225 Everett Street., Suite G & H
P O Box 1490
Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone (828) 586-8811
Fax (828) 488-0427
Contact: Kimberly Albritton, General Manager
Email: kimalbritton@gsmr.com
Website: www.gsmr.com
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates between Sylva and Andrews through the Western North Carolina counties of Jackson, Swain, Graham, Macon, and Cherokee.
The company was incorporated in 1988 to take over operation of a former Norfolk Southern branch line purchased by the State of North Carolina. In 1996 the company purchased the line. In 1999 the company was purchased by American Heritage Railways.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is primarily a tourist railroad, carrying 200,000 passengers annually. It also operates freight trains that haul pallets, sand, rock, and grain.
Principal shippers are Parker Reichman of Andrews – a poultry producer; and Maness Manufacturing of Bryson City – manufacturer of wooden pallets.
The railroad connects with the Norfolk Southern at Sylva.
Miles of track: 53
Employees: 50 full-time; 100 seasonal
Carloads: 500 per year – 77,000 tons
Industries served: 10
Equipment: 4 diesel locomotives, 2 steam locomotives, and 30 passenger coaches