asheville train tour

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Scenic Train

Plan your summer festival fun in the nc mountains.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train excursions through the North Carolina mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, across valleys and through tunnels. All of the train rides depart from the depot in downtown Bryson City (near Cherokee ). Their variety of trips and special event trains (like THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride - read more ) are ideal for a memorable experience! Ride in vintage open-air cars, climate-controlled cars, or first-class dining options.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion Now - October 31, 2024 Ride along the rushing Nantahala River. This 4.5-hour excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back. The historic Trellis Bridge takes you across Fontana Lake . Arrive at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for a one-hour layover on the river. Also, check out rafting combo packages - ride the train up the river, then raft down!

Click here to visit their website for current ticket pricing, packages, and specials .

Weekly excursion dates and times may vary, see their website for specifics.

Steam Excursions July 3 - December, 2024

Book a steam-powered ride with the official “Steam of the Smokies”. Before and after the ride, get a close-up look at this remarkable locomotive. Click here to visit their website for steam dates and ticket pricing .

Train Seating Options & Tips

• Most excursions have a full-service concession car with snacks, lunch items, and beverages (including alcoholic drinks) for purchase. Or you can pick up snacks or lunch at their cafe in the Depot before your ride. First-class includes a meal. 
• Standard Seating (Coach Class) is in restored vintage coaches that feature windows that open for fresh-air viewing, ceiling fans, and heat for cooler days.
• Open Air Gondolas are created from retired baggage and flatbed cars, with long padded outward-facing seats for the panoramic views.
• In Crown Class, relax in restored coaches dating from 1925, with larger windows for better viewing and climate control. Get a souvenir tumbler to fill with a fountain soda.
• The First-Class riding experience is one-of-a-kind! Travel in comfort and style in a 1940s-era bar, lounge, and dinner cars. Have lunch served by the car’s private attendant, and receive a souvenir tumbler. First-class cars are climate-controlled and full bar service is available.
• For passengers who need special assistance for wheelchair accessibility, there is one car with a hydraulic lift and golf cart for transportation from the parking area. Be sure to call well in advance to make arrangements at 800-872-4681. Once arriving at the depot, be sure the ticket office is aware of your need for assisted boarding.
• Arrive early and stay late to enjoy Bryson City's charming downtown. 
• The parking lot is located at 45 Mitchell Street. 

Click here to visit their website for current pricing, packages and specials .

Great Smoky Train Excursions & Events 2024

• February 9 - July 28, 2024 : Uncorked (Select Dates) - All-Adult First Class ride with a private attendant and wine tastings. (21+)
• March 29-30, 2024: Bunny Hopper Express -  This 4.5-hour round trip special event train departs at 10:30 AM and travels along the Nantahala Gorge River to a picturesque layover destination with Egg Hunt. Train activity bag and Easter treat included. Passengers should be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! 
• May 17- November 2, 2024 : Moonshine Experience (Select Dates) - Hop on board the all-adult first-class Moonshine Car serving handcrafted, triple-distilled shine. This excursion operates on the Nantahala Gorge excursion. (21+)
• November 7-December 31, 2024: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride - Journey through the quiet wilderness to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, enjoy hot chocolate and a treat while listening to the magical story. It's very popular, so get advance tickets.  See pics & read much more!
• For more special trips, visit their website for current pricing, packages, and specials .

Train Ride Add-Ons

• Boxed Lunches : Pre-purchased boxed lunches for Crown and Coach class passengers, packaged picnic-style. Enjoy on the train or during the layover. 
• Rafting Add-On:  Includes a one-way trip to Nantahala Outdoor Center with a guided whitewater rafting trip back. 

Train Museum Be sure to see their Smoky Mountain Trains Museum (included with your ticket) with its collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, and accessories and its impressive operating layout.

Watch Our Video!

Directions: Located in downtown Bryson City (45 Mitchell Street), about 65 miles west of Asheville. From Asheville, drive I-40 West to exit 27. Take US 74 for 40 miles to Exit 67 for Bryson City. At the end of the exit ramp, bear right. At the first light, turn right onto Main Street, then left onto Everett Street. At the first traffic light on Everett, turn left onto Mitchell Street for the railroad parking. The street address for GPS : use 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC, for the parking area. 

Find much to do! Ride the train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before you explore their downtown shops and galleries, or paddleboard down the river. Nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies features camping, hiking, trout fishing and the ever-popular tubing. Raft the Nantahala River. And that's just the beginning!

Yellow Rose Rentals, Bryson City

Bryson City Lodging: Cabins, B&Bs & Hotels

Find a wide variety of lodging accommodations in Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains, including log cabin rentals, boutique hotels, bed and breakfast inns and campgrounds.

Explore Bryson City Travel Guide

Order a free 96-page vacation travel guide (or download a digital version) for the Bryson City area with things to do, dining and lodging for the Great Smoky Mountains. Includes the "All Aboard" official publication for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Bryson City Restaurants

For a small town, you'll find a nice variety of restaurants, ranging from southern home cooking to a brewery and gourmet dining. A nice reward after a day of exploring the Great Smokies and Nantahala River.

• Bryson City, NC
• THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Great Smoky Mtns Railroad
• 5 Great Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives
• Craggy Mountain Line Train Rides
• Cherokee, NC and Eastern Band of Indians

Check this out!

Top tours & experiences in….

Deep Creek Tubing & Waterfalls…

Oconaluftee Center & Mountain…

Fontana lake & dam, thinking of relocating.

Explore moving, retirement and real estate options in Asheville and Western North Carolina

Join our Newsletter!

Ride the Rails with Us!

Special events and seasonal train rides, old fashioned fun, call 828-808-4877 to make a reservation, come on out and have some fun, call 828-808-4877 for reservations, past events, family fun, purchase tickets.

