What is the most scenic train ride in North America? Some top picks are the Rocky Mountaineer, California Zephyr, Alaska Railroad, Durango & Silverton, and White Pass & Yukon Route for mountain scenery, and the Verde Canyon for red rock canyon views. Can you see fall foliage on Amtrak? Many Amtrak train routes offer excellent opportunities to see fall foliage in different parts of the United States. Among these fall foliage train rides, you can read about the Adirondack, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, California Zephyr, and Coast Starlight.
What better way to celebrate harvest season than with a rail escape through the fall foliage of North America? A train trip through areas with fall foliage can be a wonderful way to experience the colors and beauty of autumn. You can sit back and relax as the train calmly traverses through forests and mountains covered in fall hues. The ride is generally smooth and comfortable. Trains often have large windows, domed cars, and outdoor viewing areas that provide unobstructed, panoramic views of the autumn scenery. Trains can reach scenic wilderness spots inaccessible by most other means, allowing you to see beautiful fall displays deep in forests or canyons. You don’t have to worry about driving, stopping, or traffic on a train. You are free to fully take in the fall views. Riding vintage trains like steam trains through the fall scenery enhances the entire experience. Fall Foliage Tours and New England Guided Tours
Here are some of the most scenic fall foliage train rides in North America
Amtrak’s Adirondack – New York to Montreal
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to late October
Starting in the heart of New York City, Amtrak’s Adirondack train whisks you away through the lush Hudson River Valley, the charming wine country, and up into the Adirondack Mountains. Amtrak’s Adirondack route from New York City to Montreal typically takes 11 hours. As the train winds along the western shore of Lake Champlain, you’ll witness the sun’s rays dance on the water and the mountains glowing in vibrant autumn hues. Want an even more immersive experience? Book a ride in Amtrak’s Great Dome Car for panoramic fall foliage views from Albany to Montreal.
Amtrak’s Vermonter – Washington D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to mid-October
The Amtrak Vermonter is a scenic fall foliage train ride that’s especially beautiful in the fall when you can see New England’s foliage at its finest. Runs from Washington D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont, along the historic Washington County Railroad route. Passes through Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Amtrak’s Vermonter route from Washington, D.C., to St. Albans, Vermont, typically takes around 13 hours to complete. The train covers a distance of about 611 miles. It departs Washington D.C. in the early morning, perfect for catching the golden early light on the changing leaves as you travel north. Travels through the Appalachians in western Massachusetts, featuring brilliant reds and oranges as maples, oaks, and birches transform. Crosses the border into stunning Vermont just as the peak colors emerge in the Green Mountains and Champlain Valley. The schedule ensures you’ll arrive in Vermont in the afternoon and early evening during peak foliage season, which is ideal for photography.
Tennessee Valley Railroad – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to November
The best time for fall foliage train rides: The railroad operates special Fall Color Excursions from late September through November to view the autumn leaves. These trips run on select weekends during peak foliage season. The most popular trips are those to the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s Grand Junction Station, a journey of about 26 miles that passes some of the most scenic fall scenery along the route. Color Special typically takes about 6.5 hours roundtrip. Tennessee Valley Railroad is a museum on wheels that takes you through the scenic pre-Civil War Missionary Ridge Tunnel and along original routes in Chattanooga. You also get the chance to train through the Cherokee National Forest and Hiwassee River Gorge. This adds to the excitement as you ascend the spiraling slopes of the mountain tops with a spectacular view of the Smoky Mountains. The railroad offers a fall photography train to capture the vivid colors along the route. This provides photographers extra time at stops. Fall months also host special events like pumpkin patches, festivals, and bonfires at stations along the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s main line.
