Last year when we took the train ride it was not a very scenic ride, mainly along the river with trash all along the tracks, then we had 20 minutes to shop, eat, and be back on the train. All the little restauraunts were so overwhelmed we didn't get to finish eating, no time for shopping,
it was extremely rushed. It was a boring ride and not very entertaining.
All these positive comments are probably from local vendors after your money.

LOL. If I was a local vendor after their money I would have said "Screw the train, the only way to get enjoy the the mountains with your little children is to rent one of my Jeeps and take to the hills..."
If you think riding the train is boring and not very entertaining your expectations must have been unfairly raised as to how a train ride should be...

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A bad day off road is better than a good day at work.

I'm still looking forward to riding the train!!!

Here's another little tip.It's going to be very hot in July and I don't know how long you have to wait before the train starts its journey.I'm pretty sure it can get mighty hot sitting in the open railcars.If they allow small coolers,I would bring some water and something to fan myself with.

Hmmm. I assumed the open cars are covered. They are covered, aren't they, just not enclosed?

Yes they are covered but I'm sure it can get pretty warm sitting in the July heat waiting for the train to leave.

They're from Florida....no matter how hot in North Georgia, its a walk in the park.