Top 10 Scenic Fall Train Rides in the U.S. for 2024
Experience the Magic of Fall on Scenic Train Rides
Traveling by train offers a unique and leisurely way to enjoy fall’s vibrant colors. Rather than dealing with busy highways during a family road trip, you can relax and marvel at the autumn landscapes on a comfortable train journey.
A fall foliage train ride provides a perfect multigenerational experience, allowing families to bond without the hassle of driving.
Charming towns, brilliant forests, and stunning views await you from the tracks. Whether you’re planning a lengthy family adventure or a quick romantic escape, these are the top fall train rides in the U.S. that promise unforgettable foliage experiences.
1. Mount Washington Cog Railway
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
As the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, New Hampshire’s historic Mount Washington Cog Railway employs both steam and bio-diesel-powered locomotives to transport passengers to the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak.
The round-trip journey, lasting three hours, departs from Bretton Woods in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, near the popular family vacation destination of North Conway.
The coaches, while modern in mechanics, feature a retro design that echoes early 20th-century travel experiences.
This makes it a delightful addition to a multigenerational vacation.
Due to Mount Washington’s high elevation, the autumn leaves often begin to change as early as mid-September.
At the summit, a one-hour layover allows for exploration of the Mount Washington Observatory and panoramic views extending into five states, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express
New York to Vermont
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express offers daily service between New York City and Vermont, providing a scenic fall foliage journey through picturesque New England villages and upstate New York.
Travelers will enjoy glimpses of charming farms and idyllic towns in the Hudson River Valley, as well as the magnificent Green Mountains of Vermont.
3. Amtrak’s Downeaster
Boston to Brunswick
This three-hour Amtrak ride traverses portions of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, connecting some of New England’s most beloved cities while showcasing spectacular fall colors.
The Downeaster, running between Boston’s North Station and Brunswick, Maine, is a treat for leaf-peepers.
Passengers are treated to vibrant autumn hues complemented by historic towns, New England beaches, and flocks of migratory birds.
Along the route, a stop in Portland allows for sampling local delicacies such as creamy clam chowder or a delectable lobster roll.
The journey concludes in Brunswick, where the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, built in 1892, offers postcard-perfect photo opportunities.
4. Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks
Denver to Moab
The Rockies transform into a fairy tale landscape in autumn, and the Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route offers an opulent way to experience this splendor.
This two-day journey between Denver and Moab runs through October, providing an immersive experience in a canopy of golden Aspen trees.
Featuring an elegant, old-world charm, the Rocky Mountaineer routes are a first-class experience.
Guests enjoy stellar onboard service and fine dining, with accommodations provided at a premium hotel during overnight stops.
5. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight
Seattle to Los Angeles
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, recognized as one of the most stunning West Coast train routes, links Seattle to Los Angeles.
Passengers are treated to lush forests, fertile valleys, and expansive stretches of Pacific shoreline.
As temperatures drop, the evergreens of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California are highlighted by vivid autumnal shades of maple, poplar, and alder trees.
The Cascade Range’s peaks come alive with vibrant splashes of yellow, red, and orange, creating a breathtaking fall panorama.
6. Amtrak’s Cardinal
New York to Chicago
The Cardinal route, operated by Amtrak, offers a visual feast of fall colors as it winds through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and the West Virginia countryside.
This journey from New York to Chicago showcases a variety of landscapes, including towering peaks, bustling cities, and quaint towns. Running three times a week, the 26-hour trip provides ample opportunity to soak in the rich tapestry of autumnal hues.
7. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s Frostburg Flyer
Cumberland to Frostburg
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, a heritage rail company utilizing both steam and diesel locomotives, offers passengers a nostalgic ride aboard vintage rail cars from Cumberland to Frostburg.
This four-and-a-half-hour round-trip journey, which includes a 90-minute stop in Frostburg, traverses a stunning swath of the Allegheny Mountains.
The live commentary enriches the experience as the train passes through forests adorned in bright yellows, oranges, and reds.
8. Grand Canyon Railway
Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon South Rim
The Grand Canyon Railway, departing from Williams, Arizona, offers a unique alternative to driving to the Grand Canyon.
The two-hour and 15-minute ride features live Wild West entertainment, including strolling musicians and a humorous mock train robbery.
While the color changes in Arizona’s high desert may be subtler compared to other fall foliage routes, the crisp temperatures and deep blue skies create a stunning backdrop for exploring the landscape.
9. East Broad Top Railroad
Rockhill Furnace to Colgate Grove
In Central Pennsylvania, the East Broad Top Railroad provides nostalgic one-hour fall foliage excursions, ideal for families with young children.
Established in 1872, this narrow-gauge railroad is the oldest of its kind in the United States, and its historical authenticity adds to the charm of the ride.
Each October, the Great Pumpkin Patch Express invites kids to don Halloween costumes, meet Snoopy, and pick pumpkins from the patch, adding a festive touch to the journey.
10. Amtrak’s California Zephyr
Chicago to Emeryville
Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which operates daily between Chicago and Emeryville, California, also connects to San Francisco via a bus service.
While the full 51-hour journey offers an extended opportunity to experience fall foliage, shorter segments can still deliver a memorable trip.
Travelers will witness the buttery hues of Colorado’s Aspen trees, as well as the vibrant oranges and reds of dogwoods and maples in the Sierra Nevada, offering a painter’s palette of autumnal colors.
Embarking on one of these scenic fall train rides will ensure a memorable and picturesque journey, showcasing the best of America’s autumn splendor.
