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
Standard coach seating • Meals available as add-ons
$ 90
Coach — Dining: Breakfast
Includes breakfast served in the dining car
$ 120
Coach — Dining: Lunch
Includes lunch served in the dining car
$ 120
Coach — Dining: Breakfast + Lunch
Includes breakfast and lunch in the dining car
$ 150
Golden Sand Premium
First Class • Breakfast & Lunch Included
$ 215
Office Car 21
Private car for up to 8 guests • Exclusive experience
$ 3500
Historical Steam Engine Train Ride
Summerville Steam Special (all rides depart 9:00 AM)
About the Summerville Steam Special
Step aboard a steam-powered train ride from the Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Summerville, Georgia, and back.
This is a full-day excursion following a classic Southern rail route. Along the way, the train crosses the Tennessee–Georgia state line at Rossville and travels near the outskirts of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, passing through charming towns including:
- Chickamauga
- Rock Spring
- LaFayette
- Trion
- Summerville
The Summerville Steam Special departs at 9:00 AM and returns to Chattanooga around 6:00 PM (Eastern Time), offering a relaxed, unhurried day aboard vintage railcars.
During fall departures, riders enjoy seasonal color along the route. Every trip includes a one-hour layover in Summerville, with time to stretch your legs, explore the town, or enjoy lunch. For many guests, the highlight is hearing an authentic steam-powered locomotive echo through the Georgia foothills.
Please note: The Summerville Depot does not have a platform ramp. Guests must be able to use train car stairwells to disembark. Those with mobility concerns should consider this before planning dining or layover activities.
Is This Ride Right for You?
A good fit if you’re looking for:
- A full-day steam-powered rail experience
- Vintage railcars and authentic steam locomotives
- A relaxed pace with a small-town layover
- Optional onboard dining and first-class seating
Not ideal if you want:
- A short sightseeing ride
- Frequent on/off stops
- ADA-accessible platforms at all stations
🎁 Looking for a last-minute gift?
TVRM gift cards are available online and can be used toward the Summerville Steam Special or any Chattanooga-area train experience—no wrapping required.
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Extend Your Journey: Optional Overnight Getaway Experience
For guests who want to turn their train ride into a true escape, a limited Overnight Getaway Package is available on select 2026 departures. This optional upgrade transforms your rail excursion into a relaxed Southern retreat — combining scenic rail travel, comfortable accommodations, and extra time to enjoy Chickamauga beyond the standard day trip.
Instead of returning home the same evening, guests spend the night in one of Chickamauga’s welcoming historic inns, allowing you to slow down, explore downtown shops and restaurants, and enjoy the destination at a more leisurely pace.
Your Overnight Package Includes
- Round-trip train travel from Chattanooga
- Seated lunch served in the dining car
- A private overnight suite for two at either the Gordon-Lee Mansion or Back Porch Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Catered Southern or Continental breakfast the following morning
- Depot-to-inn transportation transfers
- A $100 dinner gift card for use at participating downtown Chickamauga restaurants
Priced at TBD per couple, this package blends classic passenger rail travel with a relaxing overnight stay — creating a complete rail-and-stay getaway experience.
2026 Overnight Departure Dates
Overnight packages operate on select departures and vary depending on whether the trip is powered by steam or the standard Chickamauga Turn consist.
🚂 Summerville Steam Overnight Departures
(Summerville Steam outbound • Chickamauga Turn return)These special overnight departures begin with a steam-powered journey aboard the Summerville Steam Special, traveling from Chattanooga to Chickamauga. After an overnight stay in town, guests return the following day aboard the Chickamauga Turn, creating a unique two-day rail experience that combines historic steam railroading with a relaxed daytime excursion.
2026 Overnight Dates
- May 23–24 — Summerville Steam + Chickamauga Turn Return
- July 4–5 — Summerville Steam + Chickamauga Turn Return
- August 1–2 — Summerville Steam + Chickamauga Turn Return
- September 5–6 — Summerville Steam + Chickamauga Turn Return
These departures pair the excitement of steam travel with a leisurely overnight getaway, making them among the most popular overnight experiences of the season.
🚆 Chickamauga Turn Overnight Departures
(Standard excursion consist)
- May 16–17
- July 11–12
- August 8–9
- August 29–30
- September 19–20
These departures follow the traditional Chickamauga Turn schedule while offering the same overnight accommodations and enhanced destination experience.
Availability is limited and dates may adjust based on operational needs. Overnight packages historically sell out quickly, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.
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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
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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: 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. -
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
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.