8 Amtrak Rides With Spectacular Fall Foliage Views
Sometimes, the best way to experience an autumnal landscape is by train.
Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan
When the air starts to cool, filling your lungs with a crisp bite, that can only mean one thing: it’s time for fall foliage.
One of the best parts of autumn is seeing the leaves just as they turn to warm reds, golden yellows, and toasty browns. And what better way to do this than by gliding through the countryside? Scenic train rides encourage a slower style of travel, allowing you to sit back and take it all in.
“Whether it’s the Rocky Mountains, Appalachians, or New England, if you haven’t experienced these seasonal colors, you’ll come to learn that there’s nothing quite like witnessing this unforgettable, brief display of brilliant color each year,” Roger Harris, Amtrak’s president, told Travel + Leisure. “Instead of being surrounded by miles of highway, there is something about riding the train, with its unabridged scenery that allows you to get up close and personal to these spectacular fall views.”
Imagine passing the multi-colored slopes of the Adirondack Mountains or enjoying the hues of Vermont — along with a maple candy treat — all from the comfort of a train. Below, we've rounded up eight of the best Amtrak rides for fall.
New York to Montreal
Line: Adirondack
Why go: Zoom through New York’s Hudson Valley and the Adirondack Mountains on your way toward the charming city of Montreal on a journey that takes around 10 hours. Hop off in Saratoga Springs for a taste of a rustic, glamorous lifestyle gone by, or take the train to Montreal, where you can climb to the top of the city’s Mount Royal Park for an expansive view of the high-rise buildings in the distance and the rich foliage below.
Related: All About Amtrak's Adirondack Train
Brunswick, Maine, to Boston
Line: Downeaster
Why go: New England is especially magical in the fall, and this route provides a car-free connection to some of its most charming towns. This journey is about three and a half hours, but with several stops, you can easily make a weekend out of it. In Maine, start with a fall foliage bike ride in Brunswick before enjoying some prime leaf-peeping locations (and fresh lobster) in Portland.
Los Angeles to Seattle
Line: Coast Starlight
Why go: Breathtaking views of the changing leaves are not just reserved for New England. On this 35-hour journey, travel through Oregon’s Willamette Valley as you sample French toast and sip hot coffee on the train before jumping off in Washington. From there, head to Mount Rainier National Park, where you can see colorful foliage starting in September and, if you’re lucky, spot elk feeding on the leaves.
Washington, D.C., to Chicago
Line: Capitol Limited
Why go: Depart the nation’s capital and travel through the Potomac Valley as you leave the East Coast behind. Stop by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which saw the first successful American railroad and sits along the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The 18-hour journey ends in Chicago, where you can take in the city’s unique architecture from a walking or boat tour.
Chicago to Seattle or Portland
Line: Empire Builder
Why go: Departing daily in both directions, the Empire Builder is one of the most scenic ways to see the American West. The 46-hour journey offers views of the Mississippi River, Montana’s Big Sky Country, and the Pacific Northwest. And if you’re traveling during the fall, you’ll want to stay glued to the window as you pass the impressive fall foliage between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and St. Paul, Minnesota. Glacier National Park is a highlight of the route, so stop and appreciate the golden vistas before continuing to either Seattle or Portland.
Related: A Guide to Amtrak's Empire Builder Route
St. Albans, Vermont, to Washington, D.C.
Line: Vermonter
Why go: Running between St. Albans in northern Vermont and Washington, D.C., this 14-hour journey includes stops in scenic towns and major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Take a hike to see the brilliant colors of the leaves in Stowe, Vermont — one of the best places to see the foliage in New England — or get off the train in Springfield, Massachusetts, where you can take a break from the scenery and channel your inner child at The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in the hometown of the beloved author.
St. Louis to Kansas City
Line: Missouri River Runner
Why go: Nature and history lovers alike will appreciate this journey, which operates daily between the Show-Me State’s two largest cities. While the ride is only four hours and 40 minutes, there’s plenty to see and do. In St. Louis, head to Forest Park to admire the vibrant maple trees, and in Kansas City, stop at Faulkner’s Ranch for some pumpkin-themed festivities.
Chicago to San Francisco
Line: California Zephyr
Why go: At just over 51 hours long, this train journey is one of the country's most epic rides, with vistas of mountains, plains, and golden foliage. Start your adventure zipping through the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and marvel at the impressive aspen trees that turn a brilliant yellow color in the fall. Be sure to also hop off in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where you can bike or hike along the 42-mile Rio Grande Trail that leads to Aspen.
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