Historic RailBike Tour in Andrews, NC | Andrews Valley Rail Tours

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below you will find answers to many common questions about our Rail Tours. Click the “+” to see the answer.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Due to liability concerns, no pets are allowed on any of the Rail Tours. This includes service animals.

Are children allowed to ride?

Yes, ages 8 years and older can ride. Each child will need their own seat and to be secured with the seatbelt provided.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, for safety reasons there is a weight limit of 300lbs per person on the RailBikes.

Can we take food or drinks on the ride?

Yes! If you forget to bring your own, we have drinks and snacks available in the gift shop, or you can arrive early and get food to go from any of our wonderful eateries in town!

Please remember you will be outside, in nature. At the tunnel, you will have the option to walk down to the river, and there is a slight slope. You may encounter spiders, bees, and other insects during your tour.

Dress for the weather and temperature. Please do not wear skirts or flowy pants that could get caught in the pedals of the RailBike. To avoid losing your shoes, no flip-flops or sandals without a heel strap should be worn. Closed-toe shoes are best.

What if my party has an odd number of riders?

Groups with an odd number of riders may find that they will need to be split into more than one RailBike to even out ridership numbers. Please call if this is the case with your group, to discuss options. (828) 557-4021

RailBike rider parties that are larger than 4 will be seated on consecutive RailBikes.

If your party is less than 4 people, and you do not want to ride with strangers, you can purchase the additional seat(s) when you make your reservation. We cannot guarantee the additional seat(s) will be available to purchase later.

Are there restrooms?

Yes, we have restrooms at the Depot as well as at the Tunnel.

What happens if the weather looks questionable?

Tours go out rain or shine. If the weather looks like thunderstorms or lightning then we will cancel your tour. If Andrews Valley Rail Tours cancels your tour, you will be offered to book another day in the future or you will be issued a full refund (your choice).

If you choose not to participate in the tour, due to weather conditions, and the tour you were scheduled for runs as scheduled, you will not receive a refund.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 72 hours prior to departure. Within the 72 hours of departure, this reservation becomes nonrefundable. NO EXCEPTIONS. Should there be inclement weather, such as lightning, heavy rain or storms, you will be able to re-book for another day, or you will be fully refunded.

You will receive a phone call or text message if your tour is cancelled due to weather. If you do not receive a call or message your tour will depart as scheduled.

It is very important that you be on time for your tour. As is stated during your ticketing process, YOU MUST BE AT THE DEPOT 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DEPARTURE TIME for mandatory safety instructions. You will not receive a refund if you arrive late.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Andrews Valley Rail Tours

4.8

Based on 755 reviews

Mary Hester

23:07 04 Nov 24

We had a great time. It is worth going and then we went to their Downtown for dinner and a little shopping. We loved the tunnel and the staff were so friendly. It's very peaceful and serene.

Darsi Burke

19:21 04 Nov 24

Such a fun experience. The staff is a hoot and the scenery is beautiful. We weren't able to book the pedal cars but booked the cart. Personally we enjoyed not pedaling, being able to take pictures and sitting back and relaxing.

Tiffany Massey

17:37 04 Nov 24

We took a girls trip so Andrews to do the rail cart tour . It was great ! About 2 hours for the round trip . We got off at the river and ate our lunch and got to walk around and you could explore the tunnel while they turned the carts around to head back .

denette blakemore

13:45 04 Nov 24

Staff extremely friendly, very professional, thorough in safety explanation, ride was most enjoyable- fall color beautiful, open cart most enjoyable - recommend highly

Bethany Fields

12:41 04 Nov 24

Phenomenal experience!! Guides are fantastic, such interesting history and will definitely do it again!!

Kayla Buckley

13:54 03 Nov 24

My husband and I had a great time enjoying the beautiful fall weather, witnessing the colorful scenery, and seeing wild life. We weren’t able to do the pedaling and instead had the passenger cart ride. We actually were glad because we had shade and were able to just sit and enjoy. The peddlers had the sun beating on them. So if you do the pedaling make sure you wear comfortable clothes, hat, and sunglasses, if it’s going to be sunny out. I’m sure it’s still a wonderful experience as well! You see the same scenery no matter what choice of transportation you get. All the staff was friendly, especially Judy, who answered the many phone calls and questions we had when trying to schedule. We would definitely come back and do it again with some family members. Keep in mind it is only open for a short season so plan ahead to book it because it does fill up fast!

Shelby Harris

00:28 03 Nov 24

We thoroughly enjoyed the ride on the caboose! The fall leaves and surrounding views were fabulous. Your guides made it fun and exciting!

Susan Forbes

23:57 02 Nov 24

I thoroughly enjoyed the scenic view along the track. The speeder cart was easy to pedal with the battery assisted motor. The employees were very professional and a lot of fun. The town was decorated for Fall which was an added bonus. We shopped and ate lunch at one of the restaurants on the brochure given to us by Andrew’s Rail Tour.

Michael Mahoney

20:04 02 Nov 24

Traci Hartsell

16:37 02 Nov 24

Had the perfect fall day at Andrews Valley Rail Tours!! The staff was so funny and nice, the bikes were so fun, and the views were beautiful. Can’t wait to go back!

Elisa Briscoe

13:45 02 Nov 24

Hubby and I were camping in Murphy and added the rail tour to our plans! So glad we did! The weather was perfect, leaves had begun to change and we were able to spend the afternoon with our daughter's new In-laws. Staff was wonderful and made sure everyone knew the rules to stay safe. We even had to pause for a cow to cross the tracks. Highly recommend this to anyone thinking about it.

