Riding the Rails with Andrews Valley Rail Tours

 Once again, we found ourselves on the old Southern Railway's Murphy branch near Andrews, North Carolina. This time it was for opening day with Andrews Valley Rail Tours and the first official ride with their new railbikes. We were the only ones for our trip which departed from the Historic Andrews Depot. 

The railbikes are motor assisted which makes traveling fairly easy. Being 6'5", I had a little issue with my legs, but this was fixed at the midway point after swapping one of the seats around. The crew is fantastic at making sure you have an enjoyable experience.

We pedaled along, letting the motor do some of the work occasionally, while we enjoyed the scenery. This section of track, now owned by the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, is mostly out of the way so you only have to occasionally pause for a road crossing. You're more likely to have to wait for the cows.

About 5-miles up the track you pass the Historic Valley River Tunnel, hand carved by Southern Railway in 1894, and stop for a half hour or so. Here there are picnic tables for your use, and you can explore the tunnel and surrounding area before turning around for the trip back.

The Andrews Valley Rail Tours railbike experience is a fantastic outing. Give the 2-hour trip a try and you won't be disappointed.