Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
The aptly nicknamed Mountain State is a place of pure beauty. West Virginia is known for its winding country roads and stunning windshield views, but the beauty doesn’t end there. It can be enjoyed on foot or via rail, with the latter experience being particularly coveted by locals. Each year, the most anticipated train ride in West Virginia is the Autumn Colors Express. This exuberant excursion takes riders through the autumn foliage of the picturesque New River Gorge National Park while offering breathtaking views of the New River and Kanawha River below. Are you ready to experience pure majesty? Tickets are on sale now! All aboard for an epic adventure!
For an unforgettable fall experience, grab your tickets for the Autumn Colors Express.
This majestic excursion takes travelers through the autumn colors of the New River Gorge National Park, which is the newest national park in the U.S. Located in the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia, this young national park actually hides one of the oldest rivers on the continent: the mighty New River.
The winding excursion takes place during the Hinton Railroad Days Festival, linking Huntington and Charleston and treating riders to views that can only be seen by train.
For the 2022 season, rides will only be offered on October 20, 21, 22, and 23. This excursion happens during peak fall foliage, so you'll be treated to both stunning views and breathtaking colors.
Fall foliage is expected to light up West Virginia from late September through late October this year, with full vividness painting the state as early as the second week in October.
Of course, fall weather conditions may impact the vividness of the autumnal palette and how quickly the leaves drop. However, you can expect to see an impressive spread of color from the Autumn Colors Express. In previous years, orange, red, and even a bit of green have painted the landscape.
When you ride on the Autumn Colors Express, you'll get to sit in a stunning and comfortable rail car. In fact, the entire train is made up of privately-owned vintage rail cars!
The passenger train, which is pulled by Amtrak, is exclusively assembled for this special event. Each individual train car is unique and is hand-picked for its comfortable seating and wide windows.
With glass-topped dome cars and panoramic round-ended observation cars, this excursion will treat riders to unbelievable views.
For many, the views of the New River and Kanawha River are the highlight of the excursion. With crystalline waters reflecting the vibrant fall foliage, you'll feel like you are riding through a watercolor painting.
Thurmond may be a ghost town, but it is still home to around five residents. While it is the least-populated town in the state, it is rich in history. The best part? You'll be able to spot the town from the train!
Your comfortable passenger train will depart from Huntington, WV at 8 a.m. sharp, and the tour continues until 7 p.m.
Check out their classes of service to find the package that's right for you. Tickets start at just $179, and you'll have the choice to pick your seat and railcar.
No matter which package you choose, you'll be treated to stunning fall colors and a ride on the nation's last mainline public passenger train with both round-end observation cars and panoramic dome cars.
The train will also stop in Hinton for the Hinton Railroad Days Festival at 11:30 a.m., and it will depart at 3 p.m. The area offers the perfect opportunity to chow down on delicious fair food and to explore the Allegheny Subdivision.
Don't wait to book your excursion, because tickets sell out quickly!
Purchase your tickets today to secure your spot on the train, and remember to connect with the Autumn Colors Express on Facebook to keep this annual train ride on your radar. After all, you'll want to take a ride next year, too!
You'll love making this six-decades-old train ride into an annual family tradition.
It’s no secret that the very best train ride in West Virginia is the Autumn Colors Express. This annual ride offers some of the most stunning views in all of West Virginia, and they’re particularly memorable since they can only be seen by train. You don’t want to miss this year’s rides, as they’re only taking place October 20 through 23! Claim your tickets now, because this event will sell out fast.
