The 2007 schedule for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) includes an expanded schedule for the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure. Beginning Saturday excursion trains will again take to the rails of the Hiwassee Gorge and the former Louisville and Nashville Railroad’s “Old Line” on over 160 additional dates in 2007.

The excursion takes passengers across the “Eye” of the legendary “Hook and Eye” rail line. Known as the Great Hiwassee, or Bald Mountain, Loop the train will pass 62 feet over the tracks on which they have already passed.

For over 100 years, passengers and train crews had the pleasure of traveling along one of the most beautiful river gorges in the United States. For almost 20 miles the tracks hugged the sides of the Hiwassee River as the line climbed from Reliance toward Farner, Tn. With the end of passenger service in the 1960’s and freight service in 2001 it was thought that the line would remain abandoned for good.

The line remained out of service until 2004 when TVRM partnered with TOHA to operate a series of limited excursions in the lower gorge. The success of those rail excursions, coupled with extensive renovations to the line over the Loop to Copperhill led to the fall 2006 excursions.

In 2007 frequency of train departures and destinations will vary by season but will feature 133 days of 50 mile, 3 ½ hour trips over the Loop and back. There will also be 18 days of operation over the entire TOHA owned rail line to Copperhill. Specially priced school excursions will be offered on 12 mornings in May.

New for 2007 are two “through” trains, operated in partnership with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway that will continue beyond Copperhill to Blue Ridge, Ga., traversing the entire remaining passenger portion of the old “Hook and Eye”. These trains will operate only one way. Groups, or individuals, can provide their own transportation or a Motor Coach return will be available for a small additional charge.

Each train will feature coach seating with large windows for viewing the passing scenery. The vintage, climate-controlled coaches are pulled by historic diesel locomotives from the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Light refreshments will be available on the train but passengers may bring their own.

All rides begin with a short bus ride from the restored Louisville and Nashville Etowah deport to the train boarding location. Riders with special needs can arrange for parking at the train departure location by calling the museum office.

Individual seats went on sale March 14 and may be ordered by calling (423) 894-8028. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. On line ticket ordering is available on the TVRM web site. Schools, and other groups, should contact the TVRM office for assistance with their travel planning.

Advance ticket reservations and purchases are recommended as many dates will sell out early. Walk up purchases of any remaining tickets will be available at the bus boarding location beginning 30 minutes prior to the first departure of the day. Seat availability will be updated daily on the website www.tvrail.com.