11 Pennsylvania Train Rides That Show Off The State’s Best Fall Views
Fall in Pennsylvania transforms the landscape into a spectacular canvas of reds, oranges, and golds.
I’ve discovered there’s no better way to experience this seasonal magic than aboard a vintage train, chugging through tunnels of autumn foliage.
Having grown up in the Keystone State, I’ve made it my personal mission to explore these nostalgic rail journeys that showcase Pennsylvania’s most breathtaking fall scenery.
1. East Broad Top Railroad: A Mountain Time Machine
Last October, I stepped aboard the East Broad Top and felt like I’d traveled back to 1911! This narrow-gauge railroad winds through the picturesque Aughwick Valley, where the mountains erupt in fiery autumn colors that had me constantly reaching for my camera. The historic steam locomotives chug along tracks that once transported coal from the mines, but now deliver something far more valuable – unobstructed views of central Pennsylvania’s fall splendor.
The open-air observation cars are perfect for leaf-peeping. My favorite stretch passes through shady hollows where the sunlight filters through golden leaves, creating a magical dappled effect on the forest floor. The 9-mile round trip from Rockhill Furnace offers plenty of photo opportunities and a glimpse into Pennsylvania’s industrial past.
2. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Canyon Colors
Whizzing through Lehigh Gorge State Park aboard this railway might be my favorite fall memory from last year! The train departs from Jim Thorpe (a charming town that deserves its own visit) and follows the winding Lehigh River through a deep gorge that becomes a cathedral of color in autumn.
The vintage coaches offer panoramic views as you glide past waterfalls framed by maple trees in their crimson glory. I was lucky enough to catch the reflection of the colorful hillsides mirrored in the calm sections of the river – absolute magic! The 16-mile round trip journey takes about an hour, but I recommend the longer excursions if available. Pro tip: sit on the right side of the train when heading out for the best river views!
3. The New Hope Railroad: Bucks County Beauty
Climb aboard a 1925 steam locomotive at the New Hope Railroad and prepare for a journey that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy! My friends and I splurged on the first-class parlor car tickets last fall, and boy, was it worth every penny. The train meanders through the rolling hills of Bucks County, passing historic farms where pumpkin patches dot the landscape with orange.
The Delaware River views are particularly stunning when framed by golden sycamores and scarlet maples. What makes this ride special is the combination of luxury and nature – sipping wine in a vintage parlor car while the countryside explodes with autumn colors. Their special fall foliage excursions sell out quickly, so book early. The 45-minute ride feels too short when surrounded by such beauty!
4. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad: Petroleum’s Colorful Past
Riding through the world’s first oil region aboard the OC&T Railroad offers a unique twist on leaf-peeping! My dad, a history buff, couldn’t stop grinning as we chugged through Oil Creek State Park, where the modern petroleum industry was born amidst what’s now a stunning natural paradise. The train follows Oil Creek as it winds through a valley that blazes with color in October.
The contrast between the blue water, red maples, and golden oaks creates a painter’s palette of autumn splendor. We spotted several deer drinking from the creek, seemingly unbothered by our vintage diesel locomotive. The three-hour round trip from Perry Street Station in Titusville includes narration about the region’s oil history, but honestly, I was too busy gawking at the foliage to pay much attention!
5. Northern Central Railway: York County’s Fall Showcase
Holy smokes, talk about stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting! The Northern Central Railway (operating as Steam Into History) offers a journey aboard a replica Civil War-era steam locomotive that had me feeling like I’d traveled back to 1860. The train chugs along the historic Northern Central Railroad route through the gorgeous York County countryside. Fall transforms this journey into something magical – the train hugs the Codorus Creek where overhanging branches create tunnels of gold and crimson.
We spotted a bald eagle soaring above the colorful canopy! What makes this ride special is how it combines history with natural beauty. Abraham Lincoln traveled this same route to deliver the Gettysburg Address, though I doubt he was as distracted by the fall colors as I was! Their special Halloween trains are particularly fun for families.
6. Strasburg Rail Road: Amish Country Autumn
Toot toot! The whistle of America’s oldest continuously operating railroad echoed across Lancaster County’s patchwork farmland as I settled into my seat last October. The Strasburg Rail Road offers perhaps the most quintessentially Pennsylvania experience: viewing autumn colors while passing Amish farms where harvest activities are in full swing. The 45-minute journey aboard authentic steam trains provides sweeping vistas of golden cornfields against a backdrop of rolling hills adorned in fall finery.