History of the Line

Photo gallery, watch a video, follow us on facebook for the latest news & events.

Craggy Mountain Line Railroad

Jingle Bell Trolley 2023

We are pleased to announce our 12th Annual Jingle Bell Trolley ride! Bring your little ones for a 25 minute, 2 mile, round-trip ride down the mountain and back in our open air trolley. Be sure to dress for the weather! At the depot area you can visit with Santa!…

Click for More

3rd Annual Easter Trolley Train Ride

Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to announce our 3rd Annual Easter Trolley Ride! On Saturday, April 8, 2023 come and enjoy an old-fashioned 4 mile round-trip trolley ride which last approximately one hour and 25 minutes. The ride includes our Easter egg hunt at the Riverside Park where the…

• About the Parkway
• Getting Started
• Lodging, Dining, & Things to Do
• Suggested Itineraries
• Attractions
• Parkway Visitor Centers
• Travel Tips & Regulations
• Area Information
• Road Conditions
• Gas/ EV Charging Availability
• Accessibility

• Parkway Events
• Stories from the Road

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 15 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway MP 469.1. Round-trip scenic excursions take you from historic depot through the beautiful countryside. Variety of train excursions & special event trains. Dine in First Class Cars or take it all in while riding in an open air gondola! Step on board for your next rail adventure! Seasonal schedule. Information & reservations at www.gsmr.com or (800) 872-4681.

• Call (800) 872-4681

Upcoming Events

Our sponsors.

• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

• Grand Imperial Hotel
• Event Licensing

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you on a memorable journey through a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina.

Step onboard for year-round train adventures with both steam and diesel excursions and special dinner trains in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Excursion trains run through scenic mountains and colorful countryside in western North Carolina. A ghostly tunnel, a high breathtaking trestle, a fugitive and an Iron Horse!

With 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you on a memorable journey through a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina. Ride with us into river gorges, across valleys and through tunnels carved out of majestic mountains.

The Railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions departing from Bryson City, North Carolina. Trips range from 3 ½ hours to a full day of fun and adventure.

• Privacy Policy

© American Heritage Railways. All Rights Reserved.

• 828-251-8687

• Click To Call: 828-251-8687
• Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour
• Christmas Tour
• Our Company
• Ambassador Pass
• Join Our Team!

Asheville’s most popular sightseeing tours!

Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour

Asheville’s “See + Do” Sightseeing Tour

We hope you’ll be possessed to join us!

CHristmas TOur

Featuring Live Music & Caroling

Trolley Rentals

Make Your Event a Special Occasion!

Insider's Tip: Start your trip at the visitor Center

10 Great Train Rides in North Carolina

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

If you want to explore the state the way travelers did before the advent of automobiles and airplanes, nothing beats taking one of the many train rides in North Carolina.

The U.S. railroad system dates back to the 1820s , with its “Golden Age” in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Many of the great fortunes in modern America were linked to trains, including that of the  Vanderbilts  (who owned the Biltmore Estate in Asheville ).

It was train lines that tied the United States together, from New York to Los Angeles, and the business tycoons of transportation were happy to make the most of it.

After cars took over domestic travel, the tales of Jack Kerouac, songs of Johnny Cash, and depictions in Western films kept the railroads alive, even through near-collapses for most major railways during the 1970s.

Nowadays trains  are coming back ‘round the bend, and North Carolina railways and North Carolina train rides rank high among our favorites.

Read on for our in-depth guide to locomotive history in the state of North Carolina , as well as the NC railway museums and train rides in the NC mountains that bring that history to life.

READ MORE:  7 Covered Bridges in North Carolina You Can Visit in 1 Day

Train Rides in North Carolina Guide

• The Carolina Moonshine Experience (Great Smoky Mountain Railroad)
• Craggy Mountain Line 
• Lynx Blue Line
• Nantahala Gorge Excursion (GSMR)
• New Hope Valley Railway
• North Carolina Transportation Museum
• The Polar Express (GSMR)
• The Smoky Mountain Beer Run (GSMR)
• Tuckasegee River Excursion (GSMR)
• Tweetsie Railroad

North Carolina Railroad History

The first big push for a railroad in NC dates back to the 1830s, when there was a legislative shift to represent the growing population in Western North Carolina .

There was great enthusiasm for passenger trains at the time, but the difficulty of moving through the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains  was a huge motivator.

Some of the first trains in North Carolina were the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad, the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad from Goldsboro to Moorehead City, and the Western North Carolina Railroad.

In 1849 the North Carolina Railroad was chartered, and by 1850 freight trains were proving to be a massive boon for the local economy.

NC trains were instrumental in moving cargo before the Civil War , moving passengers during the war, and reviving the southern economy in the 1880s.

By the 1920s, automobiles had taken over as the most convenient mode of passenger transportation. Though the rails still played a big role in freight transport, passenger lines began to decline as a means of commuting.

At its peak, North Carolina railways combined for over 5,500 miles of track, with around 30 short lines and three major companies criss-crossing the state.

Today, many of the old rail lines are being revitalized for urban transportation and unique train excursions through the North Carolina Mountains .

READ MORE:  20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

1. Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

45 Mitchell St, Bryson City NC • ( 800) 872-4681 • Official Website

Also known as the “Shine and Dine” ride, the Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience is part of a fleet of cool experiences the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers in Bryson City .

This excursion is aboard an adults-only First Class car, with a sampling of triple-distilled, locally crafted moonshine served during one of our favorite   fun train rides  in NC.

The ride is offered as part of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion (details below), but the Moonshine Experience focuses on the proud  Appalachian history of mountain spirits.

Passengers can sample several flavors of moonshine, as well as special cocktails created with them. Cajun-seasoned pulled pork barbecue is served for dinner.

The Moonshine Experience train rides start in late May and go daily until October.

