15 Scenic U.S. Train Rides for Fall Foliage Views

These rail journeys showcase the best autumnal scenery from Washington to Vermont.

As temperatures begin to drop, the colors of the leaves heat up, and one of the best ways to take in the vibrant hues is on a fall foliage train ride. Whether you embark on an epic Amtrak cross-country journey or a scenic excursion on a historic steam locomotive, there are plenty of railways that chug up mountains and wind through shade-shifting forests for dazzling views. Routes run through diverse landscapes, from a swath of California's majestic Sierra Nevada to a river-hugging stretch in Georgia and an ascent to the tallest peak in the Northwest. Kick back and immerse yourself in the best of America's autumnal scenery on one of these 15 U.S. train journeys.

Top 5 Can't Miss

• The Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic Canadian train whose singular U.S. route, Rockies to the Red Rocks, travels between Denver and Moab.

• On Amtrak's famous California Zephyr route, the stretch between Sacramento, California, and Reno, Nevada, showcases the stunning foliage of the Sierra Nevada.

• New Hampshire's Mount Washington Cog Railway was the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, ascending the 6,288-foot-high peak for an epic overhead view of New England fall foliage.

• In West Virginia, The Greenbrier Express runs between two charming small towns, passing through part of the Monongahela National Forest.

• The Amtrak Vermonter route gives passengers the opportunity to appreciate autumn from both an urban and rural perspective.

Rockies to the Red Rocks on the Rocky Mountaineer

On its "Rockies to the Red Rocks" route, Canadian luxury train operator Rocky Mountaineer takes passengers between Denver's Union Station and the heart of downtown Moab, Utah. The voyage also features an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

The trains only travel during the day, so you'll never miss a moment of the ever-changing landscapes through their enormous, perfect-for-leaf-peeping windows. The route runs from April to October, with mid-September to early October being prime time for fall foliage viewing. Highlights of this Rocky Mountaineer itinerary include crossing the Continental Divide and passing through environments that range from lush mountain valleys to vast, open canyons.

Related: 13 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World

Amtrak California Zephyr

There’s a reason Amtrak's California Zephyr route is one of the most popular train lines in the U.S. This cross-country trip showcases thousands of miles of scenery, but riders don't need to embark on the entire 50-hour journey to get the best views. The five-hour stretch between Sacramento, California, and Reno, Nevada, treats travelers to colorful aspens, maples, birches, and oaks in the high altitudes of the Sierra Nevada and Tahoe National Forest.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Mount Washington Cog Railway gives you a unique perspective of fall's beauty as you ride the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world to the summit of Mount Washington. To get the best views on this ride up the highest peak in the Northeast, time your trip for late September or early October, when New Hampshire's famous array of foliage is at its best.

The Greenbrier Express

The Greenbrier Express gives you a taste of unspoiled Appalachian nature. Covering a restored 15-mile portion of a 1902 railway, this historic train is bookended by charming West Virginia towns. Departing from Cass, the route follows the Greenbrier River and passes through part of the Monongahela National Forest, where maples, red spruce, and yellow birch create bright autumnal hues. The round trip takes five and a half hours, including a stop in Durbin for boutique hopping or grabbing a coffee from Simply Sweet Cafe next to the station.

Amtrak Vermonter

Amtrak’s Vermonter offers daily service between Washington, D.C., and St. Albans in northern Vermont, traveling through major metropolitan areas like New York City as well as country towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire along the way. This route gives travelers the opportunity to appreciate autumn from both an urban and rural perspective. Hop off in cities like Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware; explore smaller communities like Northampton, Massachusetts; or get off at the Waterbury-Stowe stop in Vermont, which provides the chance to visit both towns — about 10 miles apart — for fabulous fall foliage and seasonal activities.