Conway Scenic Railroad – North Conway, New Hampshire
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to late October
The Conway Scenic Railroad operates several vintage trains along the Mount Washington Valley’s former Boston & Maine Railroad tracks. Popular fall foliage excursions include the Valley Train from North Conway to Conway and the Notch Train from Conway to Crawford Depot. The Valley Train passes farmland, forests, and the Saco River wrapped in vibrant fall colors during a 55-minute, 12-mile roundtrip ride. The Notch Train is a longer, 5-hour, 51-mile roundtrip into Crawford Notch for panoramic views as it passes steep ravines and mountain slopes dotted with autumn hues. Dome cars, first-class coaches, and open-air gondolas are available for optimal fall foliage viewing on the railway’s trains. Conway Scenic Railroad is known as the heritage railway in New Hampshire. It’s an inspiration with its Victorian station, vintage trains, and unbeatable views. Enjoy a scenic pass through bluffs, ravines, babbling brooks, and rail across Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge.
The best time for fall foliage: Peak foliage season on the railway runs from late September through late October. The schedule is expanded during this period. Riding the vintage trains of the Conway Scenic Railroad immerses passengers in the vibrant fall colors of the White Mountains and Mt. Washington Valley.
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express – New York City to Rutland, Vermont
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to mid-October
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express travels daily between New York City and Rutland, Vermont. It traverses scenic valleys and the Green Mountains, offering great fall color viewing. The entire trip takes about 5.5 hours each way. The most picturesque portion of foliage is from Saratoga Springs to Rutland, a 2.5-hour ride. This part of the trip passes alongside the Hudson River, then through the Taconic Mountains and the Green Mountains, past small countryside farms and quaint villages as they display autumn hues. Stopping in towns along the way like Saratoga Springs, Rutland, or Middlebury allows you to explore foliage hotspots. The train travels along rivers, rolls through quaint towns, and crosses covered bridges surrounded by fall scenery. Large windows on both sides of the passenger cars allow excellent views of the fall foliage during the trip. The lounge car has additional seating with panoramic windows.
The best time for fall foliage: The peak period for fall colors on this route is usually from late September through mid-October. Special Fall Foliage scheduled trains are added to the Ethan Allen Express during peak season to accommodate demand.
Mount Washington Cog Railway – New Hampshire scenic fall train rides
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to October
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway and the only cog east of the Rocky Mountains. It has operated since 1868, taking passengers up Mt. Washington on bio-diesel-powered trains. The Mount Washington Cog Railway’s steepest section of the railway is called Jacob’s Ladder, where the train ascends at a 37.4% grade. This area offers excellent views of the fall scenery. The railway runs from 2,700 feet at the base to over 6,200 feet at the summit, passing through several vegetation zones that provide colorful fall foliage. It winds along the White Mountain Trail, a designated National Scenic Byway, and chugs through some of the most beautiful scenery in New England.
The best time for fall foliage: The Cog Railway operates special Fall Foliage trains throughout September and October during peak autumn colors. These take passengers up to the summit of Mt. Washington. From the summit, passengers can hike trails above the tree line to see panoramic views of the surrounding autumn-painted landscapes. Views can span Maine, Vermont, and Canada on a clear day. The brilliant red and orange hues of mountain ash, maple trees, and birch create a vibrant display visible from the railway and summit. The mountainside is ablaze with fall colors.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad – Cumberland, Maryland
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to late October
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has train aficionados delighting over the backdrop to this rail excursion. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad operates out of Cumberland, Maryland, using historic Western Maryland Railway equipment. It offers fall foliage excursions that travel through the mountains along the original Western Maryland Railway right-of-way. The most popular fall trip is the Potomac Eagle Excursion, which spans a 42-mile roundtrip route along the Potomac River to Frostburg. This trip passes through the steep Narrows with views of the river and mountainsides covered in autumn foliage, incredibly vibrant shades of red and orange. Scenicly glide through the Allegheny Mountains over an iron truss bridge and onto some of the most photogenic rail locales. Helmsetter’s Curve provides a half-mile horseshoe arch that allows the caboose to view the locomotive as it passes the changing leaves.
The best time for fall foliage: Peak autumn foliage viewing on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs from late September through late October. Special events are also offered.