READ MORE:  The 10 Best North Carolina Distilleries to Visit

2. Craggy Mountain Line

111 North Woodfin Ave, Asheville NC • ( 828) 808-4877 • Official Website

Based in Asheville , the Craggy Mountain Line is mainly available for chartered rides.

But they also host special public events such as Dinosaur Day, fall hayrides, and Jingle Bell Trolley Christmas  train rides as well.

This non-profit organization was formed in 2001 to preserve a 3.45-mile stretch of historic rail line known as the Asheville to Craggy Branch. It was formerly part of the Southern Railroad.

CML has restored (and continues to restore) historic railroad equipment to display on the tracks, and the line is regularly maintained to be operable.

Visitors can take a ticketed train ride on Saturdays at 4 PM, with tickets costing $15 per person. Small groups of up to 25 people can also rent the tracks for two hours.

READ MORE:  Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC

3. Lynx Blue Line

Charlotte Area Transit Systems

9025 Cameron Blvd, Charlotte NC • ( 866) 779-2287 • Official Website

Opened in 2007, the Lynx Blue Line is a light rail line, the first in the Charlotte Area Transit System. It was also the first major rapid rail service in North Carolina .

The Blue Line has 26 stations and covers 19.3 miles, connecting the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (the northern terminus) to Pineville City limits at I-485 (the southern terminus).

Blue Line ridership has far exceeded early expectations, with routes passing through major Charlotte landmarks like NoDa, Uptown, and South End. 

This line opens between 5 and 6 AM in most stations, and shuts down after midnight.

Tickets for the Lynx Blue Line are $2.20 one-way for adults, and half-price for senior citizens, ADA-disabled, and K-12 passengers.

READ MORE:  Christmas Town USA: 10 Ways to Celebrate in McAdenville NC

4. Nantahala Gorge Excursion

One of our favorite  Smoky Mountain train rides, the Nantahala Gorge Excursion starts in Bryson City, follows the Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers, crosses over Fontana Lake, and loops into the Nantahala Gorge.

The entire trip takes about 4.5 hours (including a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center), and travels about 44 miles, departing from and returning to Bryson City .

Options for the ride include Adult First Class seats, a premium open-air gondola with dinner service, Coach Plus and Crown seats in climate-controlled cars, as well as Coach class and open-air gondolas.

This route starts running in April, departing just about every day at 10:30 AM, and continues through October.

Ticketed passengers should plan to arrive at the station an hour early.

READ MORE: 20 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

5. New Hope Valley Railway

North Carolina Railway Museum

3900 Bonsai Rd, New Hill NC • ( 919) 396-5833 • Official Website

Operated by the North Carolina Railway Museum, the New Hope Valley Railway is a historic railroad (and volunteer non-profit organization) that locals call “the Triangle’s Train.” 

The New Hope Valley Railway travels over four miles of track, from Bonsal to New Hill and back. The hour-long excursion runs through pine forest and crosses a train trestle.

This train runs several days a month from April through December, often with multiple rides scheduled per day. Tickets for this NC train ride are in the $11 to $17 range.

When it is open, you can also see a number of exhibit railroad cars, a museum gift shop car, and a garden railroad with over 1000 ft of track.

Some of their specialty rides include the craft beer -themed Brew ‘n’ Choo Train Ride, the family-friendly Track or Treat Halloween Train, and Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Christmas Train Ride.

READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Mountain Resorts to Visit

6. North Carolina Transportation Museum

1 Samuel Spencer Dr, Spencer NC • ( 704) 636-2899 • Official Website

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is located 35 miles south of Winston-Salem NC . Its visitor center is an authentic North Carolina C train station, which was built as the Barber Junction Depot circa 1898.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday in January and February, and Tuesday to Sunday from March through December.

Train trips at the NC Transportation Museum are available on Saturdays only in January/ February; Friday to Sunday (and select Thursdays) from March through May; and Thursday to Sunday from June to Labor Day. 

Most of their train rides take about 25 minutes and circle the museum ‘s 60-acre site, the former home to Southern Railway’s largest steam locomotive repair center.

NCTM also has a Wine & Dine ride (one of the few dinner train rides in NC), as well as Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express train rides.

Visitors can also take a spin on the Bob Julian Roundhouse, which is the largest remaining railroad roundhouse in the USA today. 

READ MORE:  T he 15 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Cabins, Inns & Resorts)

7. The Polar Express

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has the Polar Express, Bryson City’s most magical ode to the yuletide spirit and one of the must-do NC Christmas events .

In short, this is the premier spot for Christmas train rides in North Carolina.

The Polar Express NC goes all-out for the kids by issuing golden tickets, serving hot cocoa and cookies, and singing songs from the Tom Hanks film, with Santa greeting everyone and gifting silver bells along the way.

This Bryson City train ride gets rolling in early November, and has multiple daily trips all the way into the New Year.

It’s a VERY popular holiday activity, so be sure to make Polar Express reservations in advance. You’ll want to do the same if you plan to dine at any of the best Bryson City restaurants .

As with most GSMR train excursions in NC, there are several classes of seats to choose from, with prices ranging from about $40 to $70 for Coach and $70 to $100 for First Class.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Bryson City NC

8. The Smoky Mountain Beer Run

A once-a-year occurrence, the Smoky Mountains Beer Run happens on St. Patrick’s Day. This Bryson City-to- Dillsboro train ride celebrates North Carolina’s excellent craft beers .

The Dillsboro NC train ride includes two samples from Innovation Brewing , plus a third sample at the brewery in Dillsboro, where passengers can belly up to the bar during a 1-hour layover.

Each party also gets a sampler tray of snacks to enjoy along the ride, such as spinach artichoke dip, breaded cauliflower, stuffed tater tots, and smoked sausages.

It takes about 1.25 hours to get to Dillsboro , with an hour layover there before the return trip to Bryson City. All in all, it’s nearly four hours of entertainment and libations.

Smoky Mountains Beer Run tickets are $109 for the diesel train, and $119 for the steam train.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

9. Tuckasegee River Excursion

One of our favorite scenic train rides in NC, the GSMR’s Tuckasegee River Excursion is 32 miles round-trip from the Bryson City Depot to Dillsboro and back.

This amazing train ride in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina includes a bridge crossing, passes through a tunnel, and passes a movie set from  The Fugitive (the Harrison Ford version).

The train trip includes a 1-hour layover in the charming North Carolina mountain town of Dillsboro, which has great shops, cafes, and restaurants.

First Class, Premium Air Gondola, and Family First Class tickets all have a meal included, while Crown Class, Coach Class, and the Open-Air Gondola have lunch available for purchase.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC

10. Tweetsie Railroad

300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock NC • ( 800) 526-5740 • Official Website

If you’re looking for a Boone NC train ride to take, the closest option is Tweetsie Railroad , which is on the way to Blowing Rock .

Tweetsie Railroad has two narrow-gauge steam engines. 

One is the last surviving steam locomotive– the No. 12 from the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad. It ran from Boone to Johnson City, Tennessee .

The other is No. 190, the “Yukon Queen”, which came down from Alaska. It was formerly part of Alaska’s White Pass and Yukon Railway.

Another of the great scenic train rides in North Carolina, Tweetsie is all about family fun.

It’s part of a Wild West theme park that also has live music , amusement rides, and the Deer Park Zoo.   –by Jonathon Engels; featured image of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad provided by Bryson City/Swain County Chamber of Commerce.

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Jonathon Engels

After visiting North Carolina for the first time, Senior Writer Jonathon Engels and wife Emma spent 2 years exploring Western NC in search of a homestead property. They first lived in Brevard, where Jonathon taught writing at Blue Ridge Community College and extensively explored the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music.

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Highest Peaks
• Music Festivals
• Music Venues
• Live Music Events
• Music Stores
• Visitor Information
• Getting Here
• Getting Around
• Parking Information
• Visitors Guide
• Arts Attractions
• Historic Attractions
• Indoor Games & Entertainment
• Movies & TV
• Nature Attractions
• Birding & Wildlife
• Golf & Tennis
• Guides & Outfitters
• Horseback Riding
• Spectator Sports
• Water Sports
• Winter Sports
• Clothing & Jewelry
• Crafts & Fine Arts
• Farmers Markets
• Outlets & Shopping Centers
• Biltmore Village
• Black Mountain
• River Arts District
• Weaverville
• West Asheville
• Specialty Shops
• Toys & Children’s Stores
• Cinema & Film
• Galleries & Studios
• Performing Arts
• Spas & Wellness
• Brewery, Winery, & Distillery

Concierge Services

• Black Cultural Heritage Trail
• Black Asheville
• Weekly Fall Color Report
• Scenic Drives
• Pet-Friendly
• Itineraries
• Things to Do This Weekend
• Submit an Event
• Hotels & Resorts
• Cabins & Cottages
• Bed & Breakfast Inns
• Campgrounds & Hostels
• 12 Bones Smokehouse
• 67 Biltmore
• Addison Farms Vineyard
• Asheville Distilling Company
• Biltmore Coffee Traders
• Blue Ridge Food Ventures
• Burial Beer Co.
• The Cantina
• Carolina Bison
• Chai Pani, Botiwalla & Spicewalla
• The Chocolate Fetish
• Corner Kitchen & Chestnut
• Farm & Sparrow and All Souls Pizza
• Gan Shan Station
• Green Sage Cafe
• French Broad Chocolate Lounge
• Hickory Nut Gap Farm
• Highland Brewing Company
• Isa’s Bistro
• Jerusalem Garden Cafe
• Little Pigs BBQ
• The Lobster Trap
• Luella’s Bar-B-Que
• The Market Place
• No Taste Like Home
• Omni Grove Park Inn
• Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack
• Rosetta’s Kitchen
• Short Street Cakes
• Sunburst Trout Farms
• Sunny Point Café
• Tupelo Honey Cafe
• Urban Orchard Cider Co.
• Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
• Vortex Doughnuts
• Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe
• Wicked Weed Brewing
• Biltmore Park
• Historic Biltmore Village
• All Asheville Restaurants
• Wine & Craft Beverage
• Food Adventures & Culinary Experiences
• Farms & Farmers Markets
• Moderate Hikes
• Difficult Hikes
• Asheville Hike Finder
• Great Smoky Mountains
• Pisgah National Forest
• DuPont State Forest
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Grandfather Mountain
• Mount Mitchell
• Gorges State Park
• Attractions & Adventures
• Hike Finder Tool
• Biltmore Packages
• Lodging Packages
• Lodging Deals
• Attraction/Experience Offers

Exploring Asheville on foot, trolley, or zipline is the only way to fully experience the urban adventures and natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Walk the James Vester Miller Trail

Take a stroll through history and learn about the African-American man who helped lay the foundation for Asheville’s success by constructing some of its most impressive buildings.

Get up close and personal with Asheville’s buzzing arts scene.

Brewery, Winery, & Distillery

Book a tour in Beer City to see what goes on behind the brews.

These are not your mama’s bus tours. Learn about Asheville with a big dose of laughter.

Take your trip planning to the next level by enlisting one of Asheville's concierge services to organize your next Asheville adventure.

Discover some of the most exciting and memorable flavors of Foodtopia on a guided restaurant crawl, foraging adventure or farm tour.

Step into the spooky world of the unknown and discover untold stories on a haunted tour around our mysterious mountain town.

Take a step back in time to explore the people, stories and happenings that built Asheville.

From mushroom hunting to rock climbing, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, it's thrill-seeker's choice.

Lace up your walking shoes and prepare for a personal encounter with Asheville.

Search Lodging

Search B&Bs or Cabins & Rentals

For Visitors

For Planners

For Partners

Frograil Rail Tours

Rail tours for rail enthusiasts.

• Railfan Locations

The River Line

Asheville, nc -- new line, tn, introduction.

The secondary main line from Salisbury, North Carolina, to Asheville, North Carolina, and on to New Line (Morristown), Tennessee, is designated as the S-Line from Salisbury to Asheville, and the River Line west of Asheville . The Salisbury to Asheville portion is part of Norfolk Southern's Piedmont Division, while the Asheville to New Line portion is within the Tennessee Division.The total timetable distance is 228.0 miles, and starts at Salisbury and ends at New Line. This section of the tour covers the Asheville - New Line segment (87.0 miles), while the Salisbury - Asheville segment of 141.0 miles is here .

Contents And Navigation

Contributors to this tour.

Tony Hill , Webmaster and data provider

Train Gifs. All train gifs used within this tour are from the Ed Bindler's train gifs site, which is here .

If you'd like to contribute to this, or any other tour, please contact me at [email protected] , and let me know what you'd like to do. We'll work together: You supply the data/info, and I'll do the HTML stuff and upload it. You'll get a chance to review the fruits of your efforts before the general public sees the finished product, so you can let me have your corrections, additions and changes.

Supplemental And Back-Up Data.

Print this material out before beginning your tour.

Description of the railroad. [NOTE: This description covers only the segment from Asheville to New Line. The remainder of the line is in the Salisbury to Asheville segment, which is here .] We start in the yard at Asheville, and almost immediately enter a long valley with the railroad on the west bank of the French Broad River, and the road on the east bank. This valley becomes more and more rugged, and by the time the railroad crosses over to the east bank near Marshall, the territory is so rough that "normal" railfanning is impossible.

However, there are several places between Asheville and Del Rio (where you are pretty much out of the mountainous area) where you can set up for some interesting photos. Indeed, if you're just hoping to see trains, you're missing one of the most beautiful drives in America. Very shortly after leaving Asheville, you are in a virtual wilderness, with the marvelous French Broad as your companion all the way to Leadvale, over 70 of the 87 miles of this tour. If there is any way for you to get the time and resources to do it, this would be a truly spectacular float trip: Asheville to Leadvale. Wow! The photos you could get would be stellar.

As far as commodities, you'll see it all (except perhaps hot metal cars and stock cars!). Unit coal trains, local movements, general freights, etc., etc,. The trains are usually rather short, in deference to the ruggedness of the terrain.

Yes, you'll find lots of lines with more traffic, but you'll find few with the mix of scenery, engineering interest, and railroad intensity that characterize the River Line.

Traffic density. For the Salisbury - Asheville segment, density is supposedly 8-12 trains total per 24 hours. For trains that used to run down the Saluda line from Asheville, the frequency was some 4-5 trains per 24 hours. Therefore, expect 12-17 trains over the New Line - Asheville segment, but I may be being overly optimistic. Local movements and 2nd sections of scheduled freights can change this significantly, however.

Mapwork: Much of the tour is not easy if you have no detailed map for back country roads. I definitely recommend you get a DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer, study it before your trip, and copy pertinent pages for your field work. You can find information here about Railfan Maps that are available.

WEBMASTER'S NOTE: I do not recommend or condone walking along the tracks, as this means trespassing and exposing yourself to danger. You will have to be creative, in some instances, to avoid trespassing while getting to the detailed locations included herein, but you will either have to be creative or not visit those sites. At no point in this tour guide, or any other tour which is part of Frograil, is it recommended that you trespass or expose yourself to danger. If you are a fool and have a leg cut off (or worse), don't come crying to me: You have been warned. Trains are big, powerful, and often surprisingly quiet. Don't end up being a statistic.

Asheville - New Line -- Railfan sites:

Asheville -- Yard. From the intersection of US-25, US-25A and NC-81, go north on US-25. You will cross over the yard leads, and then take a left (west) on Commerce/Meadow Street. The big, impressive brick building just west of the US-25 overpass was the Southern Railway freight station. Continue west on Meadow, and you'll pass a lot of industrial facilities, none of which offer trackside access. Eventually, you'll cross over the yard, and need to take your first right. This un-named street will take you into the yard proper, with the engine facility to the left, and the south/east departure tracks closest to you. This entire area, however is posted. You might wish to take one panoramic shot and then leave. If you stay more than a moment or so, you might just get to be a guest of the City of Asheville overnight -- and they'll also help make your wallet lighter.

In late 2006, however, Harold Hodnett pointed out that the ex-freight station was vacant and posted as available for lease. This may offer some viewing opportunities. As Harold points out: "One could always stay near the Habitat facility next door, which abuts the Southern facility."

There is, however, one other possibility, according to Brandon Hampton . The impressive building that sits below Meadow Road now houses the NS Asheville Police force. Brandon has been told by a yardmaster that viewing is OK in the parking area, as long as you stay behind the yellow railing. He is probably correct, but I would want to verify that with a human being before I decided to sit for a spell.

Back to the Top Back to the Site Listing

Asheville -- Murphy Junction. Continuing on around the southwest portion of the yard, Meadow has become Lyman Street. This area is interesting, as the beautiful French Broad River has now made its presence known, and is immediately to your west (and will be your companion for lots of miles north of here as you tour the River Line further north and west). The yard will be on your right, but will be fairly inaccessible, and those places which are close to the road are usually obscured by cars. Therefore, continue further north until Lyman reaches the west (compass north) end of the yard and is about to cross the tracks.

When you make the sharp curve east to approach the crossing, turn left just before the crossing. This will take you down along the River Line, via Riverside Drive. At the first traffic light, take another left onto Craven Street, which will carry you across the river. Immediately past the river, take a right onto Emma Road. Emma will take you down the "back side" of the river, and then under the bridge where the main line crosses the river. You will now be between the railroad and the river.

