When colorful fall foliage arrives here in Connecticut one of the most enjoyable ways to see the autumn colors is aboard a train. Let someone else steer the course while you relax and soak in the scenery. Jump onto the Essex Steam Train for a delightful 12-mile scenic train ride in Connecticut that all ages will love.

Take a front-row seat to nature's brilliant display of fall color on the Essex Steam Train. The 12-mile train ride will take you through the countryside with exquisite views while you journey in comfort on the historic railroad.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Begin your trip at the historic 1892 Essex Station. Board an authentic vintage coach pulled by the historic steam train.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Fall Foliage trains run on select days from September through October departing at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
In early September the trains run Friday through Monday. In late September through October, the trains run Thursday through Monday.
The family-friendly ride on the rails will take you through the beautiful towns of Deep River and Chester. Travel along Selden Neck State Park and the tidal wetlands of Chester Creek and Pratt Cove. There is no shortage of sights to see on this trip.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook

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The scenery is wonderful year-round, but during autumn the breathtaking colors create a magnificent canvas of splendor. Time will fly by on this one-hour autumn excursion.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Extend your trip by adding a cruise on the Becky Thatcher Riverboat. The 1 1/4-hour trip on the Connecticut River will show you even more incredible scenery.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Cruise past Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge as well as many coves, marshes, and rocky riverbanks.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Whether you opt for just the train ride or combine it with the riverboat tour, the steam train will return you to the Essex station after completing this glorious trip.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Purchase tickets at the station or in advance online. For the steam train only, tickets start at $25. For the train and riverboat combination, tickets start at $45. Children under 2 years old ride free.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Learn more about this fun way to check out our state's scenery by visiting the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat website or the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Facebook page. Find the historic train station at 1 Railroad Ave., Essex, CT 06426.

Take a peek at the Valley Railroad in Essex, Connecticut in this video from Dynamo Productions:

A scenic train ride in Connecticut is a wonderful way to explore the stunning views in our great state. Are you ready to embark on this 12-mile train ride to see the sights? Be sure to board the Essex train with a cheerful smile because it will only keep growing as you enjoy this unique experience.

Check out the predictions for this year’s fall foliage display before you go. Why not make your train ride adventure even more special by making it a weekend getaway with this wonderful beach house near Essex?

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More to Explore

More Connecticut train rides

Chris Muras | August 28, 2023

Are there any scenic train rides in Connecticut?

 

Connecticut is such a lovely area for a scenic train ride. So, it is quite fortunate that our state has plenty of train riding options still available. Here are a few scenic train rides in Connecticut for you to enjoy:

  • Railroad Museum of New England, Thomaston, CT: This railroad museum helps preserve the history of the Naugatuck Railroad by teaching about this iconic Connecticut railroad. They offer scenic train rides and themed events. Would you be up for a Chocolate Decadence Tour or a Naugatuck River Scenic Train ride? The railroad has 11 different train riding experiences to choose from!
  • Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, Willimantic, CT: Another organization devoted to keeping the Connecticut train legacy alive is the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. Not only can you enjoy a scenic train ride but you can tour vintage railroad buildings, a six-stall roundhouse where the trains would be stored and serviced when not in use, and try out an 1850s-style pump car.
  • Amtrack Northeast Regional train, Hartford, CT: Amtrak runs a thriving railroad service with multiple options for scenic rides throughout Connecticut and beyond. Travel from Hartford, Connecticut to New York City's Penn Station in under three hours. You can stop for a breather in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford along the way.

 

Learn more about these train rides and discover a few more in our featured article about several of Connecticut's scenic and historic train rides. There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful Connecticut landscape than by riding in a historic train car.

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Valley Railroad, Connecticut, USA