Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Review: Is First Class Worth It?

If you’re planning a scenic mountain trip, a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Review is probably at the top of your research list — especially if you’re debating whether First Class is actually worth the upgrade. Short answer: yes, but with a few things you’ll want to know before you book.

And if you’re building out a full Bryson City itinerary while you’re at it, check out my guide for Weekend in Bryson City & Dillsboro, NC: Best Things to Do & Where to Eat for more ideas.

Choosing Your Route on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has several routes, each with its own scenery and vibe. The most popular options are:

Tuckasegee River Excursion

A calmer, scenic ride with river views, quiet stretches, and a relaxed pace. This is the route we chose.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

More rugged with dramatic mountain and river views. If you want something a little more adventurous, this is the one.

Seasonal Specialty Trains

Think fall-leaf peeping rides, a Halloween train, and the iconic Polar Express during the holidays.

Picking Your Class: Which Train Car Is Best?

Before you choose your class, think about how much comfort you want and what kind of views matter most to you. Not every class is available on every excursion, so double-check your route before booking — some cars only run on specific trips.

First Class

First Class is the most comfortable (and bougie) option. You get padded seats, heat, air conditioning, assigned seating, large picture windows, and a full meal included. Dessert and unlimited soft drinks come with it, and you’ll get a souvenir travel mug.
It’s not ideal for photography since the windows don’t open, but the comfort level is unmatched.

Premium Open-Air Gondola

This car gives you the open-air experience with outward-facing seats, ceiling fans, and great ventilation. It’s ideal for photography, and you still get a meal included and a souvenir travel mug.
There’s no heat or A/C, and the windows don’t close because… there are no windows. It’s breezy, scenic, and the most immersive way to ride without sacrificing assigned seating.

Crown Class

Crown Class is a step below First Class but still very comfortable. You get padded seats, heat, air conditioning, assigned seating, and large picture windows. You’ll also receive a souvenir travel mug with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
Windows do not open, and ceiling fans aren’t available, so this is a fully climate-controlled experience.

Coach Plus

Coach Plus gives you padded seats, heat, assigned seating, ceiling fans, and windows that open and close — a big perk for people who want fresh air without committing to an open-air car.
No large picture windows, no A/C, and no souvenir mug, but it’s a comfortable middle-ground if you want airflow and better seats.

Coach Class

Coach Class offers assigned seating, heat, ceiling fans, and windows that open and close. Seats are not padded, and there are no large picture windows or A/C.
It’s the most budget-friendly way to ride while still staying comfortable.

Open-Air Gondola

This is the breeziest, most photographer-friendly option. Outward-facing seats, ceiling fans, and completely open sides make the views incredible.
You’ll need to dress for the weather — no heat, no A/C, and no padded seats. But the views? Worth it.

I chose First Class for two reasons: comfort… and no kids. Enough said.

Booking Tips: Read This Before You Reserve

If you want specific seats or a certain class — especially First Class — book at least a month in advance. The two-person tables in First Class sell out quickly (trust me, I tried), so we ended up with a four-person table on the street side.

That ended up being the best choice. On the Tuckasegee River Excursion, the views stay on the street side for almost the entire ride. You’ll see a few features on the opposite side, including the movie set remnants from The Fugitive with Harrison Ford, but the river, mountains, and most of the main scenery stay on the street side.

My Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Review of First Class

We rode First Class, and the amenities are the real selling point — roomy seats, big windows, climate control, and a relaxed vibe from start to finish.

The Meal

The meal is simple and satisfying, but not the highlight of the experience — and that’s totally fine. Most people will enjoy it, but if you’re used to higher-end dining, just go in with realistic expectations. They serve it almost as soon as the 10 a.m. train departs, so be ready for an early meal or plan to skip breakfast.

Live Music

A musician came through the car playing a few songs, and he was actually really good. He works for tips, and it was a fun touch without feeling forced or cheesy.

