12 Amazing Fall Foliage Train Rides With Truly Stunning Views
Who's ready to go leaf-peeping!? đ
There are so many things that are wonderful about the arrival of fall each year: fun fall crafts, whipping up mouthwatering pumpkin recipes, watching fall movies when the temperatures dip, and most importantly, leaf peeping. Seriously, is there anything better than spending a crisp day outside taking in the changing colors of the season? While you can certainly have the experience walking your dog around the neighborhood or taking a leisurely drive down a country road, the best views often come courtesy of a fall foliage train ride. Think about it: what could be more awe-inducing than winding up a mountain through acres and acres of untouched forest, with the steady hum of a locomotive as your soundtrack?
If all this puts you in the mood to start Googling âbest fall foliage train rides near me,â youâve come to the right place. Weâve rounded up some truly excellent foliage tours that take place across the U.S., including in states well-known for their leaf peeping opportunities. (Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, Ohio, and West Virginia included!) These train rides often come with special amenities, such as multi-course meals, cocktails and live music, and even stops at fruit farms and pumpkin patches along the way. If youâre looking for a way to cross multiple activities off your fall bucket list, this is it!
So do your future self a favor: scope out the peak fall foliage times in your area, the book your fall foliage train ride accordingly. The sooner you grab tickets, the betterâthey often sell out!
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad | Antonito, CO, & Chama, NM
Take a half or full-day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, a National Historic Landmark coal-fired steam engine. The 64-mile line crisscrosses the Colorado-New Mexico border, traversing elevations that range from 7,863 to 10,015 feet. Along the way, you'll see historical buildings, inch along an 800-foot deep gorge, and squeeze between rock ledges. The open gondola car is perfect for spotting deer, elk and bears along the route. You'll return to your starting point via motorcoach. Fares start from $80.
Catskill Mountain Railroad | Kingston, NY
Take in the glorious fall colors of the Catskill Mountains with the Catskill Mountain Railroad, which offers not one, but two fall train adventures. The Fall Flyer takes guests on an open-air journey through the Hurley Flats, along the former Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor. The Pumpkin Express takes the same path but, on this ride, guests get to take home a pumpkin for carving post-trip. Fares from $17 for adults, and $11 for children.
Colebrookdale Railroad | Boyertown, PA
Riders of all ages will love taking the post-Civil War locomotive through Pennsylvaniaâs Americana Region this fall. Take advantage of the two-hour Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage route, which boasts festive seasonal foods and up-close views of the region's, well, autumn splendor. Per the railroad's website, it's basically a "hayride on the rails." Enough said. Adult fares start from $50.
Essex Steam Train | Essex, CT
Enjoy the unspoiled scenery in the Connecticut River Valley on a train pulled by an authentic steam engine. Or take a combination excursion that includes a ride on the Essex Steam Train and a riverboat trip on the Becky Thatcher. There's also a dinner train excursion and special outings featuring chocolate and wine, beer and brats, whiskey and cigars, or full-day sightseeing stops in the villages of Haddam and East Haddam. Fares start from $25.
Napa Valley Wine Train | Napa, CA
Take in the changing vines of California wine country aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Their three-hour-long lunch journey includes a multi-course meal, welcome glass of sparkling wine, and beautiful views from the train's two-story Vista Dome, an elevated observation-style dining car with comfy booths and mahogany paneling. Fares from $300.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad | Peninsula, OH
Trains began operating in the valley in 1880, transporting coal to Cleveland, Akron and Canton from the Tuscarawas River Valley. Nowadays, you can travel through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's two-hour Fall Flyer excursion. Or book a trip featuring breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the dining car. Another popular activity is to ride your bike one way along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, then take the train back. Special events include wine and beer tasting rides, paint and sip excursions, and kids' costumed Halloween trains. There's also ADA seating. Fares for adults begin at $18.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad | Elkins, WV
This railroad's Cass Scenic Bald Knob didn't earn its name for nothing. Hop aboard for unbeatable views of West Virginia's third highest point, with the option to turn the voyage into an overnight adventure. Or, set your sights on the unrivaled mountain views from the New Tygart Flyer train. Long story short, you can't go wrong with either four-plus-hour-long ride. Make sure you book ahead; seats and nearby hotels fill up fast. Fall fares start at $69.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway | Blue Ridge, GA
Kick back for a peaceful 26-mile roundtrip in a vintage car along the Toccoa River through the Chattahoochee National Forest. On the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway you'll stop for a layover on the Georgia-Tennessee border in the neighboring towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, where you can go antiquing or grab lunch. Special discounts are available for military personnel and first responders. Fares from $55.
Vermont Rail System | Burlington, VT
There's arguably no more spectacular fall foliage than the vibrant colors on the rolling hills and mountains of rural Vermont. Enjoy a three-course dinner in a 1930s dining car on the Champlain Valley Dinner Train, or opt for live music, fingers foods, and fun drinks with the more intimate Cocktails on the Rails tour. Both excursions are three hours long; fares from $65.
Mount Washington Cog Railway | Bretton Woods, NH
Climb to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington on the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which has been in operation for 144 years. The views change as the elevation rises to the highest peak in the Northeast. The visitor center at the summit includes an observatory and interactive weather museum, restrooms, and snack bar. Fares start from $51.
Mount Hood Railroad | Hood River, OR
Gaze at the colorful leaves contrasted against stately evergreens and rugged mountain terrain found in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. On Mount Hood Railroadâs three-hour Scenic Train, which runs April through October, youâll also be treated to a layover at The Fruit Company, where you can also purchase snacks and gifts. Adult fares start from $39.
Adirondack Train | Adirondack Mountains, NY
Take in some of the best autumnal views Mother Nature has to offer by hitching a ride on this route. Passengers on the Adirondack train will spend 10 hours winding through Hudson Valley and the Adirondack Mountains, bursting with color throughout the fall. Find more information here.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. Sheâs passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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