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15 Scenic Train Rides Across the U.S. for Stunning Fall Foliage Views

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 6:30 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Fall Foliage on the Rails: The United States’ Most Spectacular Scenic Train Rides

As the leaves turn gold, crimson, and amber, the American landscape becomes a moving canvas. For those who prefer to view the changing colors from the comfort of a seat, a handful of railroads across the country offer itineraries that weave through some of the country’s most breathtaking foliage valleys, mountains, and coastlines. Travel + Leisure has already highlighted a shortlist of the most photogenic rides, and a deeper look into each destination reveals why they’re a must‑do for the season.

1. Amtrak’s California Zephyr

Route & Highlights
The California Zephyr is the crown jewel of scenic Amtrak services, tracing a 2,438‑mile loop from Chicago to San Francisco. The fall months—late September through mid‑October—bring a kaleidoscope of colors in the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada, and along the serene stretch of the Sacramento Valley. Passengers board at Chicago’s Union Station, then glide past Chicago’s “Lakefront” foliage, the rugged forests of the Midwest, the towering ponderosa pines of the Rockies, and finally the majestic redwoods of California’s coast.

Booking & Timing
A one‑way ticket can range from $200 to $400, depending on the season and cabin class. For the best leaf views, aim for a departure in early October, when the western slopes are still lush while the eastern Midwest has begun to lose its green. Travel + Leisure recommends booking at least three months ahead, as this route fills up quickly during the peak fall travel window.

Extras
Many travelers opt for the “Open Seat” or “Coach” fares to maximize the view, but the “Business” or “First” cabins offer larger windows and comfortable seating—ideal for photography. A few Amtrak “First” cars come with a “Sky” window seat that extends an extra 3‑foot beyond the carriage, allowing for uninterrupted panoramic shots.

2. The Empire Builder

Route & Highlights
Another Amtrak classic, the Empire Builder runs between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest (Seattle and Portland). The train travels through the Great Plains, the aspen‑covered ridges of Montana, and the towering firs of the Cascade Range. The fall foliage peaks at different times along the route: Montana’s aspen canopy peaks in mid‑September, while the Cascade rainforests brighten later in October.

Booking & Timing
Tickets start at $180 for a one‑way journey. The most colorful segment is the western leg between Missoula and Seattle, so travelers often schedule their departure after the Montana leaves have turned golden. Travel + Leisure stresses that the “Coastal Limited” section of the route offers a more relaxed schedule—perfect for photographers who want to hop out at scenic stops.

Extras
The train’s “Concorde” dining car serves seasonal menus featuring local produce, which pairs beautifully with the changing scenery. Many travelers also take advantage of the “First Class” carriage’s “Panorama” windows.

3. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight

Route & Highlights
The Coast Starlight glides between Los Angeles and Seattle, offering a 2,400‑mile journey through the desert, the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, and the rugged coastlines of Oregon and Washington. While most of the route remains temperate, the late‑September to early‑October period brings a burst of color to the evergreen forests of Oregon’s Mount Hood area and Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.

Booking & Timing
Tickets vary from $150 to $300 depending on cabin and season. For the best foliage, schedule your departure in the last two weeks of September. The “Pacific” section of the train—particularly the stretch between Portland and Seattle—provides wide windows that give a full view of the mountains and sea.

Extras
The Coast Starlight’s “Amphibian” dining car offers a curated menu that incorporates regional flavors, such as wild‑foraged mushrooms in Oregon. Travelers can also book “Open Seat” accommodations for more flexibility to adjust their viewing times.

4. Amtrak’s Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad (Virginia)

Route & Highlights
A shorter ride, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad traverses 18 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The line is a “heritage” rail experience: diesel‑powered locomotives pull a 12‑car caboose and a passenger car. The scenic highlights include winding valleys, the famous “Turtle Rock,” and the “Shenandoah River.” During fall, the entire valley turns to hues of orange, yellow, and crimson.

Booking & Timing
Tickets cost around $30–$50 per adult, depending on whether you include a “café” stop. The peak foliage period is early October, when the ridge’s aspen and oak trees display their full color. The railway’s schedule is seasonal; trains run only from late September through early November.

Extras
A “café” stop near “Shenandoah National Park” offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy local treats. The line’s “Caboose” provides an intimate, nostalgic experience—ideal for families or photographers looking for a unique viewpoint.

