Hop aboard and let someone else do the driving while you leaf-peep.
If you're looking for a low-key way to enjoy the vivid shades of autumn, consider riding the rails. It's a stress-free, family-friendly experience that allows you to focus on Mother Nature's colors, rather than fidgeting with your GPS. Some trains offer box lunches and snacks or catered fine dining, while others let you bring your own food. There's often historical commentary by guides on the vintage train routes, and some excursions stop for layovers in small towns where you can shop or grab a bite. A few things to remember: Reservations fill up fast, especially for peak leaf-peeping season. Typically, cars are assigned but seats are not, so arrive early. And some cars are open-air, so dress accordingly. Here are some of our favorite scenic train rides to view fall's glorious colors across the country:
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Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad | Antonito, CO & Chama, NM
Take a half or full-day trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, a National Historic Landmark coal-fired steam engine. The 64-mile line crisscrosses the Colorado-New Mexico border, traversing elevations that range from 7,863 to 10,015 feet. Along the way, you'll see historical buildings, inch along an 800-foot deep gorge, and squeeze between rock ledges. The open gondola car is perfect for spotting deer, elk and bears along the route. You'll return to your starting point via motorcoach. Fares start from $80.
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Blue Ridge Scenic Railway | Blue Ridge, GA
Kick back for a peaceful 26-mile roundtrip in a vintage car along the Toccoa River through the Chattahoochee National Forest. On the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway you'll stop for a layover on the Georgia-Tennessee border in the neighboring towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, where you can go antiquing or grab lunch. Special discounts are available for military personnel and first responders. Fares start from $54.
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Essex Steam Train | Essex, CT
[post_ads]Enjoy the unspoiled scenery in the Connecticut River Valley on a train pulled by an authentic steam engine. Or take a combination excursion that includes a ride on the Essex Steam Train and a riverboat trip on the Becky Thatcher. There's also a dinner train excursion and special outings featuring chocolate and wine, beer and brats, whiskey and cigars, or full-day sightseeing stops in the villages of Haddam and East Haddam. Fares start from $19.
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Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad | Peninsula, OH
Trains began operating in the valley in 1880, transporting coal to Cleveland, Akron and Canton from the Tuscarawas River Valley. Nowadays, you can travel through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's new two-hour Fall Flyer excursion. Or book a trip featuring breakfast, lunch or dinner in the dining car. Another popular activity is to ride your bike one way along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, then take the train back. Special events include wine and beer tasting rides, paint and sip excursions, and kids' costumed Halloween trains. There's also ADA seating. Fares start from $20.
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Green Mountain Railroad | Chester, VT
There's arguably no more spectacular fall foliage than the vibrant colors on the rolling hills and mountains of rural Vermont. Enjoy a two-hour roundtrip scenic ride on the Green Mountain Railroad, or book a four-course fine dining experience on the dinner train. There's also a trip to Okemo Mountain Resort, where you can lunch or stay overnight and then take the train back the next day. Fares start from $25.
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Mount Washington Cog Railway | Bretton Woods, NH
Climb to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington on the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which has been in operation for 144 years. The views change as the elevation rises to the highest peak in the Northeast. The visitor center at the summit includes an observatory and new interactive weather museum, restrooms, and snack bar. Fares start from $72.
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Mount Hood Railroad | Hood River, OR
Gaze at the colorful leaves contrasted against stately evergreens and rugged mountain terrain found in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. The Mount Hood Railroad's Harvest Fall Special trip includes photo stops, a harvest gift, and tastings of area harvest brews. Or book a special excursion to watch an Old West-style train robbery unfold. But don't fret; the good guys (and gals) win. Fares start from $45.
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Amtrak's Dome Car | Adirondack Mountains, NY
Take in some of the best autumnal views Mother Nature has to offer by hitching a ride on the Amtrak's vintage Great Dome Car. Currently traveling between Boston and Maine on Amtrak's Downeaster route, the window-covered car typically joins the Adirondack route, from Albany to Montreal, each fall in late September. Fares start at $69.
