11 Kentucky Train Journeys That Show Off The State’s Best Fall Colors
Kentucky in the fall is something else, and I’ve found that there’s no better way to take it all in than from a train. Sitting back while the scenery rolls by, watching the trees turn gold, orange, and red, is surprisingly relaxing.
I’ve done a few of the historic coal route trains and even a dinner train, and each one made me notice corners of the state I never knew existed.
It’s nice to just slow down for a couple of hours, enjoy the view, and let someone else do the driving while you soak it all in.
1. Big South Fork Scenic Railway, Fall Color Run, Stearns
Riding through the Daniel Boone National Forest aboard vintage railcars feels like stepping into a postcard. The Fall Color Run takes you deep into the gorge where maple, oak, and hickory trees put on their annual fashion show.
You’ll cross historic trestles and wind through rock formations that look even more dramatic framed by autumn leaves. The three-hour round trip gives you plenty of time to snap photos and soak in nature’s artwork.
Pack a snack and dress in layers because the mountain air gets crisp, but that just makes the hot chocolate taste better when you return to the depot.
2. Big South Fork Scenic Railway, Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp Run, Stearns
History buffs and leaf peepers unite on this journey to a restored mining community. The train chugs alongside the scenic Big South Fork River, where the water reflects the fiery canopy overhead like a mirror.
Once you arrive at Blue Heron, you can explore the outdoor museum featuring ghost structures and recorded stories from actual miners. Fall colors frame the entire experience, making old black-and-white history feel suddenly colorful.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for the camp exploration, and don’t forget your camera because the combination of industrial heritage and natural beauty creates some seriously Instagram-worthy moments.
3. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, Lunch Or Dinner Excursion, Bardstown
Imagine eating a gourmet meal while rolling past bourbon country in peak fall splendor. The restored 1940s dining cars serve up elegant multi-course meals as the countryside slides by your window in a blur of copper and gold.
White tablecloths, crystal glasses, and attentive service make you feel fancy without being stuffy. The two-and-a-half-hour journey winds through farmland and forests that look like they’ve been dipped in sunset colors.
Reservations book up fast during autumn, so plan ahead and maybe save room for dessert because the pumpkin cheesecake is absolutely worth loosening your belt a notch.
4. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, Bourbon Excursion, Bardstown
Last October, I took this ride and learned more about bourbon than I thought possible while watching leaves drift past the window. Expert guides share Kentucky’s liquid history while you sample carefully selected spirits paired with seasonal appetizers.
The train rolls through the heart of bourbon country, passing historic distilleries framed by autumn’s glory. You’ll understand why this region became famous for its craft when you see the limestone-filtered water sources and perfect growing conditions.
Come thirsty for knowledge and flavor, but pace yourself because the tastings are generous and the scenery deserves your full attention too.
5. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Bardstown
Nothing says autumn like a good whodunit paired with falling leaves and comfort food. Actors mingle with passengers, dropping clues between courses while you try to solve the crime before dessert arrives.
The interactive entertainment keeps things lively, but you can still catch glimpses of the golden landscape rushing past. It’s dinner theater meets moving restaurant, with Kentucky’s fall colors providing the perfect mysterious backdrop.
Bring your detective skills and appetite because you’ll need both to crack the case and finish the four-course meal that’s included in your ticket price.
6. Bluegrass Scenic Railroad, Kentucky River Palisades Ride, Versailles
Towering limestone cliffs meet explosive fall colors on this absolutely stunning route along the Kentucky River. The Palisades formation creates natural walls that seem to hold the autumn foliage like a giant’s garden.
Your journey takes you through horse country where thoroughbreds graze in fields bordered by sugar maples showing off their best reds. The contrast between white fences, green pastures, and fiery trees creates a uniquely Kentucky scene.
This ninety-minute excursion runs on weekends through fall, so check the schedule early because seats fill up faster than leaves pile up in your yard.
7. Bluegrass Scenic Railroad, Pumpkin Patch Train, Versailles
Kids absolutely lose their minds over this combination of train ride and pumpkin picking adventure. The railroad transports families to a working farm where everyone can select their perfect jack-o-lantern candidate while surrounded by autumn scenery.
Little ones get to experience the thrill of train travel without the long duration that tests young patience. The farm activities include hayrides and fall festivities that make the whole afternoon feel like a harvest celebration.
Wear boots you don’t mind getting muddy and bring a wagon for hauling pumpkins because those orange globes get heavy when you’re trying to carry the biggest one you can find.
8. Kentucky Railway Museum, Autumn Express, New Haven
Vintage locomotives pull restored passenger cars through the Rolling Fork River valley during peak color season. The museum’s collection includes equipment dating back over a century, so you’re riding genuine pieces of railroad history through modern natural beauty.
Knowledgeable volunteers share stories about the trains and the region while you watch the landscape change from farmland to forest and back again. The twenty-two-mile round trip offers diverse scenery that shifts with every curve of the track.
Arrive early to explore the museum grounds before your departure because the static displays and restoration shops are fascinating for anyone who loves trains or history.
9. Kentucky Railway Museum, Fall Break Express, New Haven
Scheduled during school holidays, this excursion caters specifically to families looking for mid-autumn adventures. The shorter format works perfectly for younger passengers who want the train experience without committing to a marathon journey.
Entertainment onboard keeps everyone engaged while the scenery provides a constantly changing backdrop of red, orange, and yellow. Staff members often share fun facts about trains and the local area in kid-friendly language that adults find interesting too.
Tickets sell out quickly during school breaks, so book as soon as dates are announced if you want to avoid disappointed faces at the breakfast table.
10. Amtrak Cardinal, Kentucky Ohio River Segment, Maysville To Ashland
Regular passenger service becomes a leaf-peeping adventure along this stretch of the Cardinal’s route. The train hugs the Ohio River, offering water views on one side and hillside forests ablaze with color on the other.
Unlike tourist trains, this is actual transportation, so you get an authentic travel experience while enjoying the scenery. The elevated track position provides better views than you’d get from a car window, and you can move around freely.
Book a window seat on the river side if possible, and bring snacks because the cafe car selections are limited compared to the endless beauty scrolling past your seat.
11. Amtrak City Of New Orleans, Western Kentucky Segment, Fulton
The western edge of Kentucky offers different terrain than the mountainous east, with rolling farmland and river bottoms creating their own autumn palette. This segment of the City of New Orleans route shows off a quieter, more agricultural side of fall colors.
Sycamores, cottonwoods, and willows near waterways turn golden while farm fields show off their harvest hues. The flat landscape allows long views that seem to stretch forever, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light turns magical.
This is real rail travel rather than a tourist excursion, so plan your trip around the schedule and enjoy the authentic experience of getting somewhere beautiful by train.