A unique way to scout the river!

End of the Line

July 2026

Photos by Jimmy Jacobs.

The 16-mile tailwater fishery on the Toccoa River from the city of Blue Ridge, Georgia to the Tennessee border at the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copper Hill, Tennessee is one of Georgia’s best options for summer trout action. It features deep calm stretches broken by mild shoals and even ancient Native American fish weirs along its course. And the waters hold stocked and hold-over brook, brown and rainbow trout. If you want a preview of the water, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad (BRSRR) offers one.

The train runs on tracks that are part of the historic Hook & Eye line that extended from Marietta, Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee. The “hook” was a double “S” curve near Jasper, Georgia that took the rail line down a steep slope. The “eye” was near Farner, Tennessee, where the track did a one-and three-quarter lap around Bald Mountain in order to descend into the Hiwassee River valley. In the process the rail line passed under itself. Much of that old rail bed north of Copper Hill has now been abandoned.

The BRSRR presently runs seasonal schedules for trips along the remaining rails, starting at the historic depot in Blue Ridge. It then parallels much of the Toccoa River as it heads north, offering panoramic views of the water before ending in McCaysville. The rides are offered year-round with three options. There are enclosed, adult-only premium cars, open air cars or enclosed, family-friendly ones. Regardless of which you choose, you get good views of the water as the train brushes the river shore.

Additionally, you can take the two-hour express train option that immediately starts back to Blue Ridge once reaching McCaysville, or it can be a four-hour excursion with a two-hour layover in McCaysville to grab a bite to eat in the local restaurants or to meander through the downtown shops. If you choose the latter option, be sure to drop in at the Toccoa River Outfitters & Fly Shop for some tips on fishing the river.

Another rather unique option that the BRSRR offers are 11-mile guided rides on electric-assisted rail bikes. These four-person, pedal carts allow you to get up-close and personal with the scenery along the tracks.

Regardless of how you ride the rails, the experience is fun and you get to see plenty of the Toccoa River.

For complete details on excursions offered, pricing and scheduling, click here for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad website.