Summer 2009 Train Excursion Set For July 18

On July 18th, train enthusiasts will get a rare treat: a 3-hour tour through the Hiwassee River Gorge.  And getting there will be as easy boarding a bus in Johnson City, Tennessee.

The Watauga Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society’s Summer 2009 Rail Excursion will take passengers on a 50-mile, 3 hour round trip rail excursion along the Hiwassee River.

According to the WVCNRHS website, “Regular scheduled passenger trains operated here until 1968 and the last freight train traveled the Old Line in 2001. The railroad was originally built to haul ore from the copper basin in Copper Hill, TN. The Tennessee Overhill Association took over ownership of the rail line in 2004. This will be a very unique opportunity to get to ride on the historic railroad.“

Passengers will see the Gorge on an historic train,  “General seating only is offered featuring comfortable cushioned seats with large windows. Historic 1950s era diesel locomotives will pull the vintage, enclosed climate-controlled coaches,“ according to the group’s website.  “Passengers will be asked to move from one side of the aisle to the other before the return trip to ensure that every passenger will be able to view all the scenery in secluded areas along the line. “

A tour bus will leave downtown Johnson City, TN at 7:15 am on July 18th.  Passengers will need to meet at the Cherry Street Parking Lot.  The bus will pick up more passengers at the Century 21 parking lot, 2040 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy, Greeneville, TN at 7:45 am.  After the train excursion, the tour bus will arrive back in Greeneville at 8:15 pm and 8:45 pm in Johnson City.

Ticket cost: $80.00 per person. Meals are not included.

To register for the trip, go to the WVCNRHS website:  http://www.wataugavalleynrhs.org/