Smart leaf peepers hit the tracks at railways in the USA and Canada
Fall aboard! North America’s leaves are turning and tourist trains are chasing the color from New England to the Smokies and the Pacific Northwest to the Rockies. And with dozens of scenic railways across over 30 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, tracking down a fall foliage train near you isn’t a problem.
What’s it like to ride a foliage train? That depends on your point of view. Colorado’s golden aspens and New Hampshire’s sugar maple reds offer widely different leaf peeper experiences. High-altitude railways offer sweeping mountain vistas and plunging canyon glimpses offset with seasonal colors. Thick canopies shroud forested valleys with rich, deep, autumn hues.
Foliage trains go places where hikers and motorists are often unable to reach. Secluded routes through otherwise difficult-to-access wilderness lead to seldom-seen groves and canyons and past little glimpsed vistas. Atmospherics like chugging steam engines, historic stations, railroad museums, and rare engineering marvels like switchbacks, turntables, and rack-and-pinion cog trains add interest.
Leafy vistas notwithstanding, there’s a lot more to foliage train rides than watching the hues go by. When cold winds blow, toasty warm coaches are apt to offer chill-chasing beverages and treats — or even full-blown onboard dining options. Live entertainment sometimes adds to the experience. Binoculars and cameras are always required!
Fall foliage trains run across North America. Check out fall foliage trains in the Western US, Southwest US, Midwest US, Southern US, Mid-Atlantic US, New England, and Canada.