9 Vermont Train Journeys That Show Off The State’s Iconic Fall Foliage
Vermont in autumn is a masterpiece painted with crimson reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows that blanket the mountains and valleys.
One of the best ways to soak in this spectacular show is from the comfortable seat of a vintage train car, where the scenery unfolds like a living postcard.
I still remember my first fall train ride through Vermont—the clickety-clack of the rails, the crisp air rushing through cracked windows, and those jaw-dropping views that made me forget my phone even existed.
1. Green Mountain Railroad – Fall Foliage Train (Burlington To Middlebury Or Rutland)
Picture yourself rolling through some of Vermont’s most stunning countryside while sipping hot cider and watching the kaleidoscope of colors fly by. The Green Mountain Railroad’s Fall Foliage Train is basically autumn on wheels, chugging along routes between Burlington, Middlebury, and Rutland.
My first trip on this beauty was a total game-changer—I sat glued to the window like a kid at a candy store. The train meanders alongside rivers, through covered bridges, and past farmlands that look like they’ve been dipped in paint.
Tickets sell out faster than pumpkin spice lattes in September, so booking early is smart. The ride lasts several hours, giving you plenty of time to snap photos, chat with fellow leaf-peepers, or just zone out in nature’s glory.
2. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat (Cross-State Scenic Extension Into Vermont)
Ever wanted to feel like you’ve time-traveled to the golden age of rail travel? The Essex Steam Train delivers exactly that vibe with its authentic steam locomotive and vintage coaches that look straight out of a history book.
While technically based in Connecticut, special autumn excursions extend into Vermont’s border regions, offering passengers incredible views of the Connecticut River Valley draped in fall colors. The rhythmic chug of the steam engine creates this hypnotic soundtrack that somehow makes the foliage even more magical.
Pro tip: sit on the Vermont side for maximum color exposure. The combination of river views and mountain backdrops creates photo opportunities that’ll make your social media followers seriously jealous of your weekend plans.
3. Champlain Valley Dinner Train (Burlington To Charlotte And Beyond)
Why choose between a gourmet meal and spectacular scenery when you can have both? The Champlain Valley Dinner Train serves up multi-course dinners while cruising past Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks, all dressed in their finest fall attire.
I treated my parents to this experience last October, and honestly, watching them ooh and ahh over both the duck confit and the sunset-lit foliage was worth every penny. The train glides from Burlington toward Charlotte, offering constantly changing vistas that keep you entertained between courses.
White tablecloths, clinking silverware, and windows framing nature’s most impressive color show—it’s fancy without being stuffy. Reservations are essential, especially for prime foliage weekends when everyone wants a taste of this rolling restaurant.
4. Green Mountain Railroad – Chester To Ludlow Route
Small-town Vermont charm meets explosive autumn color on this shorter but absolutely delightful route between Chester and Ludlow. This journey takes you through quintessential New England villages where every house seems to have a porch swing and a pumpkin display.
The train follows an old railroad bed that winds through forests so thick with color, you’ll swear someone cranked up the saturation filter on real life. Local legends say this stretch has some of the most concentrated foliage in the state, and after riding it twice, I’m inclined to agree.
It’s perfect for families with younger kids since the trip isn’t marathon-length but still packs serious visual punch. Keep your eyes peeled for historic stone walls and the occasional deer that seems just as impressed by the scenery as you are.
5. Montpelier & Barre Scenic Ride (Historic Local Excursion Lines)
Central Vermont’s capital region offers a unique rail experience that combines foliage with fascinating granite quarry history. The Montpelier and Barre scenic rides take passengers through areas where Vermont’s famous stone industry meets Mother Nature’s annual color explosion.
What makes this ride special is how it showcases a different side of Vermont—not just postcard-perfect farms, but working landscapes where industry and nature have learned to coexist beautifully. The granite formations create dramatic backdrops against the reds and golds of maple trees.
These excursions run on historic local lines that have been carrying passengers and freight for over a century. Riding them feels like participating in Vermont tradition, except now the main cargo is tourists with cameras instead of blocks of stone destined for monuments across America.
6. Ethan Allen Express (NYC To Burlington – Vermont Segments Full Of Color)
Who says you need a vintage train to experience awesome foliage? Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express runs daily between New York City and Burlington, and the Vermont portions are absolutely stunning during peak leaf season.
I’ve taken this route four times, and each trip delivers something different depending on exactly when autumn decides to peak. The train hugs Lake Champlain’s eastern shore, providing passengers with water views on one side and flame-colored mountains on the other—talk about sensory overload in the best way possible.
Unlike dedicated foliage trains, this is regular passenger service, meaning tickets are often more affordable and available. You can even ride just the Vermont segment if you don’t fancy the full New York trip, making it flexible for budget-conscious leaf-peepers.
7. White River Valley Railroad Excursion (Central Vermont Foliage Views)
Following the White River through central Vermont’s heartland, this excursion offers some seriously underrated autumn views that rival the more famous routes. The railroad traces the river’s curves, creating constantly shifting perspectives as you round each bend.
Water reflections double the impact of the foliage—imagine seeing fiery maples mirrored perfectly in the river’s surface while the real trees tower overhead. It’s like getting two foliage shows for the price of one ticket, which my thrifty New England soul absolutely appreciates.
The White River Valley hasn’t been as commercialized as some Vermont destinations, giving the experience an authentic, off-the-beaten-path quality. You’ll pass through tiny communities where locals still wave at passing trains, making you feel like you’ve discovered Vermont’s best-kept autumn secret.
8. Green Mountain Railroad – Manchester & Bennington Route
Southern Vermont struts its stuff on this route connecting the upscale village of Manchester with historic Bennington. The landscape here has a slightly different character—more dramatic elevation changes and wilder, less manicured forests that explode with color come October.
Manchester’s known for outlet shopping, but honestly, the views from this train beat any retail therapy. The route climbs through mountain passes where the foliage creates natural tunnels of gold and crimson that make you forget malls even exist.
Bennington’s Revolutionary War history adds educational value to the eye candy, especially if you’re traveling with students who need convincing that Vermont is cool. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes this route a solid choice for multi-generational groups with varying interests.
9. Special Fall Excursions – Vermont Rail System Heritage Trains (Seasonal Scenic Trips)
Did you know Vermont’s rail system occasionally runs special heritage trains using vintage equipment that makes regular excursions look modern? These seasonal trips pop up throughout autumn, offering unique experiences you won’t find on standard schedules.
I stumbled onto one of these special runs completely by accident last fall—showed up for a regular trip and got upgraded to a 1940s observation car with an open-air platform. Standing outside while maples whizzed past at thirty miles per hour, wind in my face, colors everywhere—pure magic.
These heritage excursions often feature guest historians, period-dressed conductors, or themed experiences like harvest celebrations. Check the Vermont Rail System website frequently during September and October because these special trips sell out within hours of announcement, and they’re absolutely worth hunting down.