Hiwassee History

For more information on the history of the L&N’s Atlanta Division:

• George, Michael. Louisville & Nashville’s Atlanta Division. Collegedale, TN: The College Press, 2000
• Buehler, Ingrid, and Linda Caldwell. The Old Line Railroad. Benton, TN: Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association and Polk County Publishing Co. Inc., 2009

The stretch of railroad tracks that the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad train rides upon has a rich and storied past. Once part of the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) Railroad’s expansive Atlanta Division, this particular line originally connected Etowah, Tennessee to Marietta, Georgia. In its heyday, it stood as a crucial artery of transportation, weaving through the rugged landscape of the southern Appalachian region and shouldering heavy freight, mineral resources, and passenger traffic as it went.

When construction of the line was completed in 1890, the engineering feat required to cross the formidable mountain elevations took the form of multiple switchbacks. These switchbacks, while innovative for their time, soon proved to be inefficient. Trains traveling this route often struggled to maintain consistent momentum, resulting in time-consuming and costly operations. Searching for a more practical solution, railroad engineers turned to a design that would eventually set this route apart: they decided to loop the track around Bald Mountain.

Completed in 1898, this extraordinary loop was no minor accomplishment. It was one of only three locations in the entire United States where railroad tracks looped back over themselves to gain elevation in limited space. The design eliminated the need for multiple switchbacks and established a landmark engineering marvel. Combined with a series of double “S” curves near Jasper, Georgia, this engineering solution birthed the nickname “Hook and Eye Line.” While the gentle yet persistent “S” curves formed the metaphorical hook, the grand looping track served as the eye, creating a memorable identity still recognized by railway enthusiasts and historians.

As the dawn of the twentieth century approached, the L&N Railroad sought even more efficient routes. By the early 1900s, they had established a new right-of-way passing west of the Hook and Eye. With this development, the once crucial line lost its status and was relegated to the role of an “old line.” Nevertheless, it remained operational due to ongoing mining ventures in Copperhill, Tennessee, ensuring a continued flow of freight. However, when these mining activities ceased in 2001, the modern successor to L&N—CSX Transportation—opted to abandon that portion of the track.

It was at this juncture that community and preservation efforts stepped in. In 2002, the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association, a dedicated non-profit organization, purchased the abandoned tracks to ensure their protection and celebrate their historical significance. Shortly thereafter, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, with its mission to preserve and interpret America’s rail history, became the sole operator of heritage passenger trains along the old Hook and Eye Line. This stewardship not only safeguarded a valuable piece of railroad heritage, but also breathed new life into the scenic tourism trade.

Today, passengers on the Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad trains are treated to a journey that is equal parts historical tour and immersive natural escape. For much of the trip, the train glides alongside the tranquil waters of the Hiwassee River, offering panoramic views of forested slopes and the chance to glimpse wildlife in its natural habitat. Cascading waterfalls, quiet mountain passes, and remnants of once-thriving communities provide layers of interest, reminding travelers of the many stories etched into the landscape. The ruins of old settlements visible along the route hint at a bygone era, when the rails served as lifelines for remote communities.

In riding these historic rails, today’s passengers become part of the ongoing story. They experience firsthand how ingenuity, determination, and respect for the past have combined to create an unforgettable adventure. The Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad is more than just a train excursion—it is a living history lesson, a scenic delight, and a tribute to the enduring legacy of American railroading.