| Updated on June 12, 2024 (Originally published June 06, 2023)
Day train trips in Georgia make so much sense as our little state is littered with train tracks. Our railroad history is rich and fruitful, and what’s so wonderful is there are still trains chugging along to this day that take passengers and families on excursions throughout the Peach State and even beyond. Here are a few of our favorite journeys in Georgia by train for some inspiration for planning your next railroad adventure! Check them out.
1. McCaysville, Georgia
241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA
With the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, the first hour of this trip takes passengers to the charming sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, sitting deep in the picturesque mountains on the state line. Spend the two-hour layover eating, shopping, and discovering each of the town’s quaint offerings. Then sit back and admire the scenery on the one-hour return trip through the forested woods and back to the depot in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Check out the Blue Ridge Scenic Byway website for more information, including ticketing and hours.
2. Copperhill, Tennessee
109 Ocoee St, Copperhill, TN 37317, USA
While the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes you to McCaysville, you can actually wander into Copperhill, Tennessee, too, and keep the day trips coming. Once Toccoa Avenue turns into Ocoee Street, then you’re officially in Tennessee, so you might as well wander a bit. Explore a variety of shops and art galleries, or grab a delicious lunch at The Copper Grill, fit with belly-filling sandwiches, fries, and burgers.
3. Cordele, Georgia
105 9th Ave E, Cordele, GA 31015, USA
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a popular train in Georgia to take day trips throughout the state. The last stop of the Watermelon Express winds up in Cordele, Georgia, a city with a unique and intriguing military history. Known as the watermelon capital of the world, you can travel to Cordele via train and spend the day at the Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, or grab a bite at any one of the legendary local restaurants. The summer ride coincides with the Watermelon Days Festival. Visit the SAM Shortline website for more details.
4. Chattanooga, Tennessee
4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, USA
The Tennessee Valley Railroad has a 6-hour round-trip adventure from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chickamauga, Georgia, and back. You can explore everything the beautiful mountain valley city offers, including loads of cultural and weekend events. Explore the Tennessee Aquarium, or snag some scrumptious Southern food at Public House Restaurant. Take a look at the TN Valley Railroad website for information about tickets, hours, and more.
5. Lake Blackshear, Cordele
2459 US-280, Cordele, GA 31015, USA
The SAM Shortline also heads to Lake Blackshear, where you and the family can spend the weekend fishing, hiking, camping, or staying at the lakeside resort. This day trip can easily turn into a much-deserved weekend getaway. Relax and unwind on the banks of the lake, and enjoy the magical sunsets and sounds of lapping waves. Visit the SAM Shortline website for additional information, and to plan your trip.
6. Tampa, Florida
Did you know you can get to Tampa, Florida on one of the day train trips from Atlanta in about eight hours? That’s right folks, you can take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Tampa. Soak in the sun and the warm temps, while also exploring one of the most relaxed atmospheres on the east coast. Make sure before you head back to Georgia, you grab a sizzling plate of pad Thai at Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple. Find a schedule of the Amtrak day trips on the Amtrak website.
7. Plains, Georgia
From Georgia Veterans State Park Depot folks head out to President Jimmy Carter’s charming hometown of Plains, Georgia, just in time for July 4th Celebration – Southern style. For further information on these train rides Georgia, visit the SAM Shortline website.
Have you been on any of these train rides? Do you think you’ll take any of these trips in Georgia anytime soon? How about by train? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
