Enjoy the adventure aboard North Carolina's First Rail Tour! An incredible 8.5 mile round-trip on the old railroad tracks through the Valley in Andrews, North Carolina. Your destination: the historic hand-carved Valley River Tunnel.
Tours leave daily, Wednesday through Sunday* at 8:30 am, 11:30 am, and 3 pm from the Andrews Train Depot. There are three options for riding the rails at Andrews Valley Rail Tours, each for only $59.99 per person.
*during peak season and on Holidays we run tours more often
Our RailBikes are electric pedal-assisted, similar to E-bikes, and require light pedaling. A RailBike is the optimal way to tour the Valley if you're able. There's nothing like the open air, unobstructed view of the mountains and river.
The Cart Ride offers captain's chairs that swivel and have armrests. A great option for those with limited mobility, or for groups that want to be able to hold conversations during the trip.
Don't forget to have your camera ready for the 5-mile trip to the Historic Valley River Tunnel. Take in the views from our beautiful valley that offers you the opportunity to experience mountains, forests, and abundant wildlife. You'll see crystal-clear mountain rivers and streams as you cross Historic open deck railroad bridges on your trip to the tunnel.
Remember you will be on an open air Rail Tour, please dress for the weather. You should wear closed-toe shoes for your tour.
We suggest you bring something to drink and a snack. Drinks & snacks are available for purchase in the gift shop. We also have coolers for rent or purchase and various sundries.
To save time, you can sign your waiver online when you purchase tickets. Waivers will also be available at the depot (please come several minutes early if you plan to sign them here).
Once checked in you will be escorted to the Rail Tour by our staff to be seated for very important SAFETY instructions. Be sure to pay close attention to the attendant for ride instructions – safety of our riders is our number one priority.
Once you arrive at the destination you will have approximately 1/2 hour to check out the Valley River Tunnel (which was hand-carved by workers from Southern Railway in 1894) and the surrounding area. Please take care on your stroll as the terrain down to the river can get steep and rocky. There are picnic tables by the river for your use.
After your break, you will re-embark for the 5-mile trip back to Andrews, and we’re sure you’ll see things you missed on the trip out, so don’t forget that camera!
We have souvenir caps and t-shirts available in our Gift Shop at the Depot.
This was an enjoyable time. The staff was great and made everyone feel like a welcomed family member. It was a relaxing time and and the scenery was beautiful. Would definitely do it again.
My friend and I had a great time! They were so accommodating and welcoming and concerned about your safety and well-being! The scenery is in incredible. Meet little stop for lunch by the river. Overall an incredible experience.
My wife and I really enjoyed this tour. The rail bikes are electric assisted, so they are not very difficult to pedal during the tour, which is just over 8 miles in length. The tour takes you over multiple trestles where the tracks cross over streams. The tour takes you through wooded areas, along streams and through pastures with good views of the surrounding mountains. Very enjoyable experience, which takes just over 2 hours. I would highly recommend this tour.
Great time had by all. Will definitely do this again. The man made tunnel was amazing, the landscape was beautiful. There were picnic tables along the creek so you could have a bite to eat before you headed back to the station. The staff was awesome, they made sure that everyone was having a great time and that we had no trouble with the rail bike. Highly recommend this adventure.
We had a great time. The men who help with the cart ride were super friendly and knowledgeable. The area was awesome to see from the tracks.The place you stop at the end, was very nice filled with picnic tables, and an area to walk around and take pictures of the tunnel was very nicely done.