5. The Cascades‑Flyer (BNSF & Amtrak)

Route & Highlights
The Cascades‑Flyer connects Seattle and Portland over a 180‑mile stretch, crossing the Pacific Northwest’s lush rainforests. The route offers sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge, the lush forests of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, and, most notably, the fall‑colored aspen groves around the Hood River area.

Booking & Timing
Tickets range from $35 to $70, depending on cabin and timing. The best foliage window is mid‑October, when the Hood River valley has turned gold. Travel + Leisure notes that the train’s “coach” cars offer the widest windows for optimal viewing.

Extras
The “Amtrak” portion of the route provides an “Open Seat” option, which is perfect for those who wish to remain flexible and perhaps stop at a scenic viewpoint. The train also offers “first‑class” seats that come with a complimentary beverage.

6. The Grand Canyon Railway

Route & Highlights
While the Grand Canyon Railway is best known for its desert scenery, the route’s southern section passes through a small cluster of aspen‑rich hills in Arizona. Though the foliage is less vibrant than the Rockies, the canyon’s dramatic cliffs are still a breathtaking backdrop in late September and early October.

Booking & Timing
Tickets start at $70, and a round‑trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon usually takes 2 hours. To see the last of the foliage, book a departure before the last week of September. The route also offers “Dinner & Scenic” packages that include a 30‑minute “showstopper” stop in the canyon’s rim area, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

Extras
The train’s “Grand Canyon” dining car serves a “canyon‑inspired” menu featuring locally sourced produce. Travelers can also opt for a “cigar lounge” in the dining car for a truly luxurious fall‑rail experience.

7. The Adirondack Railway (New York)

Route & Highlights
The Adirondack Railway offers a 40‑mile trip through the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, with views of spruce, fir, and maple trees turning into a mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows. The route runs between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, passing through historic sites such as the “Saranac Lake Railroad” and the “Kaaterskill Falls” area.

Booking & Timing
Tickets are approximately $25–$40 per person. Fall foliage peaks around mid‑October, so schedule your departure accordingly. The railway’s “open‑seat” policy allows for flexibility in stop‑times at scenic points like the “Tarrytown Falls” viewpoint.

Extras
The train’s “Café” stops provide a chance to try local maple syrup and artisan cheese, pairing nicely with the autumn ambiance. The route is also popular with photographers for its “mid‑mountain” vistas and the iconic “Sullivan’s Bridge.”

8. The Great Northern Railway (Washington & Montana)

Route & Highlights
A heritage railroad, the Great Northern Railway travels from Spokane to the small town of Lolo, offering a 32‑mile journey through the Bitterroot Mountains. The region’s dense spruce and aspen forests burst into color during September, giving travelers a short but striking fall view.

Booking & Timing
Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for children. The best foliage is usually in mid‑September, when the aspen leaves are at their peak. The railway offers “Open Seat” tickets for travelers who wish to adjust their departure time based on the weather.

Extras
The “Great Northern” also offers “family” packages, which include a “picnic” stop at “Lake Lolo” for an outdoor meal amid the fall colors. The route’s “historical” locomotives (diesel‑powered) evoke a sense of early 20th‑century travel.

Tips for a Successful Fall Train Trip

1. Book Early – Many of these routes sell out within weeks of the fall season, especially for “first‑class” or “coach” seats with panoramic windows.
2. Choose the Right Time – The peak foliage dates vary by region. Use local tourism websites to confirm the “peak” dates for each state or region.
3. Bring a Camera – Light is often best in the early morning or late afternoon. Arrive at the station early to secure a good window seat.
4. Pack Comfortably – Bring a light jacket, a snack, and a small water bottle. Many trains have onboard dining options, but having a snack ensures you’re not waiting too long for a meal.
5. Check Weather Conditions – Fall weather can be unpredictable. A quick look at the regional forecast before you depart can help you plan for sunny or cloudy days.

Final Thoughts

While the allure of leaf‑streaked valleys is undeniable, the experience of watching them from a moving train adds an extra layer of wonder. Each of these scenic rides offers a unique perspective—whether it’s the vast expanse of the Rockies, the whispering pines of the Pacific Northwest, or the historic charm of a heritage rail line. If you’re looking for a way to capture the essence of autumn without the hassle of driving, hop aboard one of these routes and let the rails do the rest.