One of the rides on this list climbs a mountain inside a trolley-style car pulled straight up the slope. It covers about a mile, and the views at the top stretch across the valley.
That is just the cheapest ticket. Other rides on this list chug beside rivers, roll past a famous football stadium, and carry passengers through the foothills of the Smokies.
I love that Tennessee offers so many ways to see its hills and rivers without ever touching a steering wheel. You get to sit back, look out the window, and let someone else handle the curves.
These six rides range from short, budget-friendly excursions to longer rail adventures. So which one fits your budget, and which one fits your sense of adventure?
1. Lookout Mountain
Most trains go sideways across the land, but this one points its nose at the sky. The incline on Lookout Mountain is a funicular, which means a cable helps pull the car up the steep slope.
The trip runs about a mile in a trolley-style car. As you climb, the valley spreads out below like a giant green map.
Some riders call the ride fun and a little scary. That mix of thrill and calm makes it a strong pick for families with curious kids.
Once you reach the top, the main event is the view. Bring your camera and give yourself time to soak in the scenery before heading back down.
You’ll find food up top too, including pizza for hungry climbers. A snack with a mountain view beats a gas station sandwich any day.
Hours run from 9 AM most days, with later closing times on weekends. Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest, so plan around them if crowds bug you.
Parking is on-site, though it’s a paid lot. Restrooms are available, which every parent of small kids will appreciate.
Address: 827 E Brow Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350
2. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Train fans, consider this your playground with real tracks. The museum in Chattanooga tells the story of regional rail travel through a big collection of locomotives and railcars.
The best part is that the trains don’t just sit there looking pretty. You can ride through the scenery of the Tennessee Valley on a short excursion.
Shorter historic trips, like the Missionary Ridge Local, sit near the friendly end of the price scale. A turntable adds a fun bonus, since watching a train spin around is oddly satisfying.
The museum runs many rides throughout the year. You’ll see themed rides, dinner trains, and live performances on the schedule.
Tour guides here know their stuff and love answering questions. If your kid asks a hundred train questions, someone can probably handle them.
There’s a cafe, a restaurant, a gift shop, and free Wi-Fi on site. Changing tables are available too, which makes life easier with little ones.
Weekdays are usually quieter, while Saturdays fill up fast. Buy tickets ahead of time, especially for special rides. Active military members can also get a discount.
Address: 4119 Cromwell Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
3. Three Rivers Rambler
Football fans might spot a familiar landmark from their seat on this train. The Three Rivers Rambler rolls along the Tennessee River with views of Neyland Stadium.
The Three Rivers Rambler typically uses an oil-fired steam locomotive, although diesel power may be substituted. You also get great looks at the bridges and rivers near downtown Knoxville.
The ride feels like a city tour and a river trip rolled into one. Not bad for an afternoon outing, right?
The 2026 public schedule features the Christmas Lantern Express, with seasonal decorations and holiday activities.
The trip ends near a busy depot area with shops and places to eat. That makes it easy to stretch your outing into a full afternoon.
Families like it for birthdays, too. A party on a steam train is a pretty tough act for other parents to follow.
Plan ahead before you go. The Three Rivers Rambler operates seasonally on selected dates, so check the official schedule before visiting.
Getting tickets in advance is a smart move. On-site parking and restrooms make the start of your trip simple.
Address: 2560 University Commons Way, Knoxville, TN 37919
4. Tennessee Valley Railroad — Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad
Mountains, valleys, and a winding river all show up on this one ticket. The Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad brings historic train rides to the quiet countryside near Delano.
Riders often describe the views as breathtaking. The train itself feels comfortable and charming, like a trip back in time.
Along the way, narration explains what you’re seeing. So you’ll learn a little while you stare out the window.
Longer loop trips, such as the Hiwassee Loop and the Copperhill Special, bump the price up. Premium classes cost more, but they let you treat yourself for a big day.
Think of this as the ride for people who want the scenery to be the star. It’s less about quick thrills and more about slow, steady beauty.
Kids are welcome, and restrooms are on site. A free parking lot is a nice break from paying at every stop.
Watch the calendar closely because Hiwassee excursions operate on selected dates rather than a fixed Thursday-through-Sunday schedule.
Departure times vary by date, so review the selected excursion before arriving. Advance tickets are a good idea, since these scenic seats can go fast.
Address: 9406 US-411, Delano, TN 37325
5. Tennessee Central Railway Museum
Nashville is famous for music, but it has a pretty great train scene, too. The Tennessee Central Railway Museum works to save vintage trains and put them back on the rails.
Rides on historic trains are its specialty. Periodic excursions take vintage cars and locomotives on trips through middle Tennessee.
These are multi-hour adventures, not quick laps. That explains the higher price tag compared with shorter rides.
Back at the museum, the fun keeps going. You’ll find HO and N scale model train layouts that are fun to study up close.
There’s also a collection of artifacts from central Tennessee railroad history. Volunteers help run things, and they know a lot about the trains.
The museum is small, so don’t expect a giant complex. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in heart and history.
Hours are short, so plan carefully. The museum does not maintain regular weekly hours, although its hobby shop opens Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM and volunteers may offer tours.
Book excursion tickets ahead of time. A railroad hobby shop is available, while food and beverages are sold aboard excursion trains.
Address: 220 Willow St, Nashville, TN 37210
6. Dollywood Express Train Depot
Smoke, whistles, and a recorded hello from Dolly Parton herself. The Dollywood Express is an oil-fired steam train rolling through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The trip lasts about 20 minutes and covers a five-mile journey through the foothills surrounding the park.
Along the way, you get mountain views and panoramic looks at Dollywood. It’s a nice break after a few spins on faster rides.
So why is it last on this list? You need general admission to the theme park to ride, which makes it the priciest option here.
The good news is that your ticket covers much more than the train. You can turn one ride into a full day of fun.
During the holidays, the train joins the Christmas cheer with lights and decorations. That makes evening rides extra festive.
Expect a wait, especially on busy afternoons. Hours run late, so an evening ride can help you dodge some of the crowd.
Parking costs extra, but restrooms are close by. It’s a fun way to end your rail tour of Tennessee.
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
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