All aboard the coziest train in North Carolina 🍁🚂🌧️ The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina offers two of the most scenic fall rides in the Smoky Mountains, both perfect for leaf peeping and only about an hour from Asheville. ⛰️The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is their signature 4.5 hour ride that follows the Nantahala River, crosses Fontana Lake, and winds through the gorge. It departs from downtown Bryson City and stops at the Nantahala Outdoor Center halfway. Tickets