Amtrak’s California Zephyr – Chicago to San Francisco
Best Time for Fall Foliage train rides: Late September to early October
Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs daily from Chicago to San Francisco, guiding you through the Colorado Rockies in their fall grandeur from late September until early October. The most scenic stretch for fall foliage is through Colorado, especially from Denver to Glenwood Springs. This traverses the Colorado River and the Rocky Mountains. The Amtrak California Zephyr is one of the most scenic train routes in the United States, running from Chicago, Illinois, to San Francisco, California. This route offers spectacular views of fall foliage, especially as it travels through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada in autumn. The train passes through the Front Range and Moffat Tunnel from Denver, emerging into colorful mountain valleys and canyons. Further west, the California Zephyr follows the Colorado River through Gore and Glenwood Canyons, surrounded by vibrant orange and red autumn hues. The train traverses the continental divide, winding through canyons and climbing over mountain passes, providing views of fall foliage at different elevations. Fall journeys can be combined with stopovers in Denver, Grand Junction, or Salt Lake City to explore those foliage hotspots. The California Zephyr covers a distance of approximately 2,438 miles from Chicago to San Francisco (Emeryville, California). The entire journey takes around 51 to 52 hours one way, making it a multi-day trip. The train departs daily from both Chicago and San Francisco, providing options for eastbound and westbound travel.
The best time for fall foliage: Peak fall foliage season on this route is usually from late September to early October. Foliage starts at higher elevations.
Historic steam engine train travels from Durango to Silverton through the San Juan Mountains along the Animas River in Colorado, USA.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Colorado
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Mid-September to early October
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad serves the scenic route between Durango and Silverton, Colorado. This 100% coal-fired steam-operated train travels a track that is one of the most beautiful during autumn. This historic railroad operates vintage coal-fired steam locomotives to pull trains along the 45-mile route between Durango and Silverton. The journey passes through the San Juan National Forest, alongside the Animas River, and up steep mountain grades, surrounded by fall colors. Brilliant yellow aspens contrast with evergreen pines, with splashes of red from scrub oak and other deciduous trees at lower elevations. Further up, the train passes through colorful mountain meadows and the Rocky Mountains ablaze in golden hues of fall foliage. You’ll pass the San Juan National Forest, and the Colorado Rockies come alive with color. A stop is made halfway through the journey in Silverton, allowing time to explore the historic mining town with its surrounding autumn backdrop. The best time for fall foliage: The peak for fall colors is typically mid-September through early October before the aspen leaves begin to drop.
Algoma Central Railroad – Ontario, Canada
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late September to early October
Algoma Central Railroad makes the Canadian wilderness come alive as you make your way through babbling rivers, expansive canyons, and verdant forests through Ontario. Historic Algoma Central rail cars dating from the 1920s are used, adding to the nostalgic fall train ride through northern Ontario’s forests. The Autumn Foliage train travels into the Agawa Canyon, bursting with color. This path follows the early fur traders and settlers, making you fully appreciate all that inspired the explorers to continue their quest. The Algoma Central operates excursion trains along former rail lines through northern Ontario between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst. Popular fall trips include the Agawa Canyon Tour, which ventures 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie into remote boreal forest and river canyons. Pass over towering bridges overlooking vibrantly colored maples and larches displaying autumn hues. The train stops at spectacular Agawa Canyon for fall photo opportunities before the return trip back south. Shorter fall foliage trips, such as the 36-mile Canyon Colors Excursion through areas thick with autumn hues, are also offered along the route.
The best time for fall foliage: The peak of the fall color season on Algoma Central excursions is typically late September into early October
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight – Los Angeles to Seattle
Best Time for Fall Foliage train rides: Mid-October to early November
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight is the most spectacular train ride in America. The Coast Starlight travels through many different terrains from Los Angeles to Seattle. The autumn season comes alive as the train passes through Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Colors dance through the Willamette Valley and onto Portland, passing through the Cascade Mountain Range and Mount Shasta. The Coast Starlight operates daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, traversing the Pacific Coast and cascades for great autumn scenery. The most scenic stretch for fall colors is through Oregon, especially from Eugene to Portland. This passes through the Willamette Valley and the Cascades. After Eugene, the train follows the Willamette River, surrounded by orange and red-hued maple, cottonwood, and ash trees. Further north, the Coast Starlight traverses the Cascade Mountains, with vibrant alpine foliage putting on a colorful display.
