9 New York Scenic Train Rides That Locals Say Are Perfect for Fall Weekends
Fall in New York isn’t just a season; it’s an event. The air turns crisp, the scent of woodsmoke mingles with pumpkin spice, and the landscape explodes into a kaleidoscope of crimson, gold, and amber.
While the city streets offer their own charm, sometimes you just need to escape the urban hum and immerse yourself in nature’s most spectacular show. But how do you find the best spots without battling weekend traffic or endless planning?
Ask a local, of course! And what do savvy New Yorkers really do when autumn calls? They hop on a train. There’s something uniquely magical about watching the fall foliage unfurl outside your window, all while someone else handles the driving.
1. Adirondack Railroad
The journey from Utica to Thendara winds through the heart of Adirondack Park, where towering pines and maple trees create a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The “High Peaks Limited” route offers panoramic views of mountain summits and pristine forests that seem to catch fire in October sunlight.
Passengers often spot wildlife along the way – deer grazing in meadows and eagles soaring overhead. The cozy vintage cars serve hot chocolate and seasonal treats, perfect for warming up on crisp fall days.
Operating weekends through mid-October, this 4.5-hour round trip costs $49-69 for adults. Bring binoculars, a camera, and an extra layer – morning departures can be chilly!
2. Catskill Mountain Railroad
Chugging along the historic Ulster & Delaware line near Kingston, this charming excursion showcases the Catskills in their autumn glory. The open-air cars provide unobstructed views of fiery mountainsides and the winding Esopus Creek, where fallen leaves drift lazily downstream.
The “Pumpkin Express” adds seasonal fun with decorated cars and stops at a trackside pumpkin patch where kids can select their own future jack-o’-lanterns. The railroad’s vintage diesel locomotives pull restored coaches from bygone eras, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
You’ll get the 2-hour experience, with multiple departures each weekend in September and October. Reservations are strongly recommended – locals book these rides months in advance!
3. Arcade & Attica Railroad
Nothing matches the romance of a steam engine huffing through Western New York’s countryside ablaze with autumn colors. The vintage locomotive releases billowing white clouds against the backdrop of golden fields and crimson maples, creating scenes straight from a vintage postcard.
I rode this line last fall with my grandfather, who worked on the railroad in his youth. Hearing the authentic steam whistle echo through the valleys brought tears to his eyes – a moment I’ll never forget.
During October’s “Fall Foliage Month,” the railroad runs multiple daily departures on a 14-mile round trip. The two-hour journey includes a stop at Curriers Station where passengers can stretch their legs and snap photos of the locomotive.
4. Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
Departing from charming Milford, this hidden gem traverses steel-truss bridges over the shimmering Susquehanna River. The tracks cut through wetlands where the reflection of autumn colors creates double the visual impact – a photographer’s paradise during golden hour.
The railroad’s vintage cars date back to the early 20th century, maintained with loving care by dedicated volunteers. Their fall foliage excursion takes you past rolling farms where pumpkins dot fields like orange constellations against the earth.
Operating weekends through October. The Halloween-themed rides feature spooky (but not scary) decorations and volunteer conductors in period costumes who share local history and point out scenic highlights.
5. New York & Lake Erie Railroad
The rolling hills of Cattaraugus County transform into a patchwork quilt of burgundy, amber, and gold each autumn. This Western New York treasure combines spectacular foliage with stops at many places.
The two-hour round trip meanders through countryside dotted with small towns that seem frozen in time. Passengers can opt for special drink tasting excursions where local vintners board the train to offer samples of regional specialties.
Trains depart from historic Gowanda Station on weekends in October. Bring a light jacket and your camera – the valley vistas demand to be photographed!
6. Delaware & Ulster Railroad
Channel the elegance of 1940s rail travel aboard the meticulously restored Rip Van Winkle Flyer. This Hudson Valley gem glides through the eastern Catskills where Washington Irving once wandered and found inspiration for his famous tales.
I celebrated my anniversary on this train last October, dining on local cuisine while mountains ablaze with color drifted by outside our window. The staff surprised us with drinks as we crossed a particularly scenic trestle bridge – proving they understand the romance of rail travel.
The two-hour journey from Arkville offers climate-controlled comfort with large windows perfectly positioned for leaf-peeping. You can choose between standard seating and a premium dining experiences which cost a little more. Weekend departures sell out weeks in advance during peak foliage season.
7. Rail Explorers
For those seeking a more active rail experience, these pedal-powered contraptions offer an intimate connection with the Catskills’ autumn splendor. The open-air rail bikes follow abandoned tracks alongside the babbling Esopus Creek, where fallen leaves create swirling patterns in the water.
Unlike traditional trains, these vehicles move at your pace, allowing for impromptu photo stops when a particular vista demands your attention. The gentle exercise generates just enough warmth to counter the crisp fall air.
Each tandem rail bike accommodates two riders, while quad bikes fit four. The 8-mile round trip takes about 2.5 hours with a rest stop at the turnaround point. Bring water, snacks, and definitely gloves – the metal handlebars get chilly in autumn weather!
8. Saratoga, Corinth & Hudson Railway
The southern gateway to the Adirondacks offers some of the earliest fall color in New York, making this railway perfect for September weekends when you just can’t wait for autumn’s show. The route hugs the Hudson River where sheer cliffs draped in crimson creeper vines create dramatic reflections in the water below.
The railway’s “Autumn Explorer” runs through dense forests where sunlight filters through golden canopies, creating a magical atmosphere inside the vintage coaches. Special evening rides include drink tastings featuring selections from Saratoga County vineyards.
You can get tickets for the 90-minute journey with a standard seating. The railway operates from Corinth station with ample free parking. Dress in layers – morning departures can be surprisingly chilly in the foothills!
9. Finger Lakes Scenic Railway
Waterloo’s hidden railway gem offers a 90-minute journey through the heart of wine country when grapevines turn crimson and lakeside forests explode with color. The vintage cars feature oversized windows that frame postcard-worthy views of Cayuga Lake, where the blue water provides stunning contrast to the fiery shoreline.
Unlike most scenic railways, this one let you see the family farms preparing for harvest. Conductors point out local landmarks and share stories about the region’s rich agricultural history.
The railway operates weekends through late October. Morning departures offer the best light for photography, while afternoon trips often feature local musicians performing in the club car. Bring a picnic – there’s something magical about dining while gliding past autumn’s masterpiece.