Related: 10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in New England

Amtrak Missouri River Runner

This Midwest route between St. Louis and Kansas City gives you sweeping views of bucolic Missouri and its namesake river. The train stops at a number of charming destinations along the way, each offering historical sites and a host of fascinating attractions. 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, to sample award-winning wines, or explore Hermann Farm, a 200-acre property with tours showcasing the regal (and relatively rare) Shire horses bred on site.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Drive 45 minutes west of Denver to travel 150 years back in time on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This route was originally built to connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume (which are just a few miles apart) through a steep, narrow, and scenic canyon. Corkscrewing up more than 600 feet and crossing four separate bridges, it’s an 1880s marvel of engineering preserved for guests to enjoy. The train goes both directions, and the trip lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. In the fall, this railway offers seasonal promotions like Autumnfest, which includes free beer samples from local breweries.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado is the world’s highest and longest cog railroad. Since 1891, this train has carried travelers to the summit of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, while highlighting the changing leaves and gorgeous scenery all around. The three-hour round-trip journey culminates at the 14,115-foot peak of “America's Mountain.” At the top, be sure to grab one of the famously fresh doughnuts at Pikes Peak Summit House and admire the 360-degree views.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Departing from Blue Ridge, Georgia, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs for 13 miles through woodland and along the Toccoa River to the Tennessee state line. You can choose between traditional closed cars with large picture windows and open-air cars, the latter letting you breathe in crisp mountain air while you admire the autumn colors.

The trip takes an hour to get from the historic downtown starting point to the border towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. Book the "layover" option if you want to hop off to explore the area, or the express version if you want to stay on the train for a quick return.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is nothing short of breathtaking as it traverses the diverse terrain of Colorado and New Mexico, winding through lush forests and across high plains. This rail line is also one of the country's highest, topping out at 10,015 feet on Cumbres Pass. The train snakes 64 miles from Antonito, Colorado, to Chama, New Mexico, and passengers can opt for a full-day round-trip journey along the whole line or a "half limited" voyage, which travels out and back from either terminus to the midpoint station in Osier, Colorado. With the leaves transforming the landscape into a show of spectacular reds, golds, and oranges, this ride is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country come autumn.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Just half an hour outside of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad takes riders through the stunning scenery of Ohio's only national park. The buckeyes, oaks, and maples of the Cuyahoga Valley are at their most vibrant in the fall, and this railroad (in operation since 1880) offers one of the best ways to see them. Book a ticket in one of the line's "Dome Cars" for windows that stretch from floor to ceiling — perfect for uninterrupted foliage viewing.

Amtrak Cascades

Amtrak’s Cascades route weaves through some of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful landscapes — made even more beautiful with the changing forest foliage. Admire the rich golden hues of Oregon’s aspen trees or the vibrant shades set against the snowy peaks of Washington's Olympic Mountains. If you ride the line to its northern endpoint in Vancouver, you can find a variety of fun fall activities, like a leaf-peeping walk through Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden or a Grouse Mountain gondola ride to get a bird's-eye view of spectacular foliage.

Virginia & Truckee Railway

On the Virginia & Truckee Railway outside Carson City, Nevada, railroad enthusiasts can get a taste of the past aboard a storied steam train that travels along a 19th-century track. In the fall, passengers can enjoy views of vibrant foliage, including along the Carson River, which is lined with cottonwood trees that turn a bright shade of gold and yellow. There are even wild horses roaming the area — if you're lucky, you might spot them from your railcar.

Amtrak Empire Builder

Hop on Amtrak’s Empire Builder route to experience the wilderness of the American West from the comfort of a modern railcar. Departing from Chicago, riders cross the mighty Mississippi near the Twin Cities, traverse the North Dakota plains, and pass through Montana’s Big Sky Country by way of Glacier National Park. In Spokane, you can choose between two options for the final leg of your trip: a northern route ending in Seattle or a more southerly journey to Portland. 

Conway Scenic Railroad

When it comes to fall train trips in New Hampshire, the choice is typically between The Mount Washington Cog Railway and Conway Scenic Railroad, the latter traversing the valley and beautiful Crawford Notch rather than climbing to the peak of Mount Washington. The land rises on both sides of this fabled pass, so you're treated to foliage views stacked up to the sky wherever you're seated. The 50- to 60-mile Mountaineer excursion features 1950s-era passenger cars and three classes, the most luxurious offering upper dome seating for a better vantage point. The ride can take anywhere from four to five and a half hours.

Related: The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States

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