HIWASSEE LOOP TRAIN RIDE THROUGH TENNESSEE’S HIWASSEE RIVER GORGE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hiwassee Loop, and what makes it special?
The Hiwassee Loop is a rare railroad engineering feature where the tracks climb in a full spiral and cross over themselves near Farner, Tennessee. At the top of the loop, you cross a bridge 62 feet above the tracks you rode just minutes earlier — you can look out the window and see where you’ve been below you. It is one of only two complete operational railroad loops in the United States, and the only one east of the Mississippi River. Very few train rides anywhere in the country can offer that.

How long is the trip and how far does the train travel?
The Hiwassee Loop is a 4.5-hour round trip covering approximately 50 miles.

When does this train run? Is it seasonal?
The Hiwassee Loop operates on a limited seasonal schedule — it does not run year-round or on a daily basis. Check the current schedule and available dates on the booking page before planning your trip. Fall foliage dates are the most popular and sell out earliest.

Where exactly do I board? Is it at the main TVRM museum in Chattanooga?
No — this is a common point of confusion. The Hiwassee Loop boards at 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 time into your travel plan.

What will I see along the route?
The route follows the lower Hiwassee River Gorge through the Cherokee National Forest. You’ll travel alongside the Hiwassee River through a canyon corridor with views of the river, canyon walls, forested mountain slopes, bridges, and surrounding ridgelines. Wildlife sightings are frequent. In spring and summer, passengers often wave to kayakers and tubers on the river below. Fall is the most dramatic season — the canyon walls amplify the foliage color. In late fall and winter, when the leaves drop, sightlines open up to reveal Apalachia Dam just across the North Carolina border.

What seating options are available?
The Hiwassee Loop 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.

What’s the difference between the Hiwassee Loop and the Copperhill Special?
The Copperhill Special follows the same route as the Loop but continues beyond Farner through Turtletown and Ducktown to the twin border towns of Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia. It’s a 94-mile round trip and a full-day commitment — departing at 9:30 a.m. with a return around 5:45 p.m. — including a 90-minute layover in Copperhill where passengers can explore shops and restaurants on their own. The Loop is a half-day experience; the Copperhill Special is a full day.

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

Is this trip good for kids?
Yes, though it’s better suited for older kids than toddlers. The trip is 3.5 hours with no stops, and passengers stay aboard for the duration. Kids who enjoy being outdoors and are curious about how railroads work tend to love it. If you have very young children, the Missionary Ridge Local at our Chattanooga campus is a shorter, more contained experience.

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 for fall trips, and earlier for peak foliage weekends.

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.

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.

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

Does the train operate in rain?
Yes. The Hiwassee Loop 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.

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

🎓 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.

Hiwassee Loop

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