State train ride guide
Train Rides Explorer lists 8 train rides in North Carolina. Compare the practical details families need before planning a visit.
Craggy Mountain Line is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Dillsboro, NC. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A scenic train ride through the mountains of western North Carolina. Offers vintage diesel excursions through scenic gorges near Asheville.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Bryson City, NC. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A scenic excursion train through the Great Smoky Mountains from Bryson City, North Carolina. Offers several routes through tunnels, over trestles, and past mountain rivers.
Handy Dandy Railroad is a toddler-friendly miniature ride in Swannanoa, NC. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A family-friendly miniature train ride in North Carolina offering short loops through park settings. Perfect for toddlers and young children.
NC Zoo Train (Asheboro) is a toddler-friendly zoo ride in Asheboro, NC. The ride lasts ~15 min, costs Included w/ zoo admission (~$16) for adults and Included w/ zoo admission (~$14 ages 3-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Train ride at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro — the world's largest natural habitat zoo (2,600+ acres). The tram/train connects the Africa and North America sections. Also has a children's zoo with farm animals, carousel, and play areas. Excellent family day trip from the Triangle.
New Hope Valley Railway is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in New Hill, NC. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A heritage railroad in Bonsal, North Carolina offering train rides through the countryside. Features vintage diesel and steam locomotives with seasonal events.
North Carolina Transportation Museum is a toddler-friendly museum ride in Spencer, NC. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A historic railroad museum in Spencer, North Carolina housed in the former Southern Railway roundhouse. Features locomotives, railcars, and a turntable.
Tweetsie Railroad is a toddler-friendly steam ride in Blowing Rock, NC. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A Wild West-themed steam train ride in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Features a historic narrow-gauge locomotive with staged train robberies and western entertainment.
WNC Nature Center Train (Asheville) is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Asheville, NC. The ride lasts ~5-10 min, costs Included w/ center admission (~$12) for adults and Included w/ center admission (~$10 ages 3-15) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Small train ride at the Western NC Nature Center, featuring native Appalachian wildlife (otters, bears, wolves, cougars). Short train loop perfect for toddlers. Combine with Asheville's other family attractions like the Biltmore or the Blue Ridge Parkway. Affordable and educational.
Confirm current schedules, prices, and closures with each operator before traveling.