Summerville Steam Special — Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum runs the Summerville Steam Special as a classic Southern steam excursion on select days. From Grand Junction Depot in Chattanooga, the train crosses the Tennessee–Georgia state line, passes Chickamauga, Rock Spring, LaFayette and Trion, and reaches Summerville, Georgia, where passengers have a one-hour layover in the downtown before the return to Chattanooga.

The operator says power is most often provided by Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501, with No. 630 occasionally taking the lead depending on operational needs. At Summerville the steam locomotive is turned on the historic turntable, serviced and refilled with water for the trip back.

Standard coach, dining-car meal options, premium reclining seats and a private car for groups are sold. The museum notes that locomotive assignments and equipment may change for operating reasons. Open-window Coach 1000 is not air-conditioned.

A full day behind a historic steam locomotive: check-in and boarding at Grand Junction Depot by 8:30 am, departure at 9:00 am, a one-hour layover in downtown Summerville in the early afternoon, and a return to the depot at about 6:00 pm. Times may vary with operating conditions. Meals are included only with the dining and premium tickets; standard coach passengers can add dining. A complimentary golf-cart shuttle runs between the depot and downtown Summerville. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a camera and layers for a nine-hour day.

Departs from Grand Junction Depot, 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Arrive by 8:30 am for the 9:00 am departure. Tickets are required for all guests aged 2 and older. The Summerville Depot has no platform ramp: guests must use the train-car stairs to get off, and guests who cannot may remain on board during the layover. Dining-car lunch and a breakfast option are offered with designated tickets.