Plan Your Visit

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:

• A shorter scenic loop through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge

• 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.

This route map highlights the Summerville Steam Special, tracing the full journey from Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga to Summerville, Georgia. The map showcases key towns, landmarks, and mileage along the line, helping guests visualize the full-day steam excursion and its scenic progression through North Georgia.

This illustrated route map highlights the Missionary Ridge Local train ride, including Grand Junction Station, East Chattanooga Depot, and TVRM’s active restoration backshop. The map also notes parking locations and key points along the journey, helping guests plan their visit before boarding.

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.

Public Transit Access

Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) bus route #19 provides weekday service with stops near Grand Junction. Please note that this route does not operate on weekends.

For the most current schedules, routes, and service updates, always verify details on the official CARTA website.

Take I-75 to Exit 4 (Highway 153). Merge onto Hwy 153 and take Exit 3 for Jersey Pike, just past the car dealerships. At the end of the ramp, turn left to cross over Hwy 153, then immediately turn right onto Cromwell Road.

Continue approximately 1/3 mile. The Tennessee Valley Railroad entrance will be on the right, marked by signage next to the main office building. The entrance is just past the office. Cross the tracks and park in the lower lot.

Please allow extra time for potential traffic delays.

For information on Etowah, contact the Etowah Chamber of Commerce at:

The Read House Hotel in Chattanooga, reborn in 2018, blends historic 1920s elegance with modern comforts. This Jazz-era gem features a grand lobby with chandeliers and checkerboard floors. It offers 241 rooms, including Tower and Manor rooms, each uniquely styled. Guests enjoy benefits like priority room upgrades, champagne at check-in, and a noon check-out. The hotel, a contender in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, boasts Bridgeman’s Chophouse and a Bar & Billiards room. Ideal for weddings and events, The Read House is a symbol of enduring grandeur in downtown Chattanooga.

Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place offers a comfortable stay near top attractions like Hamilton Place Mall and Tennessee Aquarium. The pet-friendly hotel features plush rooms with amenities like free WiFi, mini-fridges, and a pool. Ideal for both leisure and business, with meeting rooms and a patio. Enjoy the convenience of being close to Erlanger East Hospital, Chattanooga Airport, and local colleges. The hotel’s location and amenities cater to a variety of needs for a memorable stay.

Holiday Inn & Suites Chattanooga Downtown offers stylish, modern rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and on-site dining at Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse. Located near attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and AT&T Field, it’s ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Features include Tesla chargers, a pool, meeting facilities, and kids eat free policy. The hotel is close to local businesses and medical centers, making it a convenient choice for various visitors.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place offers a comfortable stay with amenities like free breakfast, WiFi, and parking. Located off I-75, near Hamilton Place Mall and Chattanooga Airport, it’s 20 minutes from downtown attractions. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, indoor pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms. Enjoy convenient services like digital check-in and Hilton Honors benefits. Ideal for group events, with easy access to local sites and airport.

Tennessee Valley Model Railroaders, Inc. (TVMRI) was founded in 2019 to unite model train enthusiasts. With over fifty years promoting the hobby, TVMRI operates an HO scale railroad and is planning clinics and events. Members often belong to the NMRA. Visits can be arranged via email. Join their Open Houses for a closer look.

Chattanooga Tourism Co. presents the city as a top-rated destination for visitors. Nestled in Southeast Tennessee by the Tennessee River, it’s celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant city life. The tourism site offers information on things to do, events, dining, and hotels, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. It promotes local culture, outdoor adventures, and unique dining experiences, inviting tourists to explore the city’s rich heritage and contemporary charm through various activities and events.

Over 50 years ago, in 1961, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) was founded by a group of Chattanooga-area railfans. Most of these guys were members of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, who were tired of driving over 200 miles round trip on pre-Interstate highways just to attend the monthly meetings. A couple of years after TVRM was formed, one of the founders, Paul Merriman, purchased steam locomotive No. 12 from the dieselizing Kentucky & Tennessee Railroad of Stearns.

For information on Etowah, contact the Etowah Chamber of Commerce at:

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.

Follow our dedicated team as they breathe new life into historic locomotives, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.

Stay updated with our exciting calendar of events – from seasonal train rides to special celebrations, there’s always something happening at TVRM.

Dive into the rich history of the railroad industry and the essential role it played in shaping our nation, from early development to modern times.

Explore living history at TVRM: restored locomotives and railcars narrate the story of rail’s impact, keeping the past alive for future generations.

Explore the fascinating exhibits at TVRM, each one offering unique insights into different aspects of railway technology, history, and culture.

Explore railroading at TVRM with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Discover updates, staff insights, and the preservation of railway history.

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.

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.