Quick Details
The leaves on the trees in the forest were starting to turn yellow, orange, and red. The fall colors were beautiful and breathtaking. The train ride through the forest was a wonderful way to see the changing leaves.
Take an extended day trip excursion through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge, over the Hiwassee Loop, and onto the joint cities of Copperhill, Tennessee, and McCaysville, GA. Total 94-mile round trip. Have lunch on your own during the 90-minute layover before returning. Departure time is 9:00 A.M. and return is generally around 5:30 P.M.
The “Copperhill” route is the same as for “Loop” trips, but after traversing the river gorge and negotiating the spiral near Farner, the train continues a longer distance through Turtletown and Ducktown to the former mining town of Copperhill.
Hiwassee Loop trips are on Fridays and Sundays. Copperhill Special trips are on Saturdays.
The railroad over which Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum trains travel on its Hiwassee River Rail Adventures was formerly part of the Louisville and Nashville (L&N) Railroad’s Atlanta Division stretching between Etowah, Tennessee and Marietta, Georgia. Learn more
NOTE: Pricing varies for Fall Premium dates (October – first two weeks of November)
Things to Do in Copperhill TN
There are plenty of food and drink options available in town, so you’ll never go hungry or thirsty.
Food & Drink
Attractions
While in Copperhill, TN, be sure to check out the local attractions!
Passengers switch sides at our midway point from the mountain side to the river side and vise versa so everyone has an opportunity to experience all scenic views.
Passengers will be facing forward throughout the trip. (Seats will be flipped by our staff to traveling direction during layover.)
Dome (9410):
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a unique experience for visitors, with a Copperhill Special Train that features dome seating for the best view of the scenery.
Great Northern’s Empire Builder Vista Dome-Coach Train 9410 Diagram
Dome (Algonquin Park):
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is offering a special opportunity to experience the 360 degree views of the upper level dome. This is a great chance to see the beautiful scenery of the area.
Algonquin Park Dome-Observation Budd Company Train Car Diagram – Scenic dome section is Algonquin Park Dome seating.
Observation:
The observation car is a type of passenger coach, often found at the rear and thus with windows for viewing. This form was nearly universally removed from service on American railroads beginning in 1950’s but some still exist today!
Algonquin Park Dome-Observation Budd Company Train Car Diagram – Bullet lounge area is our Observation seating
Coach:
This train departs from Delano (9406 hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325) and NOT from Chattanooga. Departure from Delano is 9:00 a.m., return is approximately 6:30 p.m.
The Copperhill Special Location is about between 51 minutes and 2 hours from Chattanooga, and it’s well worth the drive. Please give yourself enough time before our departure. It is the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking for something fun and unique to do. The local police are on the lookout for speeders, so be sure to stay under their posted speed limits if you want to avoid getting a ticket.
Train Ride Route Map for Hiwassee Loop and Copperhill Special
Children under 2 years ride free if not occupying a seat. Fares are slightly higher during the peak Autumn season. All trains run rain or shine and ticket sales are final.
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Be the first to know our 2021 Copperhill Special Schedule.
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The Hiwassee Loop train ride is a 50-mile roundtrip through the beautiful lower Hiwassee River gorge. This 4-hour trip takes you to the top of the famous Hiwassee Loop, where you can enjoy stunning views of the river below.
Ride a vintage short-line train! Our most frequent service trips — the “Local” — begin at our Grand Junction Station and travel to East Chattanooga for a layover to view a turntable demonstration and tour of our restoration shop.