Railroads played a vital role in the development of this area between the 1800's and the early 1900's. They determined the routes of local roads, saved an ailing mining industry, contributed to the growth of small towns as resort communities, and made it possible to log the last remaining virgin timber in the area.
The orginal tracks started in Marietta, Georgia, reaching Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas in 1886. The line ran east to Copperhill, Tennessesse and made a very sharp horseshoe curve dubbed the "Eye" via the Hiawasse Loop. The curve was so sharp that crews claimed that if a conductor's cigar went out on the caboose, he could wait for the "hook" then easily lean out and get a light from the engineer.
By 1905, the MN&G line had been purchased twice and was now called the Louisville and Nashville. Depots in the smaller towns served as places for shipping products, receiving mail and gossip. In 1905, the Blue Ridge depot was built and the railroad was in full forward motion.
The last passenger train departed Blue Ridge in 1951 but the freight trains continued to be shipped through the area until the Louisville and Nashville ceased operations in 1987. In 1990, a group of Blue Ridge citizens starting working on restoring the railroad. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway opened for business and began operating excursion train from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, Georgia.
In the 1990's, investors looking to preserve the significant railway history in Blue Ridge, Georgia brought our iconic train to life. Since then, the train has become the heart of this small town, bringing over 70 thousand visitors to Blue Ridge and its sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee. Experienced seekers and family adventurers alike find fulfillment in the charming uniqueness of our train. The railway provides an intimate view into our foothill culture while being submerged in North Georgia's serene forestry.
Our layover in McCaysville and Copperhill allows passengers time to explore small shops, local eateries, breweries and historical landmarks. Located on the Georgia and Tennessee state line, there is a unique opportunity to have one foot in both states at the same time. After the ride, walk down East Main Street to be pleasantly surprised by the diverse mix of businesses in our small town.
The ExcursionThis day started like the previous with an early breakfast before boarding the bus for Blue Ridge, Georgia over the same route on which we came back yesterday. Since I knew the lighting would be better, I took more pictures today.
In the canyon that the highway was built through, afforded one this view of the narrow gauge tracks that once were used between the dam and power house.
In Copperhill, the Tennessee State Line sign which meant that I was in Georgia before we reached Blue Ridge. Once the train arrived, Chris and I boarded the same car as yesterday for our trip to Tate and departed on time.
Just to the south was the top of the grade before we started downgrade.
Our conductor in the baggage-concession car informing Chris Parker that he had won the raffle for a cab ride between Ellijay and Whitestone this morning. He was very excited that he had won.
Running through the beautiful Georgia countryside.
Passing two unique homes.
A Louisville and Nashville Railroad milepost sign.
Looking down the side of our train.
Crossing Cherry Log Creek.
More views along our route. It was announced a photo runby would occur at Ellijay so we arrived and detrained.
The Louisville and Nashville Ellijay station built in 1912.
Our train awaiting the runby.
I picked the view from the hill for my pictures.
Georgia Northeastern GP10 7562, ex. Conrail 7562, nee Pennsylvania Railroad GP9 7098 built by Electro-Motive Division in 1956.
The reverse move.
The station as seen from my vantage point.
Everyone was ready but not in a good photo line.
Photo runby one.
The going-away view showed both our locomotives on the point.
My coach for today was Blue Ridge Scenic coach 549, ex. Greensboro Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society who converted it into a 55-seat coach, exx. New Jersey Transit 2409, exxx. Santa Fe coach in 1959, nee Santa Fe round end 32-seat parlour car, built by Budd Company in 1948.
The rear of our train during the runby.
One last view of the station before the train reversed and we all reboarded.
We crossed the Talona Creek crossing just south of Ellijay where a stop was made to pick up boxed lunches.
Travelling through more of the beautiful Georgia countryside.
The interior of my coach.
There is always something interesting along the tracks.
Passing the smallest crossbuck I had ever seen.
Scenic views abounded on our journey to the next photo runby location at Whitestone.
We detrained along a road.
The reverse move.
Photo runby three.
Reverse move.
Photo runby three.
Our staff was picking up the rope that made the photo line and we all reboarded.
The Whitestone concrete plant.
A hot and humid Southern afternoon. We were now near where the old Hook once was on the Hook and Eye Line. The Hook was a 15 degree double reverse curve which took four miles to gain the two miles of our present-day route. Its location was between here and Talking Rock.
The crossing of this bridge started the trackage that was built to replace the "Hook".
A more gentle routing than via the old Hook along a peaceful stream.
A pretty rural setting.
We reached the point where the track for the Hook used to join the mainline.
The former siding at Talking Rock.
Fields of rolled hay.
We ran through many miles of Southern forest during the last two days.
Passing underneath a wooden bridge as we approached Jasper.
Jasper Louisville and Nashville station built in 1920. The restored long white gabled combination wood depot contains offices. Jasper, the county seat of Pickens County, was incorporated as a town in 1857 and as a city a hundred years later. It was named for William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero.
Curving into Tate.
Georgia Northeastern SW1 77, ex. Georgia Marble 77, nee Southern built by Electro-Motive Division, year unknown.
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Georgia Northeastern GP9 6576 and Georgia Northeastern GP38 9708.
The Tate station and our excursion train from the last two days as we departed Tate en route to Chattanooga.
The buses drove together back to the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Chris and I then went to Beas Restaurant in Rossville which my good friend Jim Nowell told me about and encouraged me to visit. We were seated with two strangers who would not remain strangers for long. You sit at a round table with a Lazy Susan on top which contains has all the food for your meal. The food is changed out so it is always fresh. It was all good old homemade Southern food and is all-you- can-eat. The Chicken Wish Bone meat was some of the best chicken I had ever had. We learned a lot from our new friends and we all had a very fulfilling meal at a great price. After a fantastic dinner, we returned to the Chattanooga Choo Choo where I relaxed for the rest of that evening.
