The summer sizzle is here, making metro Atlantans think of heading somewhere cool. There's always a bit of heat relief found by heading to the North Georgia mountains, where the green countryside is shady and free of smog.

This year, don't just head for the hills. Plan a day trip with a train ride through the mountains and a float down a river that promise a refreshing respite close to home.

Special (ENLARGE)

Photos of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Photos INFORMATION A complete train schedule and ticketing information is online at www.brscenic.com; 800-934-1898. The site also features links to restaurants and shops in Blue Ridge and McCaysville. Round-trip train tickets for adults in the summer are $32; kids 2 to 12 years, $16. Train and water tickets range from $42 to $72. To reach the Rolling Thunder River Co., call 706-492-5720 or go to www.rollingthunderriverco.com. GETTING THERE Take I-75 north to I-575 north, which becomes the Georgia Mountain Parkway, Ga. 515, through Ellijay to Blue Ridge. Turn right on West First Street into downtown. • Raft the Nantahala • Raft the Chattooga • Photos • Georgia whitewater systems Georgia travel stories Westville: Pre-Civil War town is living museum  Allman Bros Band's 'Big House' to open as museum  Town is artisan-friendly  Five romantic spots for the newly wed  Art, music and scenery  Photos: Travel / Southeast Galleries Latest deals! Back to: Travel | Southeast destinations Travel Guide Powered by

Start off with a drive to Blue Ridge, the small town about an hour north of Atlanta. There, you'll find the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a steam train that pulls both open and air-conditioned cars on a 3.5-hour round trip along the Toccoa River. On most days, the train departs the station in the middle of town at 11 a.m. for the 26-mile trek to McCaysville, another small town that straddles the Georgia-Tennessee Line.

The diesel-powered train is a throwback to a bygone era that attracts transportation buffs who want to explore the nine restored cars. Each has a plaque identifying its age and original location, so a stroll through the train introduces riders to a variety of styles, from a linoleum-floored car with leather seats to a 1937 parlor car. Along the way, the volunteers point out natural wonders and impart historical tidbits about the ride.

The train also draws legions of nature lovers on the lookout for unmatched views of the mountain and river scenery. It's also a hit with kids who get a kick out of the giant rock outcroppings passing within inches of the windows.

Before boarding the train, take in the antique shops, ice cream parlor and coffee shops of Blue Ridge. But be sure to be on the platform an hour before departure: The train keeps a tight schedule that waits for no one. If you're not on board when the last whistle blows, you'll be left behind — a fact that the crew points out several times before and during the trip.

With top speeds only in the teens, it takes an hour to get to the depot in McCaysville, where riders have about 90 minutes to explore the town's assortment of shops and restaurants. Pick up a walking tour map at the New York Hotel and Restaurant, where breakfast is served all day, or drop by for a malt and milkshakes at the Nifty 50's Cafe along the river.

WHY NOT FLOAT BACK?

Instead of taking the train back to Blue Ridge, passengers can buy a combination ticket that gets them a ride down the Toccoa in an inner tube. Those who want to cool off in the water get back on the train for a short trip to the Rolling Thunder River Co. drop-off point. Rolling Thunder staffers provide tubes, life jackets and a short bus ride to the drop-off area of the river, about 1.5 miles north.

"It takes about 1.5 to two hours to come back to the pick-up point," said Rolling Thunder's Janet Halon. "It depends on the flow of the river. The Toccoa is controlled by a dam, so when the water is not released, it's about knee-deep, so you'll have a slow, relaxing float. We never know exactly when they will release the water, but when they do, the level rises about 2 to 3 feet and moves much faster."

Those looking for more of a watery thrill may opt for a raft ride down the Ocoee River. A 15-minute bus ride from the train takes paddlers to a five-mile stretch of the river that hosted the 1996 Olympics. Each raft holds six people and a guide; each person gets a life jacket, helmet and paddle. And no particular skill is required to enjoy the ride.

"We have people all the time who do this and they don't even know how to swim," said Halon.

After the river ride, tubers and rafters are driven back to the train depot in Blue Ridge, where they can grab dinner in one of the local eateries before heading home. But it's easy to turn a day-trip into a weekend getaway: The area is dotted with campgrounds, cabins, inns and small hotels offering a comfortable overnight stay and a relaxing end to an active day.

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TRAIN TRIP TIPS

• The train excursions fill up quickly throughout the year so make reservations. Specify if you want to ride in an air-conditioned car with cushioned seats or if you'd rather be on the wooden benches of the two open-air cars. No matter what the weather, the open-air cars fill up first. And if you want to splurge, you can also make a reservation to ride in the engineer's cabin.
• The train is alcohol- and smoke-free, but its vintage cars are not accessible to the disabled.
• After the summer, the train makes fall foliage runs as well as a holiday express with Santa.

TUBING TRIP TIPS

• Tubers must be at least 5 years old. Rafters must be at least 12.
• Leave your belongings — and flip-flops — at the Rolling Thunder office. Wear water shoes and a bathing suit, or clothing that will be comfortable when wet.