The Dillsboro Stop

The train stops in Dillsboro for about 1.5 hours — plenty of time to stretch your legs, walk around, grab a snack, or browse the shops. It’s a cute, walkable mountain town and a nice reset before the train heads back. If you want the full shopping breakdown, see my full review of Shopping in Dillsboro, NC: Best Boutiques, Crafts & Local Stores for everything I loved.

The Museum Bonus

Your ticket includes free admission to the Smoky Mountains Train Museum right by the depot. It’s surprisingly fun, with a huge model train setup, vintage railroad memorabilia, and displays that show what mountain rail travel looked like decades ago. It’s not a destination by itself, but since it’s included, it’s absolutely worth popping in.

The Dillsboro Stop: Food, Shopping & What to Do During Your Break

About halfway through the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad ride, the train stops in Dillsboro for roughly 1.5 hours. It’s the perfect amount of time to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or wander through this small mountain town. The stop feels like a nice reset before you head back toward Bryson City.

Where to Eat in Dillsboro

If you're hungry, the best nearby option is Haywood Smokehouse, which has a Dillsboro location just a short walk or drive away. It’s locally owned by two brothers who do all the smoking themselves, and their barbecue is the real deal — no touristy fluff, just tender meat and genuinely good sides.

The brisket is shockingly good (especially for lean brisket), and the sauces let you customize things however you like. My personal favorite combo: Sweet Red mixed with Georgia Fire.

What I’d order every time:
– Fried pork ribs
– Pork sandwich on Texas toast with bacon and cheese
– Lean brisket
– Baked beans (just go ahead and order two)
– Banana pudding
– Bourbon chocolate pecan pie

If you want my full breakdown of everything they serve — sauces, desserts, sides, and what’s worth ordering — see my full review of Haywood Smokehouse.

Shops to Browse in Dillsboro

Dillsboro has a great mix of small shops that are easy to explore during your stop. Here are the best ones:

Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop
A holiday staple since 1969 with eight themed rooms of ornaments, décor, and festive nostalgia. Follow the peppermint circles so you don’t miss anything.

Carolina Southern Peddler
A nostalgic mix of antiques, vintage pieces, and Southern-style home décor. Expect at least one “my grandma had this” moment.

Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
Smells like a warm cocoa cloud. They make everything in-house — from “happy chocolates” (yes, they’re shaped like little poo emojis) to tropical turtles, peanut butter volcanos, chile-dusted chocolate, and chocolate-dipped s’mores. They also serve coffee and ice cream.

Dogwood Crafters
A co-op filled with handmade Appalachian goods: quilts, pottery, woodworking, candles, and seasonal décor.

Fox’s Burrow
Run by former National Park Service rangers and stocked with eco-friendly outdoor-themed gifts, books, and American-made items.

Lazy Bear General Store
Classic mountain-town vibes with rustic décor, snacks, funny signs, and cozy souvenirs.

Magnolias Jewelry
A lovely mix of boutique jewelry and artisan pieces. Ideal if you prefer wearable souvenirs.

The Artsy Olive
Flavored olive oils, balsamics, and gourmet samplings. They bottle everything on the spot — great for foodie gifts.

The Corn Crib
Old-school candies, jams, salsas, pickles, and nostalgic pantry items. A fun place for Appalachian snacks.

The Front Porch
Farmhouse and rustic home décor with lanterns, florals, and seasonal pieces. The kind of shop where you accidentally redecorate your whole house in your head.

Tunnel Mountain Crafts
Authentic handmade goods from local creators — pottery, textiles, woodworking, jewelry. Zero mass-produced items here.

If you’re planning a bigger Western North Carolina trip, check out my guide to Where to Stay in Western North Carolina: Top Yurts, Hotels & Lakefront Lodging for nearby options.

Final Thoughts Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Review: Is First Class Worth It?

Yes — if your priority is comfort, space, views, and a more relaxed experience, First Class is absolutely worth the upgrade. The food isn’t memorable, but the overall ride, amenities, ease, and scenery make it a standout activity in Western North Carolina. If you're already planning a trip to the area, I’d add this ride to your itinerary without hesitation.