I couldn’t help but wave at the Amish farmers gathering crops with horse-drawn equipment – a timeless scene made more beautiful by the seasonal colors. For the full experience, splurge on the dining car where you can enjoy a meal while the countryside rolls by. My hot tip: their wine and cheese train at sunset offers the most magical lighting for fall photography.
7. Hawk Mountain Line: Raptor Views
Perched on the edge of my seat, binoculars ready, I experienced a double treat on the Hawk Mountain Line: stunning fall foliage AND migrating birds of prey! This lesser-known excursion operates near the famous Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a premier spot for raptor watching during fall migration. The vintage diesel locomotive rumbles through Berks County’s colorful countryside, offering spectacular views of the Kittatinny Ridge ablaze with autumn hues.
My fellow passengers and I spotted several red-tailed hawks soaring above the golden canopy – a magical moment that had everyone reaching for cameras. What makes this journey special is how it combines wildlife viewing with leaf-peeping. The train’s slower pace allows you to fully absorb the scenery. Bring a thermos of hot apple cider to complete the fall experience – I certainly wish I had thought of that!
8. Stourbridge Line: Poconos In Living Color
Gasp! That was my reaction rounding each bend on the Stourbridge Line as it carved through the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Operating between Honesdale and Hawley, this historic railway follows the Lackawaxen River valley, which transforms into a canyon of color during peak foliage season. The open-window coaches allowed the crisp autumn air to fill our car as we crossed the river on trestles that provided jaw-dropping views in all directions.
Dating back to 1829, this was actually America’s first commercial steam locomotive route. Now it offers some of the most spectacular fall scenery in eastern Pennsylvania. Their fall foliage specials include stops at scenic overlooks where you can step off for photos – a thoughtful touch I greatly appreciated!
9. West Chester Railroad: Chester Creek Valley Colors
Chugga-chugga-choo-choo! The sound of the West Chester Railroad’s vintage locomotive had me grinning like a kid as we departed from the historic station. This 90-minute round trip between West Chester and Glen Mills offers a delightful journey through Chester Creek Valley, which becomes a riot of color each October. What makes this ride special is its accessibility – just a short hop from Philadelphia, yet worlds away in terms of scenery.
The train meanders alongside bubbling Chester Creek where overhanging branches create a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold reflections in the water. My favorite stretch passes through Westtown, where historic stone farmhouses peek through the colorful foliage. They serve complimentary cider and cookies on their special fall excursions – a sweet touch that perfectly complemented the visual feast outside my window. Their Halloween trains are particularly spooktacular!
10. Everett Railroad Company: Blair County’s Golden Corridor
Toot-toot! The whistle of a 1920s steam locomotive announced our departure from Hollidaysburg aboard the Everett Railroad. This hidden gem in central Pennsylvania quickly became my favorite fall excursion after just one trip last October. The train winds through the beautiful Morrison’s Cove in Blair County, an agricultural valley framed by ridges that burst into a painter’s palette of autumn colors.
Steam billowing from the locomotive against the backdrop of golden hillsides created photographs that my friends refused to believe weren’t professionally edited! What makes this journey special is how it combines industrial heritage with natural beauty. The route passes historic iron furnaces and farmsteads while hugging the Juniata River where the water mirrors the colorful canopy above. Their two-hour excursions include a stop at a scenic overlook perfect for leaf-peeping photos.
11. Middletown And Hummelstown Railroad: Swatara Creek Splendor
“All aboard for autumn!” called the conductor as I hopped onto the M&H Railroad for what would become one of my most memorable fall adventures. This 11-mile round trip between Middletown and Hummelstown follows the picturesque Swatara Creek, which becomes a ribbon of reflections when surrounded by autumn’s finest colors. The vintage diesel locomotive pulls open-air cars that are perfect for leaf-peeping – no windows to obstruct your view or photography!
We crossed the creek several times on historic trestles, each offering a different perspective of the water mirroring the fiery maples and golden oaks above. My fellow passengers gasped when we entered what locals call the “Autumn Tunnel” – a stretch where trees completely overhang the tracks creating a magical corridor of fall colors. Their pumpkin patch trains in October add a festive touch to an already spectacular journey!