Missionary Ridge Local January 29, 2011

The Missionary Ridge Local offers the perfect "bite sized" train ride. At 50 to 55 minutes, this 6-mile round trip packs a lot of history into a compact time frame! Experience one of the original rail lines into Chattanooga. Along the way you get to witness two unique methods of turning a train around: the better known turntable, and the wye (think of doing a three-point turn with your car and you're close). One of the highlights of the trip is riding through pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel, a.k.a. the Chattanooga, Harrison, Georgetown, & Charleston Railroad Tunnel, completed in 1858 and especially noted for its uniqueness as a horseshoe tunnel. The bottom of the tunnel actually pinches in so that as it rises, the sides curve out before curving back in to form the roof. You'll also receive a guided tour of our East Chattanooga Back Shop after watching the turntable demonstration. The Missionary Ridge Local trip length is typically 50-55 minutes and the motive power is either steam or vintage diesel locomotive. The roundtrip time includes the layover in East Chattanooga where passengers view the turntable demonstration and the conductor gives a tour into the restoration shop. Tickets are purchased as walk-up only on the day of the trip. The boarding location is Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga.