Cooler weather brings autumn colors galore. And one of the most popular fall pastimes is to take a trip to view the changing leaves. If you’re looking for exhilarating journeys with stunning views, there’s no shortage of scenic train rides in the USA.
Basically, fall foliage tours are often just a few hours, so they are easy to fit into a busy schedule. Though New England grabs the most attention, you’ll find plenty of other festive foliage shows around the country. Historic railways and modern lines alike traverse some of the most breathtaking autumn landscapes in the country.
Here are some of the best fall foliage traintrips:
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Experience the Cuyahoga Valley at its most vibrant aboard the Fall Scenic Excursion, one of the best fall train rides Ohio has to offer. Like the popular National Park Scenic rides, this seasonal favorite offers additional Friday and Saturday departures. This gives you even more opportunities to enjoy Northeast Ohio’s spectacular autumn display.
Settle in and watch as the landscape transforms into a tapestry of brilliant reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows. Wind through forests ablaze with color, catch glimpses of native wildlife preparing for the season ahead. Also, enjoy some of the best leaf-peeping views in the region, all from the comfort of a vintage train.
As the journey unfolds, the rich woodlands of Cuyahoga Valley National Park gradually give way to sweeping views toward the Cleveland skyline. Surprisingly, creating a striking contrast between nature and cityscape.
For family-friendly sightseeing adventures in Northeast Ohio, CVSR offers a unique way to experience the season’s beauty. This fall journey is more than just a typical autumn train ride. It’s an unforgettable tradition and a scenic day trip waiting to be discovered.
Guests can choose from two ride options to best fit their schedules and interests:
The Classic 24-mile, round-trip Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad fall excursion lasts approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes.
For guests seeking a shorter adventure travel experience, the Express rides last approximately 2 hours, these trips specifically cater to the ideal audience of families or guests with limited time. It is the perfect itinerary for anyone wanting to experience the ever-changing seasonal magic of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
A variety of seating options are available. Wheelchair accessible seating is available in the Karen C. Cooper car. Call 330-439-5708 for more information and to purchase tickets for this car.
Amtrak Missouri River Runner
COURTESY OF AMTRAK
This Midwest route departs from St. Louis and travels across the state to Kansas City, offering scenic views of the Missouri River. The train stops at a number of charming destinations along the way, and each offers rich history and a host of fascinating attractions. Be sure to hop off at the quaint riverside city of Hermann to catch the trolley that includes stops at local wineries, distilleries, and restaurants. Check out Stone Hill Winery, which dates back to 1847 and boasts numerous international accolades for its impressive wines. In addition, explore Hermann Farm, an enormous property with tours showcasing the regal (and relatively rare) Shire horses bred on site.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
COURTESY OF FANNIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Train: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge, Georgia
When: Runs most days between Sept. 18 and Nov. 4, except on Wednesdays and a few other dates
On this railway’s fall foliage tours in Appalachia, hosts narrate the local history in open-air cars or interior coaches. The train travels along the winding Toccoa River, through rolling hills and the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Choose a two-hour train ride or four-hour trip that includes a two-hour stop in the twin towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
Train: Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, Springdale and Van Buren, Arkansas
When: Various days, Sept. 27–Nov. 22
Red and orange leaves abound on fall train rides through the Boston Mountains, the highest in the Ozarks in northwestern Arkansas. Ride in comfort in a refurbished 1920s coach, a 1950s café-style or parlor car, or a 1940s Silver Feather glass-domed car as conductors narrate the journey over a 125-foot trestle and through the 1,700-foot Winslow Tunnel.
For the most bang for your buck, take the daylong, 134-mile round trip from Springdale to Van Buren, which includes a three-hour stop in the quaint town of Van Buren (adults $81 to $101). Discounted tickets are available for adults 65-plus and veterans, and AAA and AARP members. There are other train rides, too.
View more fall scenic train trips by copying and pasting the links below:
travelandleisure.com
aarp.org/travel/travel-tips
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