When it pays to be cheap

My experience on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

There are so many things to do in and around Bryson City. Any outdoor activity you can think of is readily available somewhere in the mountains of North Carolina. The Old North State has arguably some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The views to behold in the Smoky Mountains must be among the best. 

Having lived in other regions in my life (up in the Rockies of Colorado, the dells of Wisconsin, the subtropical coast of Carolina, the great lake region of northern Ohio), and having visited a few others (Catskills, Pacific rim, the Gulf, the Panhandle of Texas, and a handful of other geographical regions), I have come to the conclusion that the western part of North Carolina is my favorite.

The mountains of North Carolina are green, lush, and inviting. I can ACCESS these mountains. The Appalachian Trail, the most famous trail in the world (ok, maybe not THE most famous trail in the world but definitely the most famous I have ever been in proximity of and decidedly said ‘nope’ to), winds through this very region for the ambitious hiker to have an intimate experience with the western Carolina mountains.

If you’re like me and want to breathe in fresh air among the abundant green forests of western North Carolina while covering ground, perhaps not on foot carrying all the things needed to merely stay alive but you still want to witness epic views, you might consider the cheap seats at the back of the train on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad company offers two multi-hour excursions that carry passengers deep into the smokies. When I signed my family up for the Nantahala Gorge Excursion, naturally I started looking for deals, coupon codes and discounts. Like any mom of angsty teenagers whose likes and approvals are as rare and fleeting as the aurora borealis,  I want maximum experience for minimum financial investment.

This train ride offers 6 different seating options – 1st Class seats with cushioned seats positioned at a linen-covered table with menus and cutlery all the way down to the Open Air Gondola seating, which is a glamorous way of saying cheap seats at the back of the train where there are no glass windows.

This last tier has bench seating facing out with little but the frame of the train car providing boundaries, larger open-air openings for windows, and the ability to meander around freely. As everyone aboard has access to restrooms and a snack and drink car, passengers truly get to choose their level of comfort.

I tell you with the deepest sincerity and earnestness, this last open-air option is the WAY to go.

It is magnificent.

For a while, on our train ride, the folks sharing the Open Air Gondola with us kept to their seats. But after some time, people began standing, roaming around, chatting  with neighbors and generally setting a very relaxed and free atmosphere.

Was it a figment of my imagination, or did I notice glances of envy from the people firmly seated and confined in First Class observing the rogue nature of our Coach Class?

There was something about having the wind in our faces, the scenery unfettered by tempered glass, having the ability to stand right at the edge of the train window closest to the trees, breathing in the smells of nature, and the clear sound of the iconic steam whistle on the locomotive echoing through the valleys and gorges that created perfect stimuli for taking in the utter beauty of this region.

I could have stayed on that train for days – the experience easily fell into a “I wish this would last forever” moment.

If you are looking for temperature control, table side service (or a table at all, for that matter), and your hairdo to stay intact, the Open Air Gondola is not for you. However, those who prefer a more raw and natural experience should consider the cheap seats in the back.

I had no idea that my mission to be economical, well,  because what-if-everyone-hates-this-then-I-will-have-wasted-all-this-money would turn out to produce an amazing collection of memories, photos, and personal satisfaction with the experience.

If you are visiting the Smokies near Bryson City, I highly recommend this adventure! Put it at the top of your Must-Do list.