Repurposed Appalachia: Andrews Valley Rail Tours: Pedal Through Scenic History

[littlemissmartypants]

Lined up and ready to roll — these custom-built, pedal-assisted RailBikes offer a one-of-a-kind adventure through the scenic beauty of Andrews, NC.

Tucked in the quiet valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Andrews, North Carolina, offers more than just a scenic rail bike ride—it offers a journey through history. Andrews Valley Rail Tours was launched during the town’s Oktoberfest festival in the fall of 2022, after the Andrews Chamber of Commerce partnered with Judy Fitzpatrick to develop this concept in 2021-2022. Today, it is proudly branded as “North Carolina’s First Railbike Tour.”

The Rail Tour

When Andrews Valley Rail Tours began operations, they offered a four-person, pedal-powered rail bikes with the option of electric assist. To accommodate more riders, they quickly expanded to three types of vehicles—pedal-assisted RailBikes, a nine-passenger open-air cart, and a compact two-seat “Choo-Choo” Speeder, providing a mini locomotive experience. These additions made it possible for those with limited mobility to participate in the tour.

Operating seasonally from spring through late fall, the tour runs during peak tourist months with multiple departure times throughout the day, from morning to afternoon. Beginning at the Andrews Depot, the experience lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and covers around a 8.5 to 9 miles round-trip. Along the way, riders can expect to see a variety of flowers, beautiful trees, and occasional wildlife, from cows to turkeys. This scenic route also includes crossing nine wooden open-deck railroad trestles over the Valley River and its tributaries. However, the most stunning and historically significant feature is the Valley River Tunnel.

Valley River Tunnel

The Valley River Tunnel serves as the turnaround point for the rail tour, where riders can disembark and explore its cool interior, often 15-20°Ff degrees colder than the outside temperature during summer. Unlike many tunnels that were excavated with explosives, this one was hand-chiseled in 1894 by Southern Railway workers. At approximately 346 feet in length, it stands as a remarkable feat of railroad engineering for its time, having been constructed entirely without blasting.
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https://appalachianhistorian.org/repurposed-appalachia-andrews-valley-rail-tours-pedal-through-scenic-history/
More info:
https://www.virtualstorefronts.com/AndrewsValleyRailTours

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