Less than 1/2 mile down from the bridge, Emma Road will once again go under the main line. Just after you cross under the railroad, there is a very small pull-off on the right. This spot offers a view of both the Murphy Branch (Canton Line) and the River Line. This is Murphy Junction. There is a daily local to and from Canton, and the Vulcan quarry at Enka has been putting together trains for CSX on an almost daily basis.

Frograil wishes to thank Brandon Hampton for the information on this entire location.

Asheville -- Lyman Street. Backtrack to Lyman Street, take a left, and go over the tracks. To the left (north) is a big area to the east of the tracks. There is lots of off-railroad property area for photos here, but you can't get any shots from the west. You'll get all trains coming off the Tennessee Division as well as the infrequent trains coming off the Canton Branch.

Even though the division changes in Asheville from Piedmont to Tennessee, the railroad still counts the miles on the line from Salisbury all the way thru Asheville to the Morristown, Tennessee, area with an S for a prefix for the mile markers on the timetable. North of Lyman Street, the S-Line goes under the high, impressive I-240 bridge, and then crosses to the west bank of the river (see Asheville-Murphy Junction ).

From here north, the S-Line follows the west bank of the river, while the highway we'll be following, NC-251, follows the east bank. So, let's move on. Go back over the tracks to the west, and take a right to head north on Riverside Drive. You'll go under the high I-240 bridges and follow the remnants of the branch to Woodfin north to the intersection with NC-251, which retains the name of Riverside, and continue north. Gradually, the spur between the street and the river will peter out, and you'll cross it's dying gasps at Old Beaver Dam Road. Keep on northbound on NC-251, and you'll note that you are in the country!

From here on, the scenery is terrific. The beautiful French Broad is right outside the driver's window, and the railroad is on the far side. Again, you'll not be getting pix here, but the drive is one of the better ones in the east. This enjoyable drive continues as NC-251 ends at US25Business/US70Business. Take a left (north), and go on in to Marshall.

Marshall -- Station Area. Just north of the end of NC-251, the S-Line comes across from the west bank to the east. You will be above the tracks until you actually enter the outskirts of this small county seat. At the southern end of town is the ex-Southern Depot. Park anywhere in the area, and walk south of the station. Here is the defect detector "Marshall" at MP 163.8. There is good viewing to the westerly side of the tracks, but there is a vertical concrete wall just west of the tracks, so you will not be able to get anything from that side. Take a few moments to enjoy the nice station, and be impressed with the willingness of the Southern to put a fine station in such a small town.

Marshall -- River Bridge. In the center of town, going north on US-25Business/ US-70Business, go left at the only stoplight in town, and quickly find a place to park. Walk past the tracks and onto the bridge over the French Broad River. This is the only place for miles in either direction that you'll be able to get pictures of trains from the westerly side of the tracks. [NOTE WELL: The river is noisy, and there is a lot of street traffic over this bridge. Trains thru here can be very fast and surprisingly quiet. Use extra caution here,]

[With thanks to Fred Burton for this information concerning Marshall.]

Hot Springs. From Marshall all the way to Hot Springs, the railroad and road do not play tag; indeed, they don't even come close together. US-25Business/ US-70Business will dead-end into US-25/US-70, and you'll follow the latter thru some impressive countryside, cross the Appalachian Ridge (and the Appalachian Trail), and drop down into the village of Hot Springs. This is a town which specializes in outfitting hikers and rafters. It is also one of the few places for many miles where you can actually see the railroad.

Cross the French Broad River and the tracks, and then park anywhere. There is excellent viewing from the west, and OK viewing from the east. You're now at MP 179, 40 miles from the US-25/US-25A/NC-81 crossing in Asheville.

OK, enough of the easy stuff: Here's some Combat Railfan-type stuff. We're going to visit a once-was place, and if you want to get the most out of it, you might want to pack a machete. Head west on US-25/US-70 about 5 miles out of Hot Springs. You'll maybe see a sign (and maybe you won't, because it's only half right side up) pointing to the Paint Rock Full Gospel Church. Take a right onto Rock Road (no road sign, of course), and drive approximately 2 miles to the tracks.

Paint Rock, North Carolina. This community is Paint Rock. The MapQuest service shows you a two track yard just to the west of this location. When you get to the end of the street, you can go under the tracks (if you're driving a 3' tall vehicle), or you can turn right (east). There simply is no way to turn left and go where the yard must have been, unless you want to walk. If it were me, and I had some time, I'd like to walk west and see what there is to see. At one time, this was a happening place.

Today, take a right, and drive along the rudimentary road, until it crosses the tracks. This is a most interesting, very old and humble community. Find a place to park, and you'll be able to get good pix from both sides of the tracks. Be wise here: You are in the real country, and these folks are fiercely protective of their property rights (and why shouldn't they be?), so DO NOT TRESPASS. Be friendly, say hi, and ask questions. Don't be a dork, and ruin this interesting place for the rest of us.

Del Rio, Tennessee. Go back to US-25/US-70, and continue west into Tennessee. Take a left (south) on TN-107, cross the river, and parallel the tracks to the signal at the west end of Big Creek Siding. In the middle of the village, you can take Summer House Hollow Road over the tracks, just before the signals, and be rewarded with great views both north and south. Just east of this road is MP 195.

Bridgeport -- Huff Siding. The local roads will not allow you to follow the railroad very far west from Del Rio, so get back on US-25/US-70, and head west. You'll cross over the French Broad River, and swing to the west at Bridgeport, a rather fictional point on the map. However, there is a siding here, and some NS MoW material in evidence. Take the crude crossing over the railroad at the west end of Huff Siding, turn left towards the MoW material, find a place to park, get out the lawn chairs and coolers, and enjoy yourselves. If you don't get stupid and run around the tracks, you'll enjoy one of the best photo locations between New Line and Asheville here [MP 202].

