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With summer coming to an end, that means fall is starting to make its way into the minds of most of us.
For many people in the US, autumn means cozy evenings watching football, apple cider, warm sweaters and, of course, the autumn madness that is beginning to take over the country.
Foliage fever is real, and it’s everywhere you look.
These days, the news is bookmarked and social media is taking over with the iconic fall snaps. While national parks, road trips, and fall vacations are great ways to enjoy the fall view, why not consider it? touring the beautiful leaves of America by rail this fall?
With some breathtaking views, the options because beautiful train rides across the country seem endless. Don’t forget about the peak times of the foliage across the country to get the best look at the leaves before making plans, especially as the main times of color change seem to come earlier each year.
Another reason to consider a fall train trip? Traveling by train has a snapshot, and whether it’s the view, the atmosphere, or the setting, it seems that Americans currently prefer train travel in many countries.
Here are 6 scenic train rides in the US that offer some of the best fall views this year:
Catskill Mountain Railroad, New York
About two and a half hours north of New York City, you’ll find the Catskill Mountain area. This underrated area of upstate New York is a great place to see some of the best foliage in the country, and what better way than to do it on a historic steam engine?
The Catskill Mountain Railway offers a wealth of activities for all ages as the route winds through some of the oldest farmlands in the country.
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@reizenmetsudipa Catskills Fall Foliage Train Ride#catskillsmountains #catskillsny #upstatenewyork #autumn leaf trip #autumntravel #fallbucketlist2022 @reizenmetsudipa @reizenmetsudipa ♬ original sound – Madeline Lu
Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad, Ohio
Ohio is no stranger to big fall foliage and curves Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad is a great way to experience the beauty of this region. You can enjoy the view in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and along the Cuyahoga River.
This area is home to some impressive deep forests, open farmlands and endless hills sloping into the distance, all of which will explode in hues of purple, red and fiery orange this time of year.
@wildwolfvan Riding the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad in Ohio #Ohio #akron #akronohio #cuyahogavalleynationalpark #National Park ♬ Pure Imagination – Dotan Negrin + Prismatic Praying Mantis
Colebrookdale Railroad, Pennsylvania
This favorite tourist rail line is also known as the Secret Valley Line, and the two-hour tour takes you through this often-overlooked historic and beautiful region.
This Civil War heritage railroad features special events highlighting the region’s unique history. Not to mention the foliage here along the Colebrookdale Railway line is pretty amazing too.
@railbrothers Had a great time at the Colebrookdale Railroad with @biddiescustomary! Would definitely recommend the dinner train. #dinner train #lunch train #dinner train ride #landscape railway #railway #eastpa #boyertown #fall vibes ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Mount Hood Railroad, Oregon
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the Pacific Northwest this fall, take a train ride across the Century Mount Hood Railway should be in your plans.
These scenic drives take you through Northern Oregon’s Hood River Valley, and the foliage here will be something to marvel at. If you are looking for a bit more exercise, the rail bikes are of course also an option to explore the region.
@michelevenlee The fall colors are later this year so we missed them 😢 but you all have time to see them in the next week or so! 🍁 #hoodriveroregon #pnwlife #rainy days #Portland #landscape train #autumn leaf ♬California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & The Papas
Essex steam train, Connecticut
If you are looking for a combination of rail and river forwarding, the Essex steam train maybe just what you need. Located in the Connectivity River Valley, a beautiful part of the country that is often overlooked, this trip offers some serious views.
Dating back to 1868, this ride is narrated and also offers some great bird watching in the wetlands along the river. The train and riverboat ride takes about two and a half hours, and if you opt for the train only, the journey takes about an hour.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, New Mexico
This is often referred to as the C&TSRR iconic railway is one for the views. This narrow gauge railway is only 3 feet wide and runs along nearly 65 miles of track between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado.
With breathtaking views along the western Rocky Mountains, this is often referred to as the best train ride in the country. This is a National Historic Landmark and the highest, longest, and most authentic steam railway in the US
Traveler warning: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