The best time for fall foliage: Fall foliage season on this route peaks from mid-October into early November. The schedule has added trains during this period.
Rocky Mountaineer – Canada
Best Time for Fall Foliage: September to early October
The Rocky Mountaineer offers luxurious fall foliage trips through the Canadian Rockies. With multiple routes, the train winds through rugged mountains, across rivers, and past dense forests where the autumn hues come alive. The journey from Vancouver to Banff or Jasper is especially breathtaking during the fall.
Alaska Railroad – Anchorage to Fairbanks
Best Time for Fall Foliage train rides: Early to mid-September
The Alaska Railroad offers a breathtaking journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks, passing through some of Alaska’s most stunning landscapes. Known as the Denali Star Route, this train ride is particularly spectacular in the fall, providing a unique opportunity to see the vibrant autumn colors of Alaska’s vast wilderness. It’s an iconic route takes passengers through varied terrain, from rugged mountains and expansive tundra to pristine rivers and forests, offering an unforgettable fall foliage viewing experience. The Denali Star Route stretches over 356 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks, taking approximately 12 hours one way. The journey offers a front-row seat to Alaska’s vast and diverse landscapes, including the Chugach Mountains, Talkeetna Mountains, Denali National Park, and the Nenana River Gorge. The fall foliage season in Alaska is relatively short but stunning, typically lasting from late August to mid-September. During this period, the landscape is transformed as the birch, aspen, cottonwood, and alder trees turn shades of gold, yellow, and orange, creating a vivid contrast against the evergreen spruce and snow-capped peaks.
White Pass & Yukon Route – Alaska to Canada
Best Time for Fall Foliage: Late August to September
A journey on the White Pass & Yukon Route is like stepping back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush. This narrow-gauge railroad runs from Skagway, Alaska, into Canada, passing through awe-inspiring mountain landscapes dotted with fall colors, making this an amazing fall foliage train rides. The White Pass & Yukon Route is more than just a train ride; it’s an unforgettable journey through history, engineering, and some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes of Alaska and Canada. The fall foliage season, with its explosion of colors and crisp mountain air, makes it one of the best times to experience this iconic railway. The White Pass Summit Excursion (3-4 hours) is the most popular trip, ideal for those with limited time but still wanting to experience the highlights of the route. It travels to the White Pass Summit, where passengers can see the international border between the U.S. and Canada. Fall is a fantastic time to ride the White Pass & Yukon Route. From late August to early September, the valleys and mountain slopes are painted in a brilliant display of gold, yellow, and red as the tundra and deciduous trees turn color. The fall colors are particularly striking against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain.
Verde Canyon Railroad – Arizona
Best Time for Fall Foliage train rides: Mid-October to early November
While Arizona might not be the first place you think of for fall foliage, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers a surprising burst of autumn colors against a backdrop of red rock canyons. Enjoy open-air viewing cars for the best photo ops as you traverse this unique and beautiful landscape, making it one of the scenic fall foliage train rides. The Verde Canyon Railroad in Arizona is a fantastic option for fall foliage viewing, offering a unique blend of rugged desert landscapes and vibrant autumn colors. Located in central Arizona, this historic railroad travels through the scenic Verde Valley, providing passengers with breathtaking views of the area’s natural beauty, especially during the fall months. Travels a 20-mile route (40 miles round-trip) from Clarkdale to the ghost town of Perkinsville and back, taking about 4 hours. In the fall, the banks of the Verde River and surrounding areas come alive with hues of gold, red, and orange from the cottonwood, sycamore, and willow trees. This vibrant display is a stunning contrast to the rugged, red rock cliffs and desert landscape.
Whether you’re a leaf-peeping enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to enjoy the fall season, these scenic train rides offer an unforgettable journey through North America’s most stunning autumn landscapes. So, grab your ticket, sit back, and let the train take you on a breathtaking fall adventure! Make sure to check out Fall Foliage Around the World, Your Guide to Fall Foliage Around the U.S. – Part 1 and Best Train Trips in the U.S.
