Great Smoky Mountains Music Train

06/26/2026

We’re honored to be featured by Smoky Mountain News. Thank you for highlighting the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Music Train and everyone who helped make it a success—from the artists and crews to every passenger who came along for the ride.

Take a look at the full feature below, and keep an eye out for 2027 updates!

One of the most beautiful, poignant sounds to echo out into the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina is that of a train whistle in motion. And in downtown Bryson City, that iconic howl is heard almost daily. Most recently, it signaled the inaugural departure of the Great Smoky Mountains Music...

06/11/2026

Missed the Merch Shop on board?

The artwork for this year's merchandise collection was created by Adam Carstens of Ridgway, Colorado, and inspired by the rugged beauty and timeless spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Whether you joined us aboard the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Music Train or simply want a keepsake from the journey, official event t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and stickers are still available in limited quantities while supplies last.

Take a piece of the adventure home with you!

Store Store Store Clear Filters Clear Black Mineral Wash T-Shirt $35.00 Add To Cart Added! Blue Spruce T-Shirt $35.00 Add To Cart Added! Forest Camo Full-Zip Hoodie $65.00 Add To Cart Added! Beau Brown Corduroy Patch Hat $35.00 Add To Cart Added! Army Green Dad Hat $35.00 Add To Cart Added! Koozie $...

06/10/2026

📸 The photo galleries are now LIVE on the website!

Relive the journey, the music, and the memories from the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Music Train.

Our photographers captured the spirit of the weekend—from breathtaking mountain scenery and unforgettable performances to new friendships and special moments aboard the train.

Thank you to everyone who joined us June 5–6, 2026. From the talented musicians and enthusiastic fans to our partners, volunteers, and train crew, you helped make this first-ever event truly unforgettable.

Take a look through the galleries, tag your friends, and share your favorite memories with us.

🚂 Stay tuned—information about next year's Great Smoky Mountains Music Train is coming soon!

Dr. Bacon Colby T. Helms Ashley Heath Andrew Scotchie Martha Spencer Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina

06/09/2026

The first-ever Great Smoky Mountains Music Train is officially in the books.

What started as an idea became an unforgettable weekend of music, mountains, and memories.

Thank you to every passenger, artist, crew member, and partner who helped bring this experience to life. We couldn't have done it without you.

Here's a look back at an incredible inaugural journey. 🚂🎶

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Dr. Bacon Colby T. Helms Andrew Scotchie Martha Spencer Ashley Heath Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina Visit Smokies Visit North Carolina

06/06/2026

What a night aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train.

The music, the mountain views, the open-air cars, and an incredible crowd made for a truly unforgettable ride. Swipe through for a few moments from last night’s journey.

Heading out with us tonight? Here’s your quick reminder:

• Box Office & Check-In: 3:00 PM–6:30 PM (next to the Train Depot under the pop-up tent)
• Arrive early and exchange your ticket for a wristband before boarding
• Boarding begins at 6:30 PM
• Train departs promptly at 7:00 PM
• Ride duration is approximately 3 hours round-trip

A few things to know:
• Wristbands are required for boarding
• No assigned seats, but you’ll be assigned a starting car for boarding purposes
• Once underway, you’re free to explore the train, enjoy the music, and move between cars
• Outside food and beverages are not permitted (water bottles are welcome, and complimentary water is available onboard)

We can’t wait to do it all again tonight. See you at the depot!

06/05/2026

🚂 TODAY'S THE DAY! 🎶

If you're joining us for the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train, here are a few important reminders before you arrive:

🎟️ Check-in opens at 3:00 PM and closes at 6:30 PM
📍 Look for the Box Office tent next to the Train Depot
⏰ We recommend checking in as early as possible to avoid lines before departure
🎫 All riders must exchange their tickets for event wristbands before boarding

There are no assigned seats, but you will be assigned a starting car during check-in. Once the train departs, you're free to explore the train, enjoy the music, visit different cars, and take in the views from the open-air gondolas.

If you have a preferred starting car, just let a member of our team know when you check in.

We're excited to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable evening of live music, mountain scenery, food, drinks, and rail adventure. See you soon! 🎻🍻🌄



Colby T. Helms Martha Spencer Andrew Scotchie Dr. Bacon Ashley Heath Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina Visit Smokies

06/04/2026

🚂 STARTS TOMORROW — The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train is finally here!

This Friday & Saturday, the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Music Train sets off for the very first time — bringing together live Appalachian music, unforgettable mountain views, and a full onboard food & drink experience.

From BBQ and brisket sandwiches to loaded nachos, pretzels with beer cheese, craft beer, cocktails, wine, and even moonshine shots — everything you need for the perfect ride is waiting on board.

🍖 BBQ, brisket & sandwiches
🧀 Nachos, pretzels & snacks
🍺 Sierra Nevada craft beer + domestic favorites
🍷 Wine & cocktails
🥃 Moonshine shots
🎶 Live bluegrass, country, folk & blues
🚂 Historic steam train through the Smoky Mountains

This is it — the first-ever run of the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train.

🎟️ A limited number of tickets remain for June 5 & 6 — grab yours now before they’re gone.

Ice-cold brews, breathtaking views, tasty eats, and live music aboard a historic steam train — the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Music Train is almost here. As the train rolls through the stunning Smoky Mountains this June 5-6, guests can enjoy a wide variety of food and beverage options through...

06/03/2026

Last weekend on the rails. This weekend, your turn. Take a look and join us for the next adventure this Friday and Saturday.

Live music. Mountain views. Historic steam trains. An unforgettable ride through the Great Smoky Mountains.

Join us aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Music Train and experience a journey where the scenery is just as incredible as the soundtrack.
Tickets are going fast for this weekend’s departures.

06/02/2026

🚂🎶 The wait is almost over!

This weekend, June 5-6, the inaugural Great Smoky Mountains Music Train rolls into the Smokies for two unforgettable days of live music, scenic rail travel, local craft beverages, and mountain memories.

Experience incredible bluegrass, Americana, Appalachian, blues, and roots artists as you ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Southeast aboard a historic train.

Whether you're a music lover, train enthusiast, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind weekend adventure, this is your chance to be part of the very first Great Smoky Mountains Music Train.

Tickets are still available, but not for long.

🎵 Live Music ft. Colby T. Helms, Dr. Bacon, Martha Spencer, Andrew Scotchie Ashley Heath, and Collin Pressly & Friends
🚂 Historic Train Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
🍻 Local Craft Beverages
⛰️ Stunning Smoky Mountain Scenery

05/26/2026

The countdown is ON!

The Great Smoky Mountains Music Train rolls out in LESS THAN 2 WEEKS on June 5 & 6 in Bryson City, NC!

Ride through the Smokies with live music onboard, mountain views outside your window, and an unforgettable lineup of artists bringing the train cars to life featuring Colby T. Helms, Dr. Bacon, Martha Spencer, Andrew Scotchie, Ashley Heath, and Collin Pressly & Friends.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the first-ever ride.