A scenic train ride through the New England countryside is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to bask in the glory of the picturesque foliage. With someone else in the driver’s seat, you can fully enjoy the magnificent views of foliage from Massachusetts to Maine and beyond.
There are multiple captivating train routes rolling along the world-renowned fall foliage towns like Stowe, Vermont and the New Hampshire White Mountains. Both of which are some of the best locations in the world to admire the turning leaves.
1. Conway Scenic Railroad; North Conway, New Hampshire
From a quick 1-hour trip to a 5.5-hour voyage, the Conway Scenic Railroad offers various trips to enjoy the foliage. You’ll get a front row seat to White Mountain’s trees ablaze!
2. The Vermonter; Springfield, Massachusetts
This train starts in Springfield, a town about 1 hour west of Boston, and voyages to White River Junction in Vermont. It’s operated by Amtrak, so it’s easy to book online. This part of New England reaches peak earlier than Boston, so it’s best to travel between late September and mid-October.
3. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat; Essex, Connecticut
This amphibian voyage offers vantage points from a vintage steam train, finished with a ride along the Connecticut River. Enjoy the glorious changing leaves of the Connecticut valleys. The trip is 2.5 hours total, 1.5 hours on a steam train with 1 hour on the water.
4. Mount Washington Cog Railway; New Hampshire
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast. This railway is unique in that it travels vertically at an incline-climbing up the mountain. The higher it goes, the better the views!
5. Hoosac Valley Train; Berkshires, Massachusetts
This scenic train ride travels through Western Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains. Catch glowing maples, birch, and beech trees ablaze.
6. Cape Cod Scenic Railway
Who said the Cape is only for the summer? Founded in 1861, this train feels like the Orient Express and even does a “Polar Express” themed train in the winter.
7. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad; Portland, Maine
Catch a mix of waves and trees on this scenic railroad that goes past Portland’s Casco Bay. You might even catch some Lobster catchers hauling traps and the gorgeous lighthouses of Maine. Stay at this new Portland hotel for the ultimate trip!
8. Downeast Scenic Railroad; Ellsworth, Maine
Catch stunning views of Maine’s iconic Acadia National Park. In the fall you’ll see gorgeous foliage and in winter, you’ll catch cranberry bogs.
9. Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience; Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Want dinner and a show? This picturesque trip through Narragansett Bay and past historic estates also comes with a yummy meal on board the double-decker train.
10. Ethan Allen Express; Rutland, Vermont
This Amtrak train travels past the famed Green Mountains of Vermont, and Mettawee and the Poultney rivers. You’ll also catch a glimpse of upstate New York on this gorgeous voyage.