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- 12 of the most beautiful train rides for stunning fall foliage views (businessinsider.com)
All Aboard! Scenic Train Rides Offer Breathtaking Views of Fall Foliage
As temperatures begin to dip, pumpkin spice makes its annual return, and nature’s palette shifts to brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, it’s official: fall has arrived! If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the season’s stunning display before the leaves disappear, a scenic train journey might be just the ticket.
Across the United States, Canada, and Europe, a variety of routes promise unparalleled views of autumn’s splendor. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious escape with all the amenities or a budget-friendly excursion, there’s a train ride to suit every traveler. Many northern states are currently experiencing peak fall colors through October, making now the perfect time to plan your adventure.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best rail journeys to experience the vibrant fall foliage:
North American Adventures
Amtrak’s Vermonter: Washington, D.C. to Northern Vermont
Journey through the heart of the Northeast’s fall beauty aboard the Amtrak Vermonter.
This nearly 14-hour trip from Washington, D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont, showcases the picturesque Connecticut River Valley and the classic New England landscapes of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Expect continuous views of fiery maple and oak trees leading to Vermont’s majestic Green Mountains. Roundtrip tickets for this scenic route typically start around $240.
Amtrak’s Adirondack: New York and Quebec
For a captivating tour of Upstate New York and Quebec’s fall colors, the Amtrak Adirondack route delivers.
Starting in New York City and concluding in Montreal, this 10-hour ride passes through charming destinations like Saratoga Springs and Ticonderoga. It offers a spectacular mix of mountain and lakeside views, winding through the Hudson Valley and along Lake Champlain, bordered by the vibrant Adirondack Mountains.
Roundtrip tickets between New York City and Montreal generally begin around $144.
The Rocky Mountaineer: Western United States and Canada
Known for its luxurious offerings, the Rocky Mountaineer provides an upscale way to experience the changing leaves.
Routes through the western United States and Canada feature expansive glass-dome windows for panoramic views, complemented by high-quality food and beverages. Operating exclusively during daylight hours, passengers are guaranteed not to miss a moment of the breathtaking fall scenery.
Prepare for a premium experience, with packages starting at approximately $1,700.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Ohio
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option to enjoy the Midwest’s fall foliage, Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is an excellent choice.
This “excursion railroad” offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly loops to special themed rides. Its national park excursion immerses riders in the stunning views of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The 26-mile journey along a historic track lasts about 3.5 hours, with all-day adult tickets starting at just $26.
The Agawa Train: Canada
Explore the dramatic northern Ontario landscapes during peak fall season aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train.
This journey traverses the grand Canadian Shield forests, serene lakeshores, and winding rivers, offering some of the best spots to witness Canadian leaves in their autumnal glory. A highlight is the 500-foot descent into the Agawa Canyon, a spectacular 10-mile stretch that takes travelers from the canyon rim to its floor.
The 10-hour tour, including a 90-minute stop at Agawa Canyon Park, covers 114 miles. Peak season adult tickets start around CA$166, or about $119 USD.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder: Chicago to the Pacific Northwest
Embark on an expansive journey through varied landscapes with Amtrak’s Empire Builder line, stretching from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest.
Considered one of Amtrak’s premier sightseeing routes, this 46-hour, 2,200-mile trip shows riders incredible fall views of the Mississippi River, vast North Dakota plains, the majestic mountains of Montana’s Glacier National Park, and the dramatic cliffs of Washington. The train features a sightseeing lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for soaking in the foliage.
Roundtrip tickets between Chicago and Seattle typically start around $490.
Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer: Oklahoma and Texas
For a shorter, unique fall foliage experience in the Southwest, consider Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer.
This 4-hour journey travels between Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth, Texas, showcasing the region’s fall-colored riverside forests and Oklahoma’s rolling plains. It offers a different perspective on autumn’s beauty.
Roundtrip tickets for this route start around $56.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr: Chicago to California
Spanning a total of 51 hours from Chicago to Emeryville (near San Francisco), Amtrak’s California Zephyr offers a rare look at fall across diverse US landscapes.
Passengers will witness the stunning Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s Gore Canyon, and the dramatic Byers and Glenwood Canyons, all potentially touched with autumnal hues. Roundtrip tickets for this extensive journey typically start around $476.
The Conway Scenic Railroad: New Hampshire
No fall foliage list would be complete without a route through New Hampshire, a perennial favorite for autumn scenery.
The Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway offers a classic, 1950s-themed “Mountaineer” train experience. This supremely scenic route crosses the Mount Washington Valley and ascends over Crawford Notch through the White Mountains, a journey of approximately 5.5 hours.
High season roundtrip prices begin at $83.
European Excursions
The Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway: Italy and Switzerland
Known as the “foliage train,” the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway offers fantastic views of the region’s woodlands and fall colors.
This 32-mile route connects Domodossola in Italy’s Piedmont region with Locarno, Switzerland, passing through beautiful natural landscapes including deep gorges, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. A round-trip ticket on this picturesque route costs approximately €39, or about $45 USD.
The West Highland Line: Scotland
Beginning in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and ending in Mallaig on the west coast of the Highlands, ScotRail’s West Highland Line is a spectacular 5.5-hour journey.
The route spans across the country’s famous lochs, mountains, and woodlands, which burst into vibrant orange in the fall. Notably, it also travels across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognizable from the “Harry Potter” films as part of the Hogwarts Express route, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.
Round-trip tickets typically start around £51, or about $68 USD.
The Bernina Express: Switzerland and Italy
For a world-renowned historic train route through the Swiss Alps and northern Italy, look no further than the Bernina Express.
The line, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exemplary railway development, winds through the Swiss Alps, crossing 55 tunnels and 196 bridges. It’s an unparalleled fall foliage tour through some of Europe’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
One-way tickets from Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy, start at CHF ₣66, or about $83 USD.
No matter where you choose to go, a train ride offers a relaxing and immersive way to witness the breathtaking beauty of autumn’s changing colors. All aboard for an unforgettable fall adventure!
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- 12 of the most beautiful train rides for stunning fall foliage views (businessinsider.com)