Charles Griffin loves trains. He’s collected them all his life and now has the largest privately-owned O gauge train collection in America. For the last 12 years he has been meticulously putting together a display for his grandsons, family and friends. He never intended it to become the phenomenon that it has become. After retiring he started working in a 4000 sq ft building on his property to create a fantasy layout of the Southern Appalachians. The display just kept growing. Now it encompasses many historic sites from Atlanta to Asheville. You’ll see 14 Lionel trains traveling on a mile of track over bridges and trestles and thru tunnels. The scenery is impressive and the attention to detail is simply amazing. Mr. Griffin’s craftsmanship is a feast for all the senses. There are over 400 lighted buildings and custom replicas of The Biltmore Estate, Atlanta’s Capitol Building, The Brasstown Resort, the North Georgia Fairgrounds, Martin Luther King’s Ebenezer Baptist Church and Stone Mountain (complete with carvings)–just to name a few.
What makes this exhibit unique is that you actually walk through it, watching history unfold around you. Most other train displays are built on raised platforms, with plexiglass separating you from the trains. Mr. Griffin wanted a more intimate experience for his grandsons. He wanted them to be able to see the trains up close and squeal with delight as they passed by. So, Mr. Griffin arranged the display so they could walk through the streams and valleys. It starts on the floor and rises to over six feet high. The viewer becomes part of the action.
In 2009, Mr. Griffin agreed to share his passion for trains with others. He allowed Scouts and school kids to come out for free. It didn’t take long for word to spread. He’s now increased his days of operation to accommodate the demand and is averaging about 500 visitors a week. He still lets kids 16 and under in for free, but asks a $5.00 donation from adults. He shares some of his profits with local charities, including the Historical Society. Mr. Griffin says that this whole experience has been “invigorating,” helping to keep him young.
You can find the Misty Mountain Railroad at #16 Misty Mountain Lane in Blairsville, GA. It’s a short drive from Blue Ridge. Just take Hwy 515 to Blairsville and turn south on Hwy 19/129 at the traffic light in town. Stay on that road for 3 miles until you see a gas station and a large billboard for Alexander’s Genreal Store (a really fun place to shop!) Turn left onto Town Creek School Road and go 3 miles. Misty Mountain will be on the right. It is open May-December on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. From January thru April it is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. Tours start PROMPTLY at 2:00 o’clock and last about an hour. Mr. Griffin has developed a great presentation that pleases kids of all ages. Call (706)745-9819 for more information.