Repurposed Appalachia Series
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.
The tunnel is also known as the Rhodo Tunnel, a name rooted in local lore. According to legend, the nickname comes from the words “raw dough” being slurred, referencing the half-baked biscuits that were once served to train travelers in this area. Whether you refer to it as Valley River or Rhodo, this tunnel remains the highlight of the rail tour and a favorite stop for visitors.
History Along the Tracks
The tracks used for the Andrews Valley Rail Tours are part of the historic Murphy Branch line, a critical route that opened up the isolated mountains of North Carolina to the outside world, providing transportation for lumber, leather, and passengers in the early 20th century. Today, riders can pedal through lush Appalachian landscapes while tracing the path of the workers and travelers who shaped the region’s history.
Andrews Valley Rail Tour
The Andrews Valley Rail Tour is an experience the whole family can enjoy. From the breathtaking views to the rich history behind the railway, it creates memories that are truly unforgettable. Tickets for this adventure can be purchased online or at the depot. Riders are asked to arrive thirty minutes before their scheduled departure to complete the required waiver—which can also be completed online—and to receive a briefing on the safety procedures.
Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking a unique family adventure, the Andrews Valley Rail Tours offer a pedal-powered journey through the scenic and storied heart of western North Carolina. If you ever find yourself nearby, be sure to take some time to visit “North Carolina’s First Railbike Tour.”
Sources & Further Reading
Andrews Valley Rail Tours. “Historic Rail Tour in Andrews, North Carolina.” Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.andrewsvalleyrailtours.com/.
Andrews Valley Rail Tours. “About Us.” Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.andrewsvalleyrailtours.com/about-us/.
Andrews Valley Rail Tours. “Frequently Asked Questions.” Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.andrewsvalleyrailtours.com/faq/.
Andrews Valley Rail Tours. “Getting Here.” Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.andrewsvalleyrailtours.com/getting-here/.
Andrews Valley Rail Tours. “Andrews Valley Rail Tour.” Accessed August 27, 2025. https://gsmr.com/andrews-valley-rail-tour/.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. “History.” Accessed August 27, 2025. https://gsmr.com/history/.
Kiddle. “Murphy Branch Facts for Kids.” Accessed August 27, 2025. https://kids.kiddle.co/Murphy_Branch.
WATE. “Andrews Valley Rail Tour: Pedal Along the Tracks on a Railbike.” WATE.com, August 27, 2025. https://www.wate.com/living-east-tennessee/andrews-valley-rail-tour-pedal-along-the-tracks-on-a-railbike/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Wikipedia. “Murphy Branch.” Last modified April 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy_Branch.
Wikipedia. “Valley River Tunnel.” Last modified April 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_River_Tunnel.