Patriot Rail Excursions

My family went today on the 10 o’clock Fall foliage train trip. We had the nicest trip. The train was comfortable and clean. The ladies taking care of us were very enjoyable and gracious. Thank you Ms. Elenor and Ms. Yvonne. I regret I didn’t get the conductor’s name... he was so enjoyable, full of life and lots of history! In fact, everyone associated with the Railway was just super hospitable. We also were pleasantly surprised with lunch and dessert! We’ll definitely come back!

My wife bought this for me as an early Birthday present. I can't say enough good things about it! This is a well oiled machine and a class act from top to bottom. Blue Ridge, Georgia is very charming and everyone we met was very friendly. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway doesn't need to change a thing! We will be back!

We took the Premier scenic Railway tour, and we thought it was a great deal for the extra money. They gave the women a canvas bag with a cup and magnet for souvenirs. They served unlimited drinks, and gave a 1/2 wrap and fruit in the way up. They took a picture of your group and gave to you when you boarded to come back to Blue Ridge. They gave a light desert on the way back. If you don't have kids that you're taking on the ride, I highly recommend you spending the extra to ride in the premier cabin. The crew and the conductors were also friendly. It was a great experience for us!

My family and I took the train ride on Halloween and sat in the open air car. We were a bit apprehensive as we didn't know how cold we would be and we had two of our granddaughters aged 5 and 2. We had a great time. The big kids (daughter and her husband and their kiddos) and little kids loved it. I would certainly recommend this. The staff was very accommodating and did a great job pointing out the history of the area.

Train ridge was wonderful. The staff were nice and helpful. Unfortunately the stores in maycasville were pretty much all closed. Just a couple restaurants that were open. Took over an hour to get our food. But the train was very nice. Blue Ridge is the place to shop and eat!

Wow! We had a blast! Thank you Donald and Eleanor for keeping us comfortable and laughing the whole ride. These two were a joy to spend the experience with. First class folks ! Butter Cake melts in your mouth and the fudge was wonderful. I can’t say enough. It was a first date and needless to say it went over extremely well. Thanks again!!!

Lots of fun, beautiful scenery! Jeff, one of the car host is very friendly, funny and informative! The train also is awesome for handicapped people. My husband is in a motorized scooter and they have a lift you drive your wheelchair on and it puts you on the train.

Absolutely gorgeous - I went with my parents and boyfriend during the fall leaves event. Beautiful scenery and great weather! The town in Tennessee is starting to get more built up which will help with your time there too!

We went on the fall foliage train ride and the leaves were so pretty. The little town it takes you to has a good Mexican restaurant. The train attendant we had was so sweet and his name was Cliff Morris. He was funny and super personable. I would arrive early the blue ridge town where the train leaves have plenty of shopping but the town it takes you to is not that great. I would definitely recommend the train ride in the fall season.

So much fun. Wonderful host attends to your every need. You meet new folks on the train, townsfolk are very friendly and all the restaurants have great food that we visited. Loved it and can't wait to don't again with the kids. We took the 18 & over tour this time, next time we will take the kiddos and grands.

My family came here during Christmas time and we had a great time on the train. The 4 young children had a blast seeing Santa and a host of other Christmas characters as we were riding. Santa even gave out jingle bells that he said were from his sleigh(my 3-year-old son ate that up!) The whole endeavor was a bit pricey, but it was a great experience for my son and his 3 cousins.

Blue Ridge is BEAUTIFUL! Cant wait to go back and spend more time there when the weather is warmer! Rent a cabin and do some hiking and exploring, this area has so much beauty to be discovered!

We always have the best time going on this train! We went and saw Santa in December and it was the best experience even for my 4-year-old and even my teenagers! They even got a Christmas Bell and it just absolutely made their day! The scenery was perfect and made me want to win the lottery and buy a cabin on the creek!

Very good scenic views and some good information during the excursion. All the staff was very friendly and helpful. Had tickets for the outdoor car and during March it was nice when sitting in the sun. Would like to have known which restaurants were closed at the stop however that really is not the Railroad's issue but it could help. Other than that is was a great trip.

We have lived in Georgia now for 4 years and keep meaning to go on this railway. Well, Friday was the day, we finally committed and opted for the premier class. It was worth it! You get a complimentary canvas bag with goodies inside (magnet postcard, book, cup and coupons), complimentary photo, complimentary beverages, complimentary snacks to and from, no one is allowed in your car but you can go to any part of the train. So worth it (for value but for personal reasons as well).The snack was great...cheese, grapes, crackers, veggies with ranch dip and a mini cinnamon bun. On the way back a sweet treat of ooey gooey cake.

We took their summer tour, I would say the price was high for the covered views from the full-sized summer trees. However, it was a GREAT experience! The staff was amazing- very friendly and there was plenty of PUNNY jokes. We had a blast, the town you go to was small but had enough this to do to for the time you are there. I would love to see the views in fall and would like to make a trip back. Fun for all ages.

