The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a heritage and freight line based in Bryson City, North Carolina, operating excursion trains on part of the former Southern Railway Murphy Branch through Dillsboro, Bryson City, and Nantahala. Begun in 1988 just before the branch was to be dismantled, it grew into one of the nation’s most popular tourist railroads, carrying about 200,000 passengers annually. Although service on western segments ended for economic reasons, it now owns 53 miles between Dillsboro and Nantahala and continues limited freight operations. Its Polar Express excursions, historic locomotives, museum, and film ties have made it a major regional attraction.