HIWASSEE LOOP

Midway Seating Rotation

At the midpoint of the ride, guests switch sides from the mountain side to the river side (and vice versa). This allows everyone the opportunity to enjoy all scenic views along the route.

Dome Car – No. 9410

Ages: All ages
Pricing: Priced per seat

Located on the upper level, the Dome Car features a glass ceiling that provides panoramic views of the Hiwassee River Gorge.

• Seats approximately 18 guests
• Complimentary snack box and beverages included
• Not recommended for guests with mobility or stair-climbing limitations

This dome car offers one of the best vantage points for experiencing the scenery along the route.

Dome Car – Algonquin Park

Ages: 13+
Pricing: Priced per seat

This upper-level dome car features a glass ceiling and sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.

• Seats approximately 18 guests
• Complimentary snack box and beverages included
• Not recommended for guests with mobility or stair-climbing limitations

An excellent choice for guests seeking elevated, unobstructed views throughout the trip.

Observation Car

Ages: 13+
Pricing: Priced per seat

Located on the ground level, the Observation Car features a rounded end with large windows designed for sightseeing.

• Seats approximately 12 guests
• Complimentary snack box and beverages included
• Not recommended for guests with mobility limitations

Observation cars were once common at the rear of passenger trains but became rare after the 1950s, making this a unique viewing experience.

Coach Seating

Ages: All ages
Pricing: Priced per seat

Traditional, climate-controlled coach seating offering a comfortable and relaxed ride for guests of all ages.

Crown Class

Location: Lower level of Dome Car No. 9410
Pricing: Priced per seat

Crown Class seating is located on the ground level of the dome car.

• Complimentary snack box and beverages included
• Offers comfort without the need to climb stairs

Lounge Car

Ages: All ages
Pricing: Priced per seat

The Lounge Car features individual lounge-style seating with large windows.

• Complimentary snack box and beverages included
• Ideal for guests who prefer a relaxed, open seating experience

Important Departure Information

This train departs from Delano, Tennessee — not from Chattanooga.

Boarding Location:
9406 Highway 411, Delano, TN 37325

Departure Time: 1:30 p.m.
Return Time: Approximately 6:00–6:30 p.m.

Delano is located about 1–2 hours from Chattanooga, depending on traffic. Please allow plenty of travel time and plan to arrive early to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

The Delano departure location offers a relaxed, scenic setting and makes for a full, memorable day trip. Guests are encouraged to observe posted speed limits when traveling through nearby communities, as local enforcement is active.

Onboard Amenities & Additional Information

Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard, including soft drinks, coffee, water, chips, crackers, and candy bars. Guests are also welcome to bring their own lunch; however, alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Souvenirs such as T-shirts, caps, and books are available for purchase during the ride. Restrooms are located onboard the train and are never more than one car away.

The train consists of enclosed, climate-controlled coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive. Standard coach seating is open, while a limited number of premium seating options are available by reservation. Free parking is available at the departure location: 9406 Highway 411, Delano, TN 37325.

Videos:

Tennessee Adventures Begin – Discover the Hiwassee Loop’s Natural Beauty!

• Tennessee Adventures Begin – Discover the Hiwassee Loop’s Natural Beauty
  Experience a 4½-hour, 50-mile round-trip rail adventure through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge. This excursion highlights dramatic scenery, sweeping river views, and the engineering marvel of the Hiwassee Loop near Farner, Tennessee. Climate-controlled coaches, onboard refreshments, and relaxed pacing make this a memorable day trip for nature lovers and rail enthusiasts alike.

The Amazing Looping Railroad

• The Amazing Looping Railroad
  Learn about the construction of the Hiwassee Loop, a rare spiral track completed in 1898 to replace steep mountain switchbacks. Built by the Atlanta, Knoxville & Northern Railroad and later absorbed by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, this feat of engineering remains one of the most distinctive rail loops in North America.
  Video courtesy of Delay In Block Productions. – Delay In Block Productions

Frequently Asked Questions

⏱️ How long is the Hiwassee Loop ride?
The full Hiwassee Loop experience lasts approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on routing and operational conditions.

🌄 Is the ride scenic?
Yes. This is one of TVRM’s most scenic excursions, featuring dramatic views of the Hiwassee River Gorge, forested mountain slopes, bridges, tunnels, and frequent wildlife sightings.

🅿️ Where do we park?
Parking is available at the Delano boarding location:
9406 Highway 411, Delano, TN 37325

🚻 Are restrooms available on the train?
Yes. Restrooms are available onboard and are never more than one railcar away.

♿ What if I have difficulty climbing stairs or need accessibility accommodations?
Some seating options require climbing stairs. Dome and Observation seating are not recommended for guests with mobility limitations.
Because these historic railcars predate ADA standards, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated onboard. Guests who can self-board and use a standard seat are welcome.
If you have questions before booking, please contact [email protected].

