hiwassee river rail adventure

Enjoyed the train ride- tickets in the regular cars ( not the observation dome) were fine-train seats and floors in very good condition- was able to take good photos through the window and from the last car platform on the return tripthe big spoiler was the LOUD conversation of the train riders- like a big HAPPY HOUR party with more than a few drunks on board- but the company cannot help thatthe company could work on what to do with people for the full hour before departure- our tickets said to arrive 30 minutes before the 1:30 departure- the departure was after 2 pmwill go again when in the area and will recommend- keep looking for that grant funding!

We enjoyed the train ride, but it would have been much nicer had there been a stop somewhere enroute for photo taking. The majority of the photos were blurry because of the movement of the train which made it hard to focus, and the window we had to photograph through. The conductor and his banjo was a hoot!

Bought tickets for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Copperhill Special several months ago for a planned trip to visit a good friend in Athens Tennessee. Purchased the top of the line Dome/Observation package to make the most of the trip. Not a good choice. The former Canadian Pacific "Algonquin Park" dome/observation car should not be a part of this train. That was the feeling most of the other passengers seemed to share. We were told the car is privately owned and leased to TVR. It is a "work in progress" according to our guide and a conductor. The bathrooms in our car did not wok and you had to go to another car to use the bathroom. Two of the observation dome windows dripped water inside during our trip in light rain. The lower seating area consisted of about a dozen individual chairs in rather poor condition. A couple of the windows in the lower seating area had such bad condensation between the panes of glass that you could not see out them. The ride itself was pretty non descript for the most part. The track loop-over was interesting and the 2 hour layover in Copperhill was nice. We could grab lunch and look around in the shops for a while. The ride back seemed to be most folks just talking among one another rather than look out the windows, there just wasn't much to see. If you still wish to take the ride, save yourself some money and take the regular seating or the Dome Coach package instead of the Dome/Observation package. Those TVR owned cars are in much better condition and restored properly. We really enjoy riding a train and this was the least enjoyable ride we have taken. Finally, the 5 mile school bus ride from the train depot to the train location was kind of a pain also.

We enjoy trains so the ride itself was enjoyable. When purchasing tickets the lady in the office in the depot said to sit on the left side of the train on the ride up but once you start back you will be asked to switch sides so the others can see the views. Since it is a passenger train they are not allowed to board at the depot so school buses drive quite a ways to a different location to board. The train ride itself was nice - the only thing I was expecting was to see a lot of amazing views considering you are going up and down a mountain. There was some but all the trees blocked quite a bit. We could see the Hiwassee River. That is the only part that really disappointed me, not being able to see a lot of the area. On the ride down we did sit on the other side and there really wasn't much to see at all. One of the conductors did come in and did sing some songs while strumming on his guitar, that was fun. All in all we did enjoy the train ride, not so much the school bus. If you are looking for amazing views than this is not the ride for you, if you just want a relaxing train ride then yes take this.

Well, this little train trip was a nice way to spend a day! We started out staying in Athens and then going over to the train station the next am for our 9 am departure. Now, I will warn those who have a hard time with steps or walking to be careful when booking to tell them and they are glad to help where they can.. First there was a ride on the " Old school bus" to the train, about 10 miles I'd say. Then you walk a few feet to board the train , they have ramps up, but if it is really busy you may stand for 5 or more minutes in line. You are instructed how to get to your "car" on the train, and proceed. This is where the fun begins! Really! Trains have very narrow hallways and they are like a maze from car to car, and wouldn't you know that we were next to the last car! Of course that is the seating we choose, the last car is more, shall I say " upscale" but you do climb stairs to get to it ( Dome car) The one just below, our car was a Dome car ( glass topped partially) and there were steps ( I believe 7) up into it. Once there the view was great and I can imagine it is wonderful during leaf season. It was truly a unique ride, We hit tree limbs , heard thumps and just enjoyed the entire adventure while meeting other travelers. There were about 20 in our car. Once in town, we stopped for lunch, they offer a few choices, although you do not have a lot of time. We chose the close by ( 1 1/2 blocks) Mexican restaurant and found it to be good. Although there is a Subway we did not see it but our friends could not walk very far. We had a few extra moments to go into a shop directly across the corner from the restaurant, it says something about Christmas Shoppe . GO THERE! it is awesome! Many unique items and the lady there knows everything about every piece! There is also a girl who started her own candle shop and makes candles on site, that are also lotion. While burning you stick your finger in and get a bit of the wax, although it feels like silk on your hands! I had to buy one! The we headed back to the train and loaded everyone on and set back for our return. ( They also give you tickets to redeem for snacks on the train as a part of you ticket price at certain levels) On the way back we had the adventure of stopping the train so the workers could get out and cut tree limbs, which fell on the track and then they drug them away! I felt like on ole' Pioneer! Then the BEST part of the trip, one of the conductors brought his guitar and satin our doorway and played several songs and sang for us.. he should quit his day job and go on the road! He was wonderfully talented, no spring chicken, and had a lovely voice. A couple of oldies and gospel tunes and bluegrass and he was gone. I truly enjoyed that time! So if you have a chance look it up and go.. I would recommend the Dome car or the one before it both have good seats and views. Unless you want the luxury car then go for it! ENJOY!

I got this train trip for two when pledging to support UNCTV last June, 2013. After almost a year's wait, we took the trip a week or so ago. It was so well organized and pleasant. The conductor gave an excellent commentary so that we knew what we were seeing. Plus he gave a great history of the route.