As autumn paints the landscape with vibrant reds and golds, there’s no better way to experience fall foliage than by train. Picture yourself aboard a scenic railway, gliding through breathtaking vistas and charming towns. Each route has its own unique charm, from rolling hills to serene rivers. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, these 11 train rides offer something special. Curious about which journey might captivate your senses the most?
Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire
If you’re seeking an unforgettable fall adventure, the Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire should be at the top of your list.
Experience breathtaking views as you ride steam trains through vibrant colors of fall foliage, ascending through diverse climate zones.
Adult ticket prices are $94 for steam trains and $79 for biodiesel, making this exhilarating three-hour journey a must-do!
Naugatuck Railroad, Thomaston, Connecticut
As you embark on the Naugatuck Railroad in Thomaston, Connecticut, prepare for a delightful 90-minute journey that showcases the stunning hues of autumn along the scenic Naugatuck River.
Experience the breathtaking fall foliage on the Autumn Colors Limited train ride, crossing the impressive Thomaston Dam.
Don’t miss the family-friendly Pumpkin Patch Express on select weekends for even more seasonal fun!
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, Unity, Maine
Experience the vibrant colors of autumn aboard the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad in Unity, Maine.
Enjoy one-hour Fall Foliage Train Rides or a 90-minute tour, showcasing stunning views of Unity Pond and the Sebasticook Bridge.
As a nonprofit preservation organization, it offers themed rides like the Pumpkin Express, providing an unforgettable experience amid the scenic rides and vibrant autumn colors.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway invites you to explore the breathtaking fall foliage along a picturesque 16-mile route next to the Lehigh River.
Enjoy scenic views from vintage coaches or the open-air car on a special autumn leaf tour, running from October 1 to November 3.
Experience the vibrant colors of autumn in Jim Thorpe for just $22!
Catskill Mountain Railroad, Kingston, New York
The Catskill Mountain Railroad offers a delightful escape into the heart of autumn with its Fall Foliage Adventure train.
Operating on selected weekends through October 14, this scenic ride showcases breathtaking views of New York’s autumn landscape.
Tickets are just $18 for adults, and don’t miss the Pumpkin Express on October 19-20 and 26-27, where you can pick pumpkins to take home!
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad, Duluth, Minnesota
As autumn paints the landscape in vibrant hues, the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad invites you to embark on a scenic journey through Duluth’s natural beauty.
Experience a 13-mile round-trip train ride on historic coaches and open-air cars, showcasing stunning fall foliage and local wildlife like deer and eagles.
Enjoy this picturesque adventure for just $20, with free rides for active-duty military on Sundays.
Black Hills Central Railroad’s 1880 Train, South Dakota
When you hop aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad’s 1880 Train, you’ll be transported back in time while soaking in the breathtaking autumn scenery of western South Dakota.
This vintage steam train ride offers scenic views of birch, aspen, and pine trees, making it a unique experience.
Adult tickets are $39, providing historical insights along the way as you enjoy the vibrant fall foliage.
Coopersville and Marne Railway, Coopersville, Michigan
Hop aboard the Coopersville and Marne Railway for a delightful vintage train ride that immerses you in the vibrant colors of Michigan’s autumn landscape.
Experience the family-friendly Pumpkin Train on select weekends, where you can pick pumpkins during the scenic journey.
Enjoy the nostalgic experience aboard renovated coaches from the 1920s, all while cruising through picturesque Michigan landscapes at a leisurely pace.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, Arkansas
Experience the breathtaking beauty of fall in Arkansas aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, where scenic train rides weave through the stunning Ozark Mountains.
Join fall foliage tours on select weekends, and witness vibrant autumn colors painting rivers and rolling hills.
Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, these trips offer flexible travel plans and unforgettable photographic opportunities amidst picturesque landscapes.
Don’t miss this adventure!
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, North Carolina
As you leave the enchanting landscapes of Arkansas, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina beckons with its own stunning display of fall foliage.
Experience vibrant autumn colors during fall foliage excursions that reveal breathtaking scenic scenery.
With themed excursions and various ticket options, you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience, immersing yourself in the beauty of one of the world’s most visited national parks.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Ohio
When you board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Ohio, you’re in for a visual feast as the train winds through the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Experience the vibrant colors of fall foliage on scenic train rides and autumn leaf tours. Running through late October, this journey showcases the park’s natural beauty, perfect for photography and relaxation amid stunning landscapes.