by Karen Sherrill
posted March 19, 2008
) The Hiwassee River Rail Adventure begins running Saturday, March 29. Click to enlarge. |
The excursion takes passengers across the "Eye" of the legendary "Hook and Eye" rail line. Known as the Great Hiwassee Loop, or Bald Mountain Loop, at the top you'll be passing over a bridge 62 feet above the tracks on which you've just traveled as the rails negotiate a spiraling formation.
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 2008 frequency of train departures and destinations will vary by season but will feature the Hiwassee Loop that is a 3 ˝ hour ride over the Loop and back. There will also be a day-long ride to the former mining town of Copperhill, Tn. that includes a two hour layover in Copperhill for dining or browsing through quaint shops.
Each train will feature comfortable 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 feel free to bring your own.
All rides begin with a short bus ride from the restored L&N Etowah depot 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 are on sale now and may be ordered by calling (423) 894-8028 or via www.tvrail.com. Office hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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 thirty minutes prior to the first departure of the day. Seat availability will be updated daily on the website at www.tvrail.com.
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