Tag: Scenic

With the close of summer, it means that fall is starting to make its way into the minds of most of us. To many people across the U.S., fall means cozy nights, apple cider, warm sweaters, and, of course, the fall foliage craze that begins to take over the country.

Foliage fever is real, and while road trips and national park hikes are great, why not experience America’s beautiful autumn views by rail this year? Here at Travel Off Path, we’ve seen that train travel is having a major moment. It’s a chance to sit back, relax, and soak in the stunning views without the stress of driving.

Based on the scenic railways travelers were raving about last year, here are 5 U.S. train rides that offer some of the best fall views for 2025.

🚂 Conway Scenic Railroad, New Hampshire

The Angle: Classic New England Beauty

If you want the quintessential New England fall experience, this is it. While there are many foliage trains in the region, travelers in 2024 consistently gushed that the Mountaineer route on the Conway Scenic Railroad is one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the country. Winding through the heart of the White Mountains and the dramatic Crawford Notch, this trip offers cliffside views, historic trestles, and a sea of vibrant red and orange maple trees.

• The Experience: This is a longer, more immersive trip, offering a dining car and a true feeling of golden-era train travel.
• Best Time To Go: The first two weeks of October are typically peak season for this part of New Hampshire.

🏞️ Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Ohio

The Angle: A National Park by Rail

There’s a reason this Ohio favorite remains on the list: it’s one of the only scenic railways that runs directly through a U.S. National Park. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad gives you a front-row seat to the deep forests and rolling hills of the park as they explode into fiery shades of red, orange, and purple. It’s an incredibly accessible way to experience a national park’s fall beauty.

• The Experience: Look for themed rides like the “Ales on Rails” beer-tasting excursions for a fun, adults-only trip.
• Best Time To Go: Mid-to-late October is the sweet spot for peak color in this region.

⛰️ Cass Scenic Railroad, West Virginia

The Angle: Authentic Appalachian Adventure

For a truly unique and historic experience, head to the mountains of West Virginia. The Cass Scenic Railroad is not a typical tourist train; it’s an authentic, historic logging railroad that uses powerful steam locomotives to chug its way up a mountain. The journey through the rugged Appalachian wilderness is spectacular, culminating in a panoramic view from Bald Knob, the third-highest point in the state.

• The Experience: This is a loud, powerful, and authentic steam train ride that feels like stepping back in time. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
• Best Time To Go: The first three weeks of October offer the best chance for vibrant colors.

🏜️ Verde Canyon Railroad, Arizona

The Angle: Surprising Desert Beauty

A fall foliage trip in the Arizona desert? Absolutely! This is our “underrated gem” pick that travelers raved about last year for being so unexpected. The Verde Canyon Railroad follows the Verde River through a stunning red rock canyon. In the fall, the cottonwood and sycamore trees that line the river turn a brilliant, shocking yellow, creating an incredible contrast against the red cliffs and blue sky.

• The Experience: Book a seat in an open-air viewing car to get the best, unobstructed photos of the canyon and the vibrant ribbon of gold below.
• Best Time To Go: Late October through the first two weeks of November.

🏔️ Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado

The Angle: The Rocky Mountain Epic

This is a true bucket-list journey. The historic Durango & Silverton steam train winds its way through the remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest, carving through canyons alongside the rushing Animas River. In the fall, the route is lined with millions of golden aspen trees, creating a world-class spectacle of color. It’s an unforgettable, epic journey that consistently ranks as one of the best train rides in the world.

• The Experience: This is an all-day adventure. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet on its way to the historic mining town of Silverton.
• Best Time To Go: The last two weeks of September are prime time for the “aspen gold” rush.

So this fall, trade the highway traffic for a window seat and let someone else do the driving for a change. It’s a perfect way to experience the magic of the season without the stress. Happy Fall Travels! 🚂

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Last Updated 4 mins ago

With the close of summer, it means that fall is starting to make its way into the minds of most of us.