Vera Confer

12:37 01 Nov 24

We had so much fun. The staff were courteous and made it delight. I live in Murphy and I hope to do it again sometime in the future.

Cheyenne Raker

17:36 31 Oct 24

This was a lovely experience with great staff and people on the tour as well. We did the rail bike and it was an out and back trip, 1hr there with 40min break, and 20min back (it was downhill so we got back faster). I give it a 4 star because it was a cool and unique experience but we did wish we could have seen better views or been more in the mountains. We passed by cows and the fall leaves were really pretty, but wish the rail tour did a loop instead of going back the same way or was a bit longer track into the mountains. Overall though, great experience and would recommend!

Patrick Andrews

18:44 30 Oct 24

John York

18:05 30 Oct 24

Great time pedalling on the rails. 5 miles each way. Nice views.

Mike Barsevich

15:36 30 Oct 24

We have brought different groups of friends here for the last 3 years... Always a great time... Last visit was October 29,2024... gorgeous day, fabulous weather and great views!! 5 of the 6 in the group were over 65, and everyone was able to enjoy, with minimal exertion and no one was over stressed!We will definitely be back next year...

Jason Dispensa

00:02 30 Oct 24

Had an absolute blast riding these rail bikes thru the Andrews Valley on the Murphy Branch. The staff was excellent. The depot building and the stop point at the tunnel had great facilities and were super nice! My only complaint is that I wish the ride was longer, hopefully GSMR would let the great staff here use more of the out of service tracks further east to extend the ride especially during beautiful fall weather! Would highly recommend this to anyone who loves getting outdoors and being immersed in nature. Love that this benefits a great small American mountain town and hopefully continues to grow tourism in Andrews!

Susan D

22:42 29 Oct 24

Definitely a great experience! The staff were all super helpful and friendly. They explained everything! Will be back for sure!

Mike Bawgus

13:20 29 Oct 24

We had so much fun we will definitely be doing this every year.

Candi Marie

02:40 29 Oct 24

What a hidden gem! Andrews is beautiful this time of year! We drove from Highlands and the leaves were stunning! Arrived 30 minutes early so we could have a safety meeting. The check in was smooth. They have drinks/snacks/coolers and plenty of merch. The guides Daryl and Joe kept us entertained on the way. There is a 30 minute stop right after the tunnel to eat or explore. Plenty of picnic tables along the river and an outhouse. Overall would definitely recommend you get to experience Andrews and the Rail cars at least once!

steve gatt

16:17 28 Oct 24

we returned in October! what a BLAST! - the leaves were perfect and the weather was wonderful ! their staff is informative and a lotta fun!what a blast ! we had great time- were returning in October to see the fall color!

Tim Lasley

15:45 28 Oct 24

HAD A GREAT TIME. 4 OF US AT THE 11AM TOUR- GOT A LITTLE WET COMING IN BUT WE HAD RAIN GEAR. A MECHANICAL ISSUE ON ONE CAR BUT STAFF WAS GREAT AND THE TUNNEL WAS MAGNIFICENT. BEAUTIFUL SCENERY AND ANDREWS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS- BRING YOUR FRIENDS

Dana Merritt

13:25 28 Oct 24

Beautiful autumn ride thru the meadows and mountain side. We had a fantastic ride. Employees were friendly, knowledgeable, and provided safety info to allow us to maximize our experience. I definitely recommend you add this to your list of adventures.

Rob Raymond

12:49 28 Oct 24

Awesomely fun. Extremely relaxing as you hear the clickety clack of the wheels going across the track. Staff was courteous and helpful. Fall Foliage was beautiful, hope to do again

Amy Clark

01:06 28 Oct 24

Jose Salas

21:16 27 Oct 24

It was absolutely amazing! It only took us an hour and forty-five minutes from first pedal to last. The staff was friendly, courteous and professional. We were so lucky to do this during the peak Fall "leaf peeping" season. Stunning views and awesome weather! The staff provided brochures for locally owned businesses and eating establishments. Looking forward to trying it out in the Spring. A must do!

Peter Ly

19:33 27 Oct 24

My wife and I went this past Friday, 10/25. The ride was peaceful and enjoyable. We rode on the Choo Choo and this didn't require pedaling. Tim was our conductor and his professionalism and approachable personality made the experience welcoming.I will note that I wish Judy gave my wife and I an another option with the other carts because we noted there was a cancellation and there were 2 empty seats that my wife and I could have hopped on.Whatever the case it was still a good experience. We'll back again for sure.

Annika Turner

14:17 27 Oct 24

Great weather. Great views. The guys that ride with are hilarious. Nice to meet people from all over the country. Being right after the hurricane it was nice to be in the area and support. The ride is easy, I am short so that was my only small struggle. With 3 others with you, and a battery, all was well. Do it!!!

annette Stewart

13:18 27 Oct 24

We had an amazing time. The staff helped us with safety measures and took pictures of us before we left the depo and after we got to the tunnel. The leaves and views were absolutely gorgeous. We loved being out in the open and enjoying the views. I highly recommend this trip to everyone!!

Poppy J

13:16 26 Oct 24

Historic Rail Tour in Andrews, NC

Our rail tour adventures start at only $59.95 per person!

The RailBikes

The Cart

The Choo-Choo

The Destination