Newport -- Trestle. As you come into Newport, you'll swing to the north and go into the city to follow the tracks. You'll be on US-25 here, and both the highway and railroad will vault the river below via a bridge. The highway bridge is quite new, and has a nice sidewalk on the east side. You can get very nice pix here as the PM light can be perfect for eastbounds crossing the trestles. Incidentally, and it might surprise you, but this is the Pigeon River from way down to the southeast in North Carolina and Tennessee. The lighting doesn't give you a big window here, but it you're a true photographer, you might be intrigued by this site.

Newport -- Downtown. The Southern station is at Main and Mims and/or Main and McMahan. Main is one of those downtown streets which parallels the tracks on both the north and south side, so you can roam around a bit and get a photo location which is perfect for field of view and sun. It is a busy area, so be careful, however. The station itself, interestingly, is still in daily use by the folks at NS who want to keep the road fluid.

Leadvale -- Douglas. Leaving Newport, head north on US-25E. You'll enjoy skirting the Douglas reservoir, and will eventually go over the bridge at the north end of Douglas Lake. From the north end of the bridge, go 2 miles further north, and turn right on Leadvale Road. Continue for a mile or so, go under tracks, and park anywhere which is not stupid. Walk up to the tracks on the rudimentary road to the northeast side of the underpass. At this point, the railroad splits to go to Bull's Gap and Frisco to the northeast, and the S-Line to New Line swings off to the northwest. Viewing here is good from the east, and OK from the west. Stay back from the tracks.

White Pine. From the underpass at Leadvale, go back towards US-25E. You can save some miles by taking Old Airport Road, rather than Leadvale Road, incidentally. As you go north on US-25E, you'll enter the town of While Pine, and will need to take a left into the town just before going over the tracks. Go into the town and take a right at the light. Go over the tracks, and then immediately take a right into the Library parking lot. There are lots of excellent places for train watching both north and south of the MP 219 marker.

Get back on US-25E to just past I-81. There is a Hardees fast food restaurant there with a picnic table. Get your food and sit at the table. Look at the scenery. You've got a pasture, small creek, the S-Line, and another pasture on a broad hillside. The railroad is not close -- this entire bucolic scene is like an attractive model railroad scene. Enjoy your food, and if you're lucky enough to see a train, you'll enjoy everything far more.

From here to the end of the S-Line at New Line Road southwest of Morristown, it will require some research on your part to follow the line. The tiny communities and roads are hard to follow, and I'll do my best to describe them, but you've got to use your common sense and railfan nose to follow the line. From Hardees and I-81, go north on US-25E, until taking a left on Benton-Hale Road (If you get to TN-343, you've gone too far north), and then take a right on Old Witt (further note: These roads can be confusing. Actually, there are at least two ways to get over to Old Witt, and maybe more, but the most important thing is to not get as far north on US-25E as TN-343). From Old Witt you'll get to Sulphur Spring Road, and will take a left. You'll cross the tracks a few times, and will be able to reach out and touch the trains, but photo ops are zilch. You will come to a 4-lane highway, unmarked, and you should turn left. This 4-lane divided highway, which turns out to be TN-160, will shortly take you to a crossroads at TN-66, and you'll want to turn right and go north into Morristown.

At the southwest portion of Morristown, turn left (west) on US-11E. This will run into the main US-11E by-pass, Andrew Jackson Highway. As you go south out of Morristown, you need to take a left onto New Line Road. WARNING: This is not a big, new, commercial crossroads. It's an old road, and you may go by it once or twice (as did your friendly webmaster) without seeing it, don't feel badly.).

New Line. Go down New Line Road, and park to the northwest of the road in the old Lowe's store. Walk down to the tracks. Here, the S-Line, which has come up from Salisbury, NC, thru Asheville, NC, ends. There is a lot of action here, as the Knoxville/Bristol mainline is busy, and the S-Line traffic just adds to the business. If you're interested in Morristown and the line from Knoxville to Bristol, well, you'll just have to stay tuned, as I've not had anyone volunteer to do that tour for us. Interested in contributing? Talk to me at........... mailto:[email protected]

• Tuckasegee River Excursion
• Train Schedule
• Steam Powered
• Diesel Powered

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

• Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
• Boxed Lunches
• Raft & Rail
• Rail & Trail
• Tarzan Train
• KidZip Train
• Serene Relaxation At Stonebrook Lodge
• Private Caboose Party
• THE POLAR EXPRESS™
• Smoky Mountain Beer Run
• Bunny Hopper Express
• Map & Directions
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Model Train Museum
• 722 Rebuild Blog
• Southern Highlands Attractions
• Health & Safety Tips
• Andrews Valley Rail Tour
• Weather and Road Closures

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Ride this excursion via   Steam   or   Diesel   locomotive power!

About This Trip

• Classes of Service and Pricing

Class Comparison

How to purchase.

• Where To Go

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our First Class dining menu  options OR you can  pr e-purchase a box lunch option  to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Classes of Service

Adult First Class

First Class with dining features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate controlled car with large picture windows, and are served a  meal by the car’s attendant. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. Limited bar service available.

Premium Open Air Gondola

Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. Adults (21+) are served a  meal by the car’s attendant. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. 

Coach Plus features a classic train decor with natural wood and sliding windows at every seat. Every section ha s stable and booth style seating allowing 4 people at a table. This is perfect for families or groups traveling together that want the convenience of their own table! 

Crown Class

Crown Class features assigned seating in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. Everyone over the age of 2 years old receives a souvenir tumbler with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day! Beer and wine available.

Coach Class

Coach Class features open seating in an enclosed car, windows that can be opened for fresh air and taking photos, and are heated and have ceiling fans.

