SOURCE: Various
There is no better way to explore the beautiful fall foliage in Pennsylvania than on an autumn-foliage train ride. That’s why this edition of our “Short Getaway:…” series invites you to sit back, relax, grab your camera and get ready to enjoy the beauty of autumn here in Pennsylvania on one of these scenic autumn train rides. If one of these excursions catches your eye, our suggestion is to call in advance to secure your tickets before they sell out.
“All Aboard” in Jim Thorpe
Without traveling any further than magical Jim Thorpe, you can ride the rails on a vintage coach built as early as 1917 into the colorful scenery of the Lehigh Gorge State Park on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. From Sep. 30-Nov. 5, enjoy a 45-minute fall train ride through gorgeous scenery on the railway’s Autumn Leaf Train excursions.
“All Aboard” in New Hope
Take an enchanting autumn adventure on an antique train, departing from the New Hope Railroad’s distinctive Witch’s Hat Train Station, established in 1891, in the heart of New Hope. The Fall Foliage Excursion is a delightful two-hour journey through the beautiful landscapes of Bucks County. The historic New Hope Railroad was first part of the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad and later incorporated into the Reading Railroad.
You will be thrilled by the experience riding in the beautifully restored vintage passenger coaches from the early 1900s. The train will make its way to the charming town of Buckingham, Pennsylvania, before changing direction to return to New Hope. As you enjoy the ride, a storyteller will share historical facts and narratives about noteworthy cultural landmarks you pass along the way.
“All Aboard” in Boyertown
Out in Pennsylvania’s “Americana Region” you can ride the Colebrookdale Railroad to view the colors of fall. For the best view, take the two-hour, round-trip journey of the Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage ride on select dates from Sep. 13-Nov. 19. Make the adventure extra special by reserving a spot on select excursions featuring ice cream sundaes, beer & bratwurst, a Bloody Mary Brunch, or a late afternoon wine tasting.
“All Aboard” in Titusville
Another fall foliage train ride to consider is the relaxing, three-hour roundtrip excursion through Pennsylvania’s Oil Heritage Region on the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. Running Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 1-15, the foliage excursion will let you view all of nature’s colorful display in Oil Creek State Park.
“All Aboard” in New Freedom
You might prefer to enjoy the beauty of fall in southern York County, which you can do on select dates in October on the Northern Central Railway of York, a mainline in operation since 1838. You can ride to Glen Rock (1 hour), Hanover Junction (2 1/2 hours), or Howard Tunnel (3 1/2 hours) on a diesel- or steam-powered engine. As you ride along, your conductor and brakeman will tell you about the history and growth of the towns and villages you pass along the way.
“All Aboard” in Rockhill Furnace
Head to the Rockhill Trolley Museum to immerse yourself in fall foliage and photograph historic trolleys on Oct. 7. It’s the Museum’s biggest event of the year, the Fall Spectacular. Their fully operational fleet of railcars will be out and operating all day, including the fan favorite Liberty Liner.
