Old Line Railroad

47mi of Track

The Old Line Railroad is a 47-mile stretch of rail line that was once part of a railroad built in 1890 to connect Knoxville, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia.

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Old Line Railroad
Etowah, TN

More Information

Winding through some of the most scenic landscapes in southeastern Tennessee, the line follows the Hiwassee Scenic River as it passes through the Historic District of Reliance, into the Cherokee National Forest, over the famous Hiwassee Loop, and on to Copperhill, Tennessee. It is now home to the Hiwassee River Rail Adventures, scenic train excursions that run from April – November.

Upon its completion in 1890, the Old Line Railroad passed through many owners, eventually becoming part of the CSX system. It remained in service until 2001, when CSX announced plans to abandon the line. In 2002, thanks to a loan from Glenn Springs Holding, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxy Petroleum, the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association purchased the line. In 2003 Tennessee Valley Authority repaired a 13-mile segment of the line in order to gain access to Appalachia Powerhouse, thereby opening up a segment of the line for limited passenger train service. The following year a temporary freight project made it possible to rehabilitate the rest of the line. Today, through a partnership with Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the City of Etowah, the entire line is now open for passenger train excursions. In 2007 a 19-mile section of the line, between the historic District of Reliance and Farner, Tennessee was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Partners:

Old Line Railroad Coalition, Glenn Springs Holding, Inc., Oxy Petroleum, Southeast Tennessee Development District, Southeast Tennessee Development Association, Appalachian Regional Commission, USDA Rural Development, Tennessee Historical Commission, Tennessee State Parks, McMinn County, Polk County, City of Etowah, Tennessee Valley Authority, Etowah Chamber of Commerce, and Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

What People Are Saying

This was a very beautiful drive. It had a lot of overlooks and the trees were very beautiful. We also rode over to Joyce Kilmer Forest. This was a very nice hike and was amazing to see all the older trees. I would advise to take a bathroom break before the trip across the mountain.

Road trip

Linda, NC.

Incredible drive through the Cherokee National Forest. Lots of hiking, waterfalls and mountain streams. Areas of the skyway are rather curvy, so beware. Some like to speed through this area either in road rally’s or on motorcycle. Have seen several severe accidents.
A MUST visit for all the beauty!

Unbelievable beauty

dbauman, TN

We were surprised at how beautiful this route is. Sadly, our trip was cut short from annual undergrowth burning. We will definitely come back this way.

Gorgeous views

Mike, AL.

Nice smooth road that’s a lot of fun with beautiful sights. There’s plenty of pull offs for photos and small hikes and it makes a really nice scenic drive.

Awesome road and view

Illinois

We were in town to view the fall foliage. We hit it just right. This drive is magnificent. Several viewing sights along the way. Take advantage of all if possible.

Beautiful

Bruce, MS.

See For Yourself

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Places to stay near here

FIND COMFORT NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE

The Tennessee Overhill region covers several areas that are full of wonderful places to stay. No matter where you end up, you can rest easy knowing days full of fun and adventure await!

Hidden Lake Campground

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

Mountain View Cabin Rentals

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

Green Cove Lodge

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

The Lodge at Tellico

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

Motor Inns of America

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

Cherohala Motorcycle Resort

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

Red Roof Inn

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

Econo Lodge

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.

Telliquah Falls Log Cabins

If you’d like to book a room or find out more information, please click here.