Train Ride Through Time Reveals God’s Creative Power

On October 12, 2025, church members from the tri-state area gathered for a scenic and spiritually enriching train ride through the Doe River Gorge in Hampton, Tennessee. Located about 90 minutes north of Asheville, North Carolina, Doe River Gorge is known for its towering cliffs, vibrant fall foliage, and unique rock formations—making it a memorable setting for this annual excursion.

The event was organized by the Mountain City Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tennessee, and welcomed guests from the Carolina Conference who joined for the experience.

Participants rode vintage railcars pulled by antique engines along tracks originally laid in 1881. The journey extended 2.5 miles into the gorge and then returned along the same route. Along the way, riders observed dramatic 300-foot drop-offs and sheer rock walls within the Cherokee National Forest. The route offered spectacular views of autumn colors and the geological features that define this secluded region.

Doe River Gorge Ministries, a Christian organization that operates a summer youth camp in the area, opens the gorge to the public during the fall for hiking and group train rides. As the gorge is privately owned, all visitors are required to sign in and complete waivers.

One of the highlights of the experience was the chance to view folded sedimentary rock formations embedded in the gorge walls. These wavy rock layers have intrigued scientists for decades. Some interpret the folds as evidence of slow geological change over millions of years. However, many Adventist believers see in these formations a more compelling story—one of rapid deposition and deformation of soft sediments under catastrophic conditions, followed by sudden lithification.

“In several places, you can see ripple marks preserved in the stone and even a section where the rock folds back over itself,” one participant noted. “The proximity of the river and the scale of these formations suggest a dramatic, water-driven event.”

Although Hurricane Helene caused notable flooding in the gorge the previous year, observers emphasized that such storms pale in comparison to the forces required to form the towering rock upheavals seen today. For many, the experience affirmed the biblical account of Earth's history and pointed to the reality of a Creator.

The outing offered more than just a glimpse into the past—it provided a reminder of God’s power in creation. Church members returned inspired, having witnessed firsthand the geological evidence that supports the trustworthiness of God’s Word (Psalm 19:1).

— by Jo Anne Brown