROUTES
Hiwassee River Railroad Route Map
Hiwassee River Railroad Route Map
This route map highlights the Hiwassee River Railroad operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, departing from Delano, Tennessee.
The map outlines two primary experiences:
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A shorter scenic loop through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge
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A full-day excursion to Copperhill and McCaysville, featuring a layover to explore shops, dining, and the Tennessee–Georgia state line
Use this map to better understand the railroad’s layout, key landmarks along the route, and how each train ride experience differs in length and destination.
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM'S HISTORY
Preserving History on Rails
Journey through Time:The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is dedicated to preserving, operating, and showcasing railroad artifacts in an authentic environment, educating the public about the pivotal role of railroads in regional history and development. TVRM, established in 1961 by railroad enthusiasts, not only conserves historic railway equipment but also provides a dynamic historical experience, underscoring the significance of railroads in shaping the modern world.
Locomotive Restoration Updates
Reviving History: Locomotive Restorations at TVRMFollow our dedicated team as they breathe new life into historic locomotives, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.
Upcoming Events at TVRM
TVRM Events: Seasonal Rides & Celebrations AheadStay updated with our exciting calendar of events – from seasonal train rides to special celebrations, there’s always something happening at TVRM.
Railroad History and Heritage
Tracing Railroads: From Origins to Modern ImpactDive into the rich history of the railroad industry and the essential role it played in shaping our nation, from early development to modern times.
Historic Preservation
TVRM: Reviving Railroad Legacy for Future GenerationsExplore living history at TVRM: restored locomotives and railcars narrate the story of rail’s impact, keeping the past alive for future generations.
Featured Exhibits
Discover TVRM's Exhibits: A Journey Through Rail HistoryExplore the fascinating exhibits at TVRM, each one offering unique insights into different aspects of railway technology, history, and culture.
Behind-the-Scenes at TVRM
Inside TVRM: Unveiling Railroading's Hidden WorldExplore railroading at TVRM with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Discover updates, staff insights, and the preservation of railway history.
EAST TENNESSEE & GEORGIA RAILROAD AND THE CIVIL WAR
The year 2013 marks one of the sesquicentennial anniversaries of the Civil War. Mark Brainard, a keen Civil War historian (and re-enactment participant), is also a volunteer at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga. TVRM owns and operates three miles of former Southern Railway right-of-way that, it turns out for Civil War aficionados, is hallowed ground.
THE EAST TENNESSEE (THE CRITICAL LINK)
In the 1830s, the frontier that was East Tennessee needed improved transportation to reach seaports and commercial centers east of the Appalachians. The first step, in late-1831, was the chartering of the Lynchburg and New River Railroad, designed to link the James River and Kanawha Canal at Lynchburg, Va., with the Tennessee River at Knoxville.