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Hiwassee Loop Train Ride

9406 Highway 411 · Delano, TN

Why you should go…

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum runs its Hiwassee Loop excursion from a depot on Highway 411 in Delano, about an hour from its Chattanooga base. Climate-controlled vintage coaches follow the lower Hiwassee River Gorge past river views and old bridges to the Hiwassee Loop, completed in 1898 on the former 'Hook and Eye Line', where the track circles Bald Mountain and crosses 62 feet above itself. Onboard narration covers the line's history, and seats rotate at the midpoint so everyone gets the river side. The 50-mile round trip takes about four and a half hours and runs on a limited schedule from late March to late November, with fall foliage dates priced higher.

  • #scenic train
  • #hiwassee river
  • #railroad
  • #fall foliage
  • #cherokee national forest

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Hiwassee Loop Train Ride, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    $25–$50

    Ride vintage steam and diesel trains through the Tennessee Valley, including the scenic Hiwassee River Loop.

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  • Sightseeing
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    Official visitor site for Chattanooga, Tennessee, covering attractions, dining, hotels, and events.

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