10 scenic train rides that are perfect for US leaf peeping
I'll admit it: I'm basic when it comes to all things fall. From crisp air and crunchy leaves to football and Halloween, autumn is my favorite time of year. But, even if you're someone who prefers summer weather and thinks pumpkin spice is, like, totally lame, it's difficult not to appreciate the electric color display put on by the annual changing foliage.
I challenge you to find a cozier way to view the scenery of the season than snuggled up on a train with a hot beverage. So, in the spirit of hygge, here are 10 great train rides, right here in the United States, that are perfect for peeping leaves.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (Skagway, Alaska)
These journeys depart from Skagway, a famous gold rush town spanning nearly 3,000 feet in elevation that cruise ship passengers often frequent, depending on the ride chosen. They're a great way to catch stunning autumn hues, but you'll have to plan your trip toward the end of the regular travel season.
There are several options, including 2-hour, 28-mile excursions and ones that run for 40 miles to the Canadian border and back, lasting nearly 3 hours. Others cross over into Canada, meaning passports are needed. The more extended options traverse bridges and pass through tunnels, but all offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania)
Known as the "Switzerland of America," the tiny town of Jim Thorpe is situated in the Lehigh Gorge and draws thousands of visitors each year for its annual Fall Foliage Festival. Along the Lehigh River, which cuts through the mountains, run the tracks home to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway -- tracks that date from the days when the area's coal industry was booming.
Operated by the Reading & Northern Railroad, these narrated train rides last about 70 minutes and run from downtown Jim Thorpe to Lehigh Gorge State Park and back. Passengers choose open-air or enclosed vintage passenger cars pulled by diesel engines, which feature spectacular views of the local foliage.
Adirondack Railroad (Utica, New York)
There's no better place in New York to witness the splendor of fall than in the Adirondacks. An outdoor lover's dream any time of year, the area particularly comes to life when the leaves begin to change.
The Adirondack Railroad offers unique fall foliage train rides from Utica to Thendara, which last 5 hours and runs through streams and forests. The train also has a cafe car for refreshments during the ride.
Related: 14 of the most scenic train rides on Earth
Napa Valley Wine Train (Napa, California)
As if leaf-peeping isn't fun enough, you can make it even more of a good time by ogling the colors while you sip your favorite varietals on the Napa Valley Wine Train. During the 3-hour, 36-mile ride from Napa to St. Helena and back, you'll pass more than 100 wineries, many of which supply the beverages you can order onboard.
Equipped with four kitchens, the train also focuses on fine dining for lunch and dinner (although we recommend lunch if you're hoping to see the foliage), which make these rides perfect for date night or a girlfriends' getaway -- especially in the fall. Dressing up is highly encouraged if you're going for dinner.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (Cumberland, Maryland)
Pulled by historic diesel engines, restored vintage passenger cars offer rides on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which has no shortage of jaw-dropping views during the autumn months. Rides run from Cumberland to Frostburg and last about 4.5 hours (including a 90-minute layover in Frostburg, allowing time to explore shops and restaurants in the town).
There's a unique fall foliage dining option for lunch, but if a standard train trip isn't enough, there are several attractive themed options from which to choose. These include murder mystery dinners, family pizza dinners and "hands-on the throttle" experiences, where passengers drive. A variety of service class types is also available at varying price points. Choices are coach, open-air, dome (which offers the best views) and first-class lounge.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (Chama, New Mexico, and Antonio, Colorado)
This 64-mile stretch of rail that crosses the border between New Mexico and Colorado is home to some of the loveliest autumnal colors you'll find anywhere in the U.S., thanks to thousands of aspen trees that serve as a backdrop for your trip as steam engines pull you along.
Cumbres & Toltec is the longest and highest narrow-gauge railroad in the country, and it has been carrying passengers through the Rocky Mountains for more than 140 years. Considered a National Historic Landmark, the railroad offers rides in one of three fare types: parlor, deluxe and coach, all of which include lunch.
Related: 6 epic train trips to take this summer
Essex Steam Train (Essex, Connecticut)
These trains, pulled by steam locomotives, afford a fabulous look at the trees' changing colors during the fall months. Several ticket types are available, including a 1-hour train-only ride in coach and two 2.5-hour combos that include a train ride (in either coach or first class) and a riverboat ride.
Several themed train experiences are also available throughout the year, both on the train and riverboat. Check the train's website for upcoming fall events. Some staples that run consistently include a dinner train and a hands-on experience where you can drive the train. We recommend going during the day if your goal is to enjoy looking at the leaves.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee)
As the second interstate option on this list, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway transports passengers through the Appalachian foothills of North Georgia, along the Toccoa River, on a 26-mile ride. The 4-hour journey begins in Blue Ridge -- the antique capital of Georgia -- and transports riders to the border towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, where they have a 2-hour layover to explore before catching the 1-hour ride back.
A trip on this railway is an opportunity to experience autumn in two states simultaneously, and customers have a choice between open-air or enclosed, climate-controlled cars.
Mount Hood Railroad (Hood River, Oregon)
Century-old Mount Hood Railroad, found near Portland, Oregon, takes riders on a trip through the Columbia River Gorge at the base of Mt. Hood, making for incredible, colorful views that will leave you in awe, particularly as summer makes its exit and fall settles in.
This short-line railroad conducts 1-hour, 3-mile rides on weekends, visiting one of just five switchbacks that remain in America today.
Green Mountain Railroad (Chester, Vermont)
The Green Mountain Railroad offers unique seasonal fall foliage train rides. There are two routes, both departing from Chester, Vermont. One lasts 1 hour and travels to Rockingham and back; the other is 2 hours long and visits Ludlow.
Passengers will pass covered bridges and catch glimpses of the Connecticut River as they listen to the narrated tour. Refreshments are available for purchase onboard.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.