To many people across the U.S., fall means cozy nights watching football, apple cider, warm sweaters, and, of course, the fall foliage craze that begins to take over the country. 

Foliage fever is real, and it’s everywhere you look.

Nowadays the news has a leaf watch, and social media is taken over with the iconic fall snaps. While national parks, road trips, and fall getaways are great ways to check out the autumn views, why not consider viewing America’s beautiful foliage by rail this fall?

With some stunning views, the options for scenic train rides across the country are seemingly endless. Remember to check out the peak foliage times across the country for optimal leaf-peeping before you make any plans, especially as the prime color-changing times seem to come earlier each year. 

Another reason to consider a fall train trip? Train travel is having a moment, and whether it’s for the views, the vibes, or the environment, it seems Americans prefer traveling by train right now in many countries.

Here Are 6 U.S. Scenic Train Rides That Offer Some Of The Best Fall Views This Year:

Catskill Mountain Railroad, New York

About two and a half hours north of New York City, you can find the Catskill Mountain region. This underrated area of upstate New York is a great place to see some of the country’s best foliage, and what better way than to do it by a historic steam engine?

The Catskill Mountain Railroad offers a wealth of activities for all ages as it winds through some of the oldest farmlands in the country. 

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@travelwithsudipa Catskills Fall Foliage train ride#catskillsmountains #catskillsny #upstatenewyork #fallfoliagetrip #falltrips #fallbucketlist2022 @travelwithsudipa @travelwithsudipa ♬ original sound – Madeline Lu

Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad, Ohio

Ohio is no stranger to great fall foliage, and the winding Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad is a great way to experience the beauty of this region. You can take in the views in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and along the Cuyahoga River.

This area is home to some impressive deep forests, open farmlands, and endless hills rolling in the distance, all of which will explode into purple, red, and fiery orange shades this time of year. 

@wildwolfvan Riding the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad in Ohio #ohio #akron #akronohio #cuyahogavalleynationalpark #nationalpark ♬ Pure Imagination – Dotan Negrin + Prismatic Mantis

Colebrookdale Railroad, Pennsylvania

This favorite tourist railroad is also known as the Secret Valley Line, and the two-hour round-trip ride takes you through this historic and beautiful region that is often overlooked.

This Civil War-era heritage railroad offers special events with a focus on the unique history of the region. Not to mention, the foliage here along the Colebrookdale Railroad line is pretty stunning as well. 

@railbrothers Had a great time at the Colebrookdale Railroad with @biddiescustomary! Would definitely recommend the dinner train. #dinnertrain #lunchtrain #dinnertrainride #scenicrailway #railroad #easternpa #boyertown #autumnvibes ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Mount Hood Railroad, Oregon

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the Pacific Northwest this fall, then a train ride on the century-old Mount Hood Railroad should be in your plans.

These scenic rides will take you through the Hood River Valley in Northern Oregon, and the foliage here will be something to marvel at. Of course, if you are looking for a bit more of a workout, the rail bikes are another option for you to explore the region. 

@michelevenlee Fall colors are later this year so we missed them 😢 but y’all have time to see them in the next week or so! 🍁 #hoodriveroregon #pnwlife #rainydays #portland #scenictrain #fallfoliage ♬ California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas

Essex Steam Train, Connecticut

If you are looking for a combination rail and river expedition, then the Essex Steam Train might be just what you need. Located in the Connectivity River Valley, an often overlooked beautiful part of the country, this trip will offer some serious views.

Dating back to 1868, this ride is narrated and offers some great birdwatching in the wetlands along the river as well. The train and riverboat trip runs around two and a half hours, and if you opt only for the train, it will take about one hour for the trip. 

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, New Mexico

Often referred to as the C&TSRR, this iconic railway is one for the views. Only 3 feet wide, this narrow gauge heritage railway runs along nearly 65 miles of track between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado.

With sweeping views along the Western Rocky Mountains, this has often been called the best train ride in the country. A National Historic Landmark, this is the highest, longest, and most authentic steam railroad in the U.S. 

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com