COPPERHILL SPECIAL

Check-In Information

Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
The train departs promptly at 9:30 AM (Eastern Time) from:

9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing for the season
• Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
• A refillable water bottle
• A camera to capture scenic views and vintage railroad equipment

Accessibility & Requirements

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests with limited mobility are encouraged to contact our staff in advance so we can assist with boarding.
• This experience is suitable for all ages, but please note that accessibility may be limited due to the historic nature of our railcars.

Onboard Amenities

Enjoy your ride with optional snacks, drinks, and souvenirs available for purchase,
including Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum t-shirts, hats, and keepsakes.

Important Notes

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum makes every effort to operate on schedule. However,
delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or mechanical issues.
We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Copperhill Special? The Copperhill Special is a full-day scenic rail excursion departing from Delano, Tennessee and traveling 94 miles round trip through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge, over the famous Hiwassee Loop, and on to the twin border towns of Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia. It is one of the longest and most scenic heritage rail excursions operating in the American Southeast. The route passes through Cherokee National Forest, traverses the Hiwassee River Gorge corridor, climbs the spiral Hiwassee Loop where the tracks cross over themselves, and continues through the historic copper mining communities of Turtletown and Ducktown before reaching Copperhill. Passengers enjoy a 90-minute layover before the return trip.

How is the Copperhill Special different from the Hiwassee Loop? Both trips share the same route through the Hiwassee River Gorge and over the Hiwassee Loop near Farner, Tennessee. The difference is what comes after: the Hiwassee Loop reverses at Farner and returns to Delano, making it a 3.5-hour, 50-mile half-day trip. The Copperhill Special continues beyond Farner through Turtletown and Ducktown to the Copperhill/McCaysville border towns, extending the journey to 94 miles round trip with a 90-minute layover. If you want the full gorge and loop experience plus time to explore a historic mountain town, that’s the Copperhill Special. If you’re looking for a half-day commitment, the Hiwassee Loop is the right choice.

How long is the trip? The Copperhill Special is a full-day commitment. The train departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns around 5:45 p.m. — approximately 7.5 to 8 hours including the 90-minute layover in Copperhill. [Verify current runtime — some season listings have indicated up to 9 hours.] Plan accordingly and do not book this trip if you have an evening commitment.

When does this train run? Is it seasonal? The Copperhill Special operates on a limited seasonal schedule and does not run year-round. Fall foliage dates are the most popular and sell out earliest — sometimes weeks in advance. Check the current schedule and available dates on the booking page before planning your trip.

Where exactly do I board? Is it at the main TVRM museum in Chattanooga? No — this is a common point of confusion. The Copperhill Special does not depart from the main TVRM campus at 4119 Cromwell Road in Chattanooga. It departs from a separate location in Delano, Tennessee, approximately 45 minutes northeast of Chattanooga. Passengers check in at the restored L&N Depot and Museum in Etowah, then take a short shuttle to the train boarding location. Free parking is available at 9406 Highway 411, Delano, TN 37325. Build extra travel time into your plans.

Why doesn’t this train board from the L&N Depot in Chattanooga? The L&N Depot is located on an active freight mainline. The Copperhill Special operates on the historic “Old Line,” which departs from Delano. The two TVRM campuses serve different routes and different experiences.

What will I see along the route? The route travels through the lower Hiwassee River Gorge inside the Cherokee National Forest, following the Hiwassee River through a canyon corridor of forested mountain slopes, historic bridges, and dramatic ridgelines. Wildlife sightings are frequent. At Farner, the train climbs the Hiwassee Loop — a full spiral where the tracks cross over themselves 62 feet above the tracks you rode minutes earlier. From there the route continues through the small communities of Turtletown and Ducktown — historically significant as the heart of Tennessee’s copper mining industry — before arriving in Copperhill. In fall, the gorge is one of the most dramatic foliage corridors in the Appalachians.

What seating options are available? The Copperhill Special offers Traditional Coach, Observation, and Dome seating. Dome and Observation cars provide elevated, panoramic views of the gorge and are especially worthwhile on a clear fall day. Guests in Premium Dome and Observation seating receive complimentary snacks. Coach seating is the baseline option at the lowest price point.

Is lunch included? No. Lunch is not included in the ticket price. The 90-minute layover in Copperhill and McCaysville gives passengers time to dine at locally owned restaurants and explore the town on their own before the return trip. Both towns have dining options within walking distance of the depot.

Is food available on board? Yes. A commissary car offers light snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Guests may also bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Alcoholic beverages and large coolers are not permitted. Please use the provided trash receptacles to help keep the train clean.

Do I need to book tickets in advance? Yes. Fall foliage dates sell out weeks in advance, and walk-up availability is not guaranteed on any date. Booking two to four weeks ahead is recommended; earlier for peak foliage weekends in October.

What happens if we arrive late? Trains depart on schedule and cannot be held for late arrivals. Guests who miss boarding due to late arrival may forfeit their tickets. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, and the shuttle to the boarding location.

Is this trip good for kids? Yes, but it is best suited for older children and adults given the full-day length. Younger children are welcome, but families should carefully consider the duration — approximately 7.5 to 8 hours — before booking. There are no stops or off-train breaks until the Copperhill layover. If you have younger children and want a shorter introduction to the Hiwassee route, the Hiwassee Loop is a better fit. For very young children, the Missionary Ridge Local at our Chattanooga campus is a shorter, more contained experience.

Are group rates available? Yes. Groups of 25 or more qualify for special rates. Charter arrangements can be made for groups of 80 or more. Contact the TVRM office at 423-894-8028 ext. 1017 or use the Group Information Form on the website.

How can we split payment and still sit together? Use the same Primary Name on each booking, or request a split-payment link. To link reservations and ensure your group is seated together, contact [email protected] before completing your purchase.

Why do passengers switch sides during the trip? The train does not turn around — it reverses direction to return. At the midpoint of the outbound trip, guests are invited to switch sides so everyone enjoys both river-side and mountain-side views on the return leg.

Does the train operate in rain? Yes. The Copperhill Special operates rain or shine. All passenger coaches are enclosed and climate-controlled, with heating and air-conditioning throughout. Temperatures may vary slightly with outdoor conditions.

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

Can I walk between cars during the trip? Yes. Guests may move between most passenger cars while the train is in motion. Some operational or staff-only cars may be off-limits. Please follow crew instructions and use handrails when walking between cars.

Are strollers allowed? Strollers are permitted but must be foldable and stored during the ride. Due to narrow aisles and historic railcar layouts, strollers cannot remain open inside passenger seating areas.

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. Contact [email protected] before booking if you have questions.

Are pets allowed? Only trained service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted onboard. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed.

What is your refund, cancellation, or rescheduling policy? Tickets are subject to TVRM’s standard ticket policies. Availability for rescheduling is limited and not guaranteed.

Cancellation & Trip Protection Policy

All ticket sales are final, and standard tickets are non-refundable.

For added flexibility, guests may purchase Trip Protection at the time of booking.

Trip Protection Details:

• Available for an additional 15% of the ticket price
• Allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
• Refund issued minus the Trip Protection fee
• Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected]
  or via text to 423-894-8028

Important Notes:

• Trip Protection cannot be added after purchase
• Trip Protection is not available for bookings made less than 24 hours before departure
• No refunds are available without Trip Protection

This policy helps us operate historic equipment responsibly while offering guests optional peace of mind when planning ahead.

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