All Aboard for Fall: Leaf-Peeping on Laid-Back Train Trips
Fall and train travel are a match made in heaven! As summer’s sweltering days give way to crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and a spectacular explosion of red, gold, and amber foliage, there’s no better way to explore the US than by rail.
The Northeast and Midwest are especially magical this time of year, with scenic routes that offer front-row seats to changing leaves, charming small towns, and landscapes straight out of a postcard. Best of all, you can sit back, relax, and watch the scenery unfold without worrying about traffic, parking, or navigating unfamiliar roads. From Delaware’s historic towns and coastal charm to Cleveland’s vibrant cultural scene and lakeside beauty, fall is the perfect season to trade the highway for the railway and discover how much the journey can be part of the adventure.
Wilmington & Western Railroad, Wilmington, Delaware
Visitors to Wilmington, Delaware, can now ride the Wilmington & Western Railroad, started in 1867 as a freight and passenger route, through the beautiful Red Clay Valley on a coal-burning steam locomotive or an early-generation diesel locomotive in a vintage train car! If looking for incredible fall foliage, travelers can hop on the Autumn Leaf Ramble, a 90-100 minute train ride that winds through the valley in the autumn. Other specialty rides include popular holiday season rides, the Santa Claus Express and the Holiday Lights Express. Caboose and parlor car rentals are available.
Bonus: For train enthusiasts visiting the region, stop at The Marshall Steam Museum, nestled in the small town of Yorklyn, Delaware, within Auburn Valley State Park. It features the world’s largest collection of operating Stanley steam cars plus a 1914 Ford Model T, a 1916 electric car, two 1930s Packards, the 1/8-scale Auburn Valley Railroad, an operating Lionel model trains display, special events and holiday rides.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cleveland, Ohio
For more than 100 years, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has provided historic train rides through the breathtaking landscapes of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Their vintage California Zephyr dome rail cars are operated for special excursions and dining events. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only park in the U.S. with a heritage railroad operating within its boundaries. CVSR offers incredible fall foliage train rides through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and along the Cuyahoga River.
Fall train ride options include Fall or National Park Scenic: a 3.5-hour, 26-mile round trip through the park; express rides: shorter, 2-hour non-stop ride designed for families; specialty rides like their Super Royal Halloween train with costume parties. The best time for leaf peeping is usually around the third week of October. For the holidays, CVSR hosts North Pole Adventure rides where, for 90 minutes, families can enjoy the festively decorated train cars, cookies, snacks, and perhaps even get a glimpse of Santa Claus.
Plan your trip to Wilmington or Cleveland. Connect all the dots using Kayak.
