As the crisp autumn air descends upon New England, a transformation of breathtaking proportions unfolds. Rolling hills and verdant forests metamorphose into a kaleidoscope of crimson, gold, and amber hues, creating a spectacle that draws visitors from across the globe. While driving tours offer a traditional means of experiencing this autumnal splendor, a more relaxed and nostalgic approach awaits: the Ride the Rails. A fall foliage train tour presents a leisurely and immersive way to witness the beauty of the season, freeing you from the constraints of navigating traffic and allowing you to fully absorb the vibrant scenery. Imagine yourself seated comfortably aboard a vintage train, the rhythmic sway and chugging sounds evoking a sense of yesteryear, as you glide through a landscape ablaze with color. This is the magic of leaf peeping by rail.
New England boasts a variety of scenic fall train tours, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s autumnal tapestry. To ensure you witness the foliage at its most brilliant, planning your rail adventure to coincide with peak color season is crucial. September and October are prime times, so advance reservations are essential to secure your spot on these popular journeys. This article will explore some of the most enchanting train tours that New England has to offer, promising an unforgettable experience as you Ride the Rails.
Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire
Nestled within the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Conway Scenic Railroad offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the region’s vibrant fall foliage. The White Mountains, renowned for their dramatic landscapes and picturesque vistas, become a true spectacle of color during the autumn months. The Conway Scenic Railroad, with its historic charm and meticulously maintained trains, provides three distinct tour options to suit every preference.
All trains depart from the Conway Railroad Station in North Conway, a location in itself. The station’s classic architecture and meticulously preserved details create a sense of stepping back in time, adding to the overall allure of the rail experience.
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The Mountaineer Train: This immersive journey takes passengers on a five to five hour, 40-minute adventure along the historic Mountain Division line, originally established by the Maine Central Railroad in the 1870s. Passengers ride in meticulously restored, streamlined passenger cars from the 1950s, offering a comfortable and stylish way to experience the scenery. The route winds through the Mount Washington Valley, traversing the dramatic Crawford Notch, and stopping at Crawford Depot and Fabyan station. The tour is enhanced by live commentary, providing insights into the region’s rich history, captivating folklore, and the fascinating story of the railroad industry itself.
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Conway Valley Train: For those seeking a shorter excursion, the 55-minute Conway Valley Train tour offers a family-friendly option. This route showcases the beauty of New Hampshire’s mountains and countryside, providing stunning vistas and a delightful return trip back to North Conway.
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Bartlett Excursion Train: A slightly longer option, the one hour, 45-minute Bartlett Excursion Train departs daily and ventures through the picturesque Saco River Valley on its way to Bartlett, before returning to North Conway. This journey offers a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and small-town charm.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Connecticut
For antique transportation enthusiasts, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Connecticut offers a unique and captivating experience: a two-for-one adventure combining the charm of a vintage train with the tranquility of a riverboat cruise. This classic combination trip on the rails and the Connecticut River is a popular autumn offering, providing a distinct perspective on the region’s fall foliage.
The journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station in Essex, Connecticut. The two hour, 30-minute excursion takes passengers through the attractive towns of Deep River and Chester, offering glimpses of quaint New England architecture and picturesque landscapes. The route also passes near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and appreciate the region’s ecological diversity. The highlight of the trip is a cruise on the Becky Thatcher riverboat, named after a character from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," adding a touch of literary charm to the experience.
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Essex Clipper Dinner Train: For a more luxurious experience, the Essex Clipper Dinner Train offers a relaxing and nostalgic journey, complete with a fine four-course meal served during a two hour, 30-minute scenic trip.
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Sunset Swallow Cruises: In September, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat also offers Sunset Swallow Cruises, a more than three-hour boat ride that allows passengers to witness a truly remarkable spectacle: the mesmerizing aerial displays of hundreds of thousands of swallows as they swirl in tornado formation before descending in unison to their island resting spot for the night.
Hoosac Valley Train Rides in Massachusetts
The Berkshires region in western Massachusetts is renowned for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, apple orchards, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for New England travelers seeking the beauty of fall foliage. Among the many attractions in this region, the Hoosac Valley Train Rides offer a unique and memorable experience.
The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, a volunteer-powered organization, invites both casual and serious rail fans to climb aboard a 1950s-era Budd Rail Diesel Car for a 60-75 minute train ride from Adams to North Adams and back. This journey provides breathtaking views of Mount Greylock and the Hoosac Range, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the region’s autumnal splendor. Fall foliage tours depart from Adams on weekends, as well as the second Monday in October. The Ride the Rails offers a unique view to enjoy the natural landscape.
The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum also offers a variety of special events throughout the year, including themed trips like Rockin’ and Rollin’ Music Trains featuring live cabaret singers and more.
Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire
For a truly unique and breathtaking experience, consider a journey on the Mount Washington Cog Railway in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This railway, opened in 1869, was the first mountain-climbing train of its kind in the world, and it remains a remarkable feat of engineering.
The steep, 3-mile (5-kilometer) journey takes passengers to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New England, without the need for strenuous hiking. Along the way, passengers are treated to sweeping views of New Hampshire’s autumn glory, and may even have the chance to see snow at the summit. Due to the potentially chilly temperatures at the summit, it is advisable to bring a jacket.
In October and November, the one-hour rides include a short layover at Waumbek Station, where passengers can grab a snack and take photos of the stunning scenery. The Ride the Rails is a great way to see the fall foliage.
Hobo and Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroads in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Lakes Region offers a wealth of scenic train options for leaf peepers, making it a challenge to choose just one. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers one and two-hour trips along the state’s largest lake on autumn weekends, allowing passengers to travel on old-fashioned trains between Meredith, Weirs Beach, Lakeport, and back.
The Hobo Railroad’s Fall Foliage Special, a four-hour journey, passes through Christmas tree and deer farms, offering glimpses of the region’s agricultural landscapes. The trip includes lunch at the Common Man Inn & Spa, followed by a stop at the restored 1869 Boston & Maine Railroad Station, where Ashland Historical Society members dressed in 1860s attire guide visitors through the history-filled station.
These sister railroad outfits also offer a variety of unique trips each fall, such as the two-hour turkey dinner train outings from Meredith on select Saturday evenings.
Cape Cod Central Railroad in Massachusetts
The Cape Cod Central Railroad offers a unique perspective on the region’s autumnal beauty, allowing passengers to watch the cranberry bogs go by on a scenic train trip from Hyannis, Massachusetts, to the Cape Cod Canal. The narration during the ride focuses on the history of the area, famous buildings visible from the train, wildlife, ecology, and industry on Cape Cod. This rail operator also offers special excursions that include meals on select dates in the fall. The Ride the Rails on Cape Cod is a unique view.
Pumpkin Patch Trains in Connecticut
For families seeking a festive fall experience, the Railroad Museum of New England in Connecticut offers Pumpkin Patch Trains. These one hour, 20-minute trips depart from the historic 1881 train station in Thomaston, Connecticut, aboard a 1920s-era coach, providing scenic fall foliage views and a memorable stop at a pumpkin patch, where children can select a pumpkin souvenir. These trips are offered on weekends before Halloween.
The Railroad Museum also offers a variety of other fall-themed events, including Chocolate Decadence evening train trips featuring wine, appetizers, and a chocolate tasting and tour, as well as Litchfield Hills Train spirit-tasting tours for adults only.
Embark on a Ride the Rails adventure and experience the magic of autumn in New England.
