5 Ridiculously Charming Train Rides To Take In New York This Fall
By Lea Monroe|Updated on August 16, 2023(Originally published September 02, 2022)
×
Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
Fall foliage train rides in New York are delightful. One of the greatest ways to enjoy a bit of nostalgia in New York is to hop on board one of our charming train rides that are still operating throughout various regions of our state. Taking you to secluded corners of our state during the most colorful time of the year, scenic train rides offer a unique way to see the vibrant scenery all without having to do anything except sit back and relax. From up in the Adirondack Mountains to out in Western New York, discover these amazing pieces of history and go for a ride on one of our vintage locomotives this year.
If there's going to be a train ride in that's going to steal your breath away, it almost certainly will be the one that takes you from Thendara to Otter Lake. Brought to you by the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, this 1 hour and 1/2-long train ride takes you over the Moose River and through the Adirondack Park to Otter Lake. Leaving from Thendara Station, this ride will give you a look at our foliage and areas of the park that you've never quite seen before. The vintage train care features a Cafe cart where you can get some light fare, and of course, you can do some shopping at the gift shop in the Thendara train station. This is one of the most scenic train rides in New York, so check it out this season.
Learn more about the Adirondack Scenic Railroad today. There are so many train rides to choose from, and while we love their fall foliage rides, they also have amazing dinner train rides!
Another amazing railroad to ride, the Catskill Mountain Railroad offers amazing train rides during the fall season. There are two different train rides to choose from. You can enjoy the Fall Foliage Adventure from late September to mid-October. For the Pumpkin Express, take a ride in late October. Hop onboard any one of these rides and you'll get to enjoy being in a vintage coach that'll fill you with nostalgia. Departing from the Westbrook Station and Kingston Plaza, for the Catskill Mountain Railroad Pumpkin Express rides, you'll actually get to stop and pick your own pumpkin to take home with you! Between the pumpkin picking and the views of our fall foliage, does it get any better than this? If you’ve ever wondered about scenic train rides near me in New York, this is the railroad for you.
If you don't have the time to enjoy a long train excursion, then visiting Sunnyside Gardens in Saratoga Springs might be the perfect train ride for you. Taking you around a little piece of pumpkin paradise in Upstate New York, to get into the pumpkin patch is free but to ride the train it'll only cost you a few bucks. Looping around the pumpkin patch several times, this is one small-town stop you won't want to miss out on making this season. Hosting their fall festival during September and October, during your visit you can enjoy the charming little train ride, go for tractor-pulled hay rides, explore a whimsical pumpkin patch and taste amazing cider donuts that families have been enjoying for over 30 years. This is definitely one of the most charming New York train rides.
Learn more about Sunnyside Gardens and then enjoy a sweet train ride here.
One of our favorite fall foliage
train rides to take each year, residents of Western New York get the luxury of having this amazing railroad right in their backyard. Arcade & Attica runs the last operating steam train excursion in New York State. They are proud to be one of the last "common carriers," which runs both freight and passengers. The Fall Foliage tour is a 2 and 1/2-hour train ride that you'll wish you never had to stop riding, these fall rides bring you through the gorgeous scenery of Wyoming County's countryside.
Find out more information about Arcade & Attica, and then ride one of its historic trains.
Advertisement
5. Delaware & Ulster Railroad
Editor’s Note: The railroad is currently working to restore their tracks and trains so they can operate for the 2023 fall foliage season. You can check out other epic New York train rides in the meantime, and be sure to check Delaware & Ulster’s website for up-to-date information on reopening this fall.
Another train ride that you can enjoy downstate, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad features a variety of rides throughout the year. Departing from the town of Arkville, usually in late September, you can ride a vintage steam locomotive during their Steam Weekend, while you can also find Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Rip Van Winkle Flyer rides running during the months of September and October. If you're interested in taking a fall train ride that includes tasty dining options, then this railroad is the one you'll want to ride this season. It isn’t fall in New York without an amazing train ride.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Fall in New York
Jessica Bohl|September 07, 2022
What is the best way to see fall foliage in New York?
If you love fall foliage, then New York will wow you with its amazing fall scenery. One of the best ways to see the fall foliage is by hopping in the car with friends and family and driving around the beautiful state. For a truly epic foliage road trip, consider the following:
Start in Lake Placid and make your way to the Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester.
Along the way, you will want stop at the John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville and Five Point State Lookout in Windham.
Among some other great stops, you will also love the scenery at Chittenango Falls State Park in Cazenovia.
So grab your calendar and see when you can make this amazing road trip happen this fall!
For stunning views, you will absolutely want to hike Mount Jo in Lake Placid. The views from the top are breathtaking as you can see High Peaks and Heart Lake.
Another great fall hike is Skytop Tower in New Paltz. There is an easy trail or the Lemon Squeeze trail, which takes you through a small crevice in the mountainside!