🌧️ Does the train operate if it’s raining?
Yes. The Hiwassee Loop operates rain or shine, and all passenger coaches are enclosed and climate-controlled.

🍴 Can I bring food or drinks onboard?
Guests may bring light snacks and bottled water.
Please use provided trash receptacles to help keep the train clean.
Alcoholic beverages and large coolers are not permitted.

❄️ Is the train climate-controlled?
Most coaches include heating and air-conditioning, though temperatures may vary slightly with outdoor conditions.

🔁 Why do passengers switch seats halfway through the ride?
The train does not turn around. Guests are invited to switch sides at the midpoint so everyone enjoys both river-side and mountain-side views.

🚶 Can I move around during the trip?
Yes. Guests may walk between cars while the train is in motion. Please use caution and hold handrails when moving.

🎟️ Can I reserve tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended, especially during fall foliage dates when trains often sell out.

🛤️ What is the “Hiwassee Loop”?
The Loop is a rare railroad engineering feature where the track climbs in a full spiral and crosses over itself. It is one of only a few remaining railroad loops in North America—and the only one east of the Mississippi River.

📍 Why doesn’t the train board at the L&N Depot & Museum?
That depot sits along an active CSX freight mainline. Hiwassee Loop trains operate on the historic “Old Line”, which branches off near Wetmore and departs from Delano.

🍿 Is food available onboard for purchase?
Yes. A commissary car offers snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Guests in Premium Dome and Observation seating receive complimentary snacks.

🐕 Can I bring a pet?
Only trained service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted onboard.

🎓 Educational & Group Rates
Special educational and group rates are available for the Hiwassee Loop, including schools, youth organizations, and educational programs. Advance arrangements are required.
👉 Learn more about group and educational pricing

Explore More With TVRM

The Hiwassee Loop is one of TVRM’s most iconic rail experiences, but it’s just the beginning. Discover more memorable train rides and events across our system:

• 🚆 Copperhill Special – A full-day adventure departing from Delano with a layover to explore Copperhill, TN
• 🍁 Fall Train Rides in Tennessee – See why the Hiwassee River Gorge is a favorite during peak fall color season
• 🌄 North Georgia Scenic Train Experiences – Explore additional rail excursions connected to the Hiwassee River region
• 🎓 Hands-On Learning Programs – Educational experiences designed for younger railfans and school groups
• 🎄 Hiwassee Santa Train Ride – Make it a holiday tradition with this festive winter excursion departing from Delano, featuring seasonal décor, family-friendly fun, and the scenic charm of the Hiwassee River Gorge.

Each ride offers a distinct way to experience rail travel, scenery, and storytelling—perfect for first-time visitors and returning guests alike.

#drip-ef-319590170 { font: .875rem/1.5rem sans-serif; width: 100%; }
#drip-ef-319590170 h3 { font-size: 1.125rem; margin: 0 0 .375rem; }
#drip-ef-319590170 > div { margin-bottom: .75rem; }
#drip-ef-319590170 fieldset { border: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
#drip-ef-319590170 legend { margin: 0; padding: 0; }
#drip-ef-319590170 input[type=”email”],
#drip-ef-319590170 input[type=”number”],
#drip-ef-319590170 input[type=”tel”],
#drip-ef-319590170 input[type=”text”] { margin: 0; padding: .375rem .5625rem; width: 100%; }
#drip-ef-319590170 input[type=”checkbox”],
#drip-ef-319590170 input[type=”radio”] { margin: .1875rem .1875rem 0 0; padding: 0; }
#drip-ef-319590170 input[type=”submit”] { margin: 0; padding: .375rem .5625rem; }

window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
window.dataLayer.push({
‘event’: ‘view_item’,
‘ecommerce’: {
‘currencyCode’: ‘USD’,
‘value’: 42,
‘items’: [{
‘item_id’: ‘Adults’,
‘item_name’: ‘Hiwassee Loop’,
‘item_brand’: ‘Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’,
‘item_category’: ‘Train Ride’,
‘item_category2’: ‘Scenic Train Ride’,
‘item_category3’: ‘Family-Friendly, Nature Enthusiasts, History Buffs’,
‘item_category4’: ‘Ticket Options (Adults, Children, Seniors)’,
‘item_category5’: ‘Scenic Views, Historic Narration, Hiwassee River Gorge, Spiral Loop Track, Comfortable Seating’,
‘item_variant’: ‘Adults’,
‘location_id’:’ChIJ5Rsh4o1IXogRMhk5gYI4mCw’,
‘price’: 42,
‘duration’: ‘4.5 Hour’,
‘quantity’: 1,
}]
}
});