We took their summer tour, I would say the price was high for the covered views from the full-sized summer trees. However, it was a GREAT experience! The staff was amazing- very friendly and there was plenty of PUNNY jokes. We had a blast, the town you go to was small but had enough this to do to for the time you are there. I would love to see the views in fall and would like to make a trip back. Fun for all ages.

Definitely, need to book in advance. We ended up in a full car. Not a problem, just realized if we had waited till the day of, we probably wouldn't have gotten all 7 tickets. We rode in an enclosed and heated car. Having bathrooms and heat was a definite plus, however, the windows had a horrible reflection and while it was fine to see out of if you're taking pics or video of the beautiful scenery, you might prefer the open air cars. I alternated between my car and the next car (which was open air) depending on if I was looking or filming. One thing to note, if you have a baby in a car seat carrier, they will make you take the baby out and stow the carrier. We ended up having to wake up and then hold our now fussy seven-month-old for the entire duration of the trip.

This was an awesome experience. We went during October when the leaves were changing and then again in December when they had Santa visiting the kids. We had a blast both times. It was very cold so bundle up but they have snacks and drinks on the train, including hot apple closer and hot chocolate.

Blue Ridge Railway was a beautiful experience for us and our grandchildren. Our youngest grandson fell right into being a conductor and had fun when the conductor came thru to punch tickets. Wade was our car attendant and was very knowledgeable on the area we would be traveling thru and about the railway. Total time is 4 hours you spend 2 hours up at the stopping point, where you have a chance to eat and do some shopping. Well worth the money for the adventure and time with our grandchildren.

We took a ride to look at the fall foliage. The scenery was beautiful. The little town we visit was cute. It was raining so we spent most of our time indoors. We visited a crystal shop that was reasonably priced. Rick, our train car host was wonderful. Very educational trip. Saw how indigenous Americans had caught their fish 500 years ago. Super interesting and aesthetically beautiful.

We almost missed the train. We were going to take the trip on Thursday but due to stormy weather we decided to go Friday. On Fridays , the train leaves an hour earlier than earlier in the week. When we were parking , the train was blowing its departure horn. We had to run a long way and just barely made it. The ride is slow and relaxing. We were lucky enough to get Keith as our train car host. He is very friendly and funny. That screeching sound you hear is the screeching you hear lol. They point out informative things about the trip and tell corny but funny jokes. We enjoyed walking around the little town and having lunch. If you are not prudish, you will enjoy it.

We had a great time on the train today! We sat in a open air car. Weather was great mid 60’s. You are assigned a car not an individual seat. The open air cars have two benches with backs that run the whole length of the car facing out with the isle between them. We sat facing the woods to start. Not a whole ton to see but after the stop they have everyone switch sides witch works great. The city you stop is nice. We had our kids with us so we just took them to the park and had a picnic lunch and fed the ducks. The GA TN line runs through the middle of it so that’s pretty cool. There is several small shops and restaurants for lunch with more opening in a few months. The ride back we were on the side that faced the river and it was really cool. It is fall and leaves were falling so you had a really great view of the river almost the whole way. The concession car had a wide variety of snacks at a great price.

Had a great time on the trip, great friendly staff, loved the outdoor car up to Copperhill TN/McCaysville GA and the river view. Nice restaurant choices at layover although the NY Deli was way overpriced, I'd try the other lunch spots.

Took the trip on the scenic railway from Blue Ridge to McCaysville/Copperhill. The ride was 13 scenic miles along the Toccoa River. The hosts on the train were very informative as to the history of the area. The train was decorated with lights and there was a Kodak moment Christmas tree in one of the cars. The stop was for 2 hours to shop and eat and drink beer at one of the two newly opened Breweries. The mall is being renovated and should reopen in mid-December. It is a great way to relax and see some of the beautiful scenery in the area that is only seen from the train, kayak or canoe of the river. It takes 4 hours to complete the trip. Highly recommended

I had a great experience on the train. We did the normal scenic train that goes to McCaysville and back. There’s plenty of room for friends to sit together and chat while you ride and the staff is all very friendly. Our host Jeff was great and humorous! He recommended a great grill for lunch in McCaysville. The ride is smooth and the river is beautiful. It’s a great way to spend some time with your friends and family.

We came for the Christmas ride, and we had a really good time. The costumes need a bit of updating, but my kids enjoyed themselves. It was festive and fun, and we enjoyed the scenery. They had Christmas carols, characters, and of course, Santa! We will come back!!!

For my husband's birthday, we drove to Blue Ridge, Ga for the scenic railway. We selected the Premier Class and it was a wonderful Experience. The car hosts, Patty and Lori, were so helpful and lovely, and it was only Lori's second day! The light lunch was delicious, the complimentary drinks and the sweet treats were great. We received a free tote and other goodies, and even a complimentary picture of us. The train was clean and well kept, the ride was beautiful and the narrative of sights and history interesting. 2 hours in McCaysville for lunch and shopping was just the right amount of time, and all the shopkeepers were friendly and happy to have guests from the train. Our return ride was just as pleasant, and one of the conductors came thru to answer questions and tell more stories. My husband even got his picture taken with the conductors for his birthday. Everyone we encountered from the ticket booth to the photographer were so pleasant and made it such a wonderful day.