Open Air Gondola

Open Air Gondolas feature open seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements.  Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Fleece Blanket to your reservation for just $32! At 54″ x 84″ it’s the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings.

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. See  Classes of Service  for the various class descriptions and pricing.

Where to Go

All departures are from the Bryson City Depot in Bryson City, NC . The entrance to the parking lot is located at:

45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713

Plan on being here by  1 hour  before your departure.

• Categories BBQ 'n Brews Bunny Hopper Express Diesel Moonshine Experience Nantahala Gorge Polar Express Smoky Mountain Beer Run Steam Sunset Tuck Tuckasegee River Uncorked

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure with the exception of The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable.   You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

You agree that GSMR General Excursions and Events for which you purchased tickets and/or attended is a public event, that your appearance and actions inside and outside the venue where the Excursion/Event occurs are public in nature, and that you have no expectation of privacy with regard to your actions or conduct at the Event. You hereby irrevocably grant permission to the host railroad, licensor, sponsor(s) and/or their assigns to use, copy, display, distribute, exhibit and utilize your name, image, digital image, likeness, acts, poses, voice, appearance, movements and statements in any live or recorded audio, video or photographic display or other transmission, exhibition, publication or reproduction of same, including at the Excursion/ Event (regardless of whether before, during or after the Excursion/ Event) for any purpose, in any manner, in any medium or context now known or hereafter developed without further authorization from or any compensation to you or anyone acting or entitled to act on your Behalf.

Subscribe to our mailing list

Phone Number I consent to receive automated marketing by text message

Thanks for joining our mailing list

You’ve been successfully subscribed – thanks!

© 2024 Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Sturgill Simpson announces tour with concert stop in Asheville: What to know about dates, tickets

Country music singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson returns to music this year with the release of a new album, " Passage Du Desir ," and return to the road with the "Why Not? Tour." On Oct. 21, Simpson will perform in Asheville at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena in Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville.

The announcement was made Wednesday, June 5. The tour, beginning Aug. 11 at Outside Lands in San Francisco, will be Simpson's first in over four years. Eight-song album "Passage Du Desir" will be released July 12 and is accompanied by a name change: Simpson is now using the name "Johnny Blue Skies."

"Passage Du Desir" was produced by Johnny Blue Skies and David Ferguson and recorded at Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville and Abbey Road Studios in London.

Here's what to know about tour dates, tickets and the new album.

More: Site near Bryson City voted top 10 in two outdoor adventure categories: Why it's special

Sturgill Simpson tour 2024

Simpson and his band, including bass player Kevin Black, keyboardist Robbie Crowell, guitarist Laur Joamets and drummer Miles Miller, will play at 30 locations during the "Why Not? Tour," which begins in August and ends in November.

While Simpson's new album is written under the nom de plume Johnny Blue Skies, the 2024 tour will still be performed under the name Sturgill Simpson.

The full list of tour locations and dates includes:

• Aug. 9-11: San Francisco, California, Outside Lands
• Sept. 14: Los Angeles, California, The Greek Theatre
• Sept. 15: Santa Barbara, California, Santa Barbara Bowl
• Sept. 17: West Valley City, Utah, Maverik Center
• Sept. 19: Bend, Oregon, Hayden Homes Amphitheater
• Sept. 20: George, Washington, The Gorge Amphitheatre
• Sept. 22: Missoula, Montana, KettleHouse Amphitheater
• Sept. 24: Moorhead, Minnesota, Bluestem Center for the Arts Amphitheater
• Sept. 25: Minneapolis, Minnesota, Roy Wilkins Auditorium
• Sept. 27: Lexington, Kentucky, Rupp Arena
• Sept. 28: Detroit, Michigan, Fox Theatre
• Oct. 1: Chicago, Illinois, Salt Shed
• Oct. 2: Chicago, Illinois, Salt Shed
• Oct. 4: Brandon, Mississippi, The Brandon Amphitheater
• Oct. 4-6: Austin, Texas, Austin City Limits Music Festival
• Oct. 8: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Criterion
• Oct. 9: Rogers, Arkansas, Walmart AMP
• Oct. 11-13: Austin, Texas, Austin City Limits Music Festival
• Oct. 15: St. Louis, Missouri, Fabulous Fox Theatre
• Oct. 18: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Petersen Events Center
• Oct. 19: Forest Hills, New York, Forest Hills Stadium
• Oct. 21: Asheville, North Carolina, ExploreAsheville.com Arena
• Oct. 22: Cary, North Carolina, Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• Oct. 24: Duluth, Georgia, Gas South Arena
• Oct. 25: Nashville, Tennessee, Bridgestone Arena
• Nov. 12: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Met
• Nov. 15: Hampton, Virginia, Hampton Coliseum
• Nov. 18: Washington, D.C., The Anthem
• Nov. 20: Toronto, Ontario, Massey Hall
• Nov. 21: Toronto, Ontario, Massey Hall
• Nov. 23: Boston, Massachusetts, MGM Music Hall at Fenway

More: Asheville music venue announces improvements, new additions for 2024 concert season

What songs are on Sturgill Simpson's new album?

Simpson's album, "Passage Du Desir," will be released on July 12, with preorders available now .

The list of songs on the album is:

• “Swamp of Sadness”
• “If the Sun Never Rises Again”
• “Scooter Blues”
• “Jupiter’s Faerie”
• “Right Kind of Dream”
• “One for the Road”

More: Hiking trails, concert series, scenic train rides: Western NC summer options voted top 10 in US

Sturgill Simpson tickets

Simpson's website offers a list of the tour locations and the option to either purchase tickets or register for presale for locations that are not yet selling tickets.

Tickets for Simpson's Asheville show will go on sale June 14, with presales available June 13. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster .

More: Downtown After 5 2024: What to know about Asheville concert series

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].