My husband Dennis and I had the opportunity this summer to take a tour of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s recently repainted and renovated railcar christened “The Catamount.”

Formerly named “The Michigan,” it was built in 1952 as a parlor/business car and operated on the Penn Central line until 1999. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad purchased the car in late 2018.

Restyled in purple and gold in partnership with Catamount Athletics, the Catamount Car is now included as a first-class seating offering on the railroad’s Nantahala Gorge and Tuckaseigee River excursions as well as for special event trains.

We you'll get to take a ride on "The Catamount" next time you come home to Cullowhee!