Fall is here, and you know what that means—pumpkin spice everything, and beautiful warm yellows, reds, and oranges are all around. So, if a leaf-peeping trip is on your fall bucket list, there’s no better way to do that than taking one of the scenic train rides in NJ, where everyone can admire the autumn leaves (and no one has to concentrate on driving). From short trips with pumpkin picking to longer ones winding through the most beautiful spots in the state, these scenic train rides in NJ will give you all the fall feels and are the perfect way to take in the sights. (feature photo credit: @didonatofuncenter)
Scenic Fall Train Rides in NJ
Black River & Western Railroad – Weekends starting in late September -October
Looking for one of the scenic train rides in NJ and all the fun fall activities? The Pumpkin Train takes a trip to Pumpkin Junction, where the whole family can pick pumpkins, get lost in a giant corn maze, grab a wagon ride, and more before hopping back on the train to Flemington Station.
80 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Delaware River Railroad Excursions -October 4-26
Jump on The Great Pumpkin Train and ride through the gorgeous fall foliage. During October, every child who rides on the train will have the chance to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. You can also take the challenge through a festive maze game, visit the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine to pan for real gems, and picnic at the stop. You won’t want to miss out on their corn maze train ride, too.
38 Market St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center – September 27-October 26
Check out the beautiful fall foliage as you hop aboard the “All A Boo” train that’s perfect for the littles in the fam. The train will take you through Halloween Town, including tricks, treats, and surprises (costumes are encouraged). After the ride, get lost in the Halloween corn maze, trick-or-treat spots, a pumpkin patch, a giant slide, and more.
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Pine Creek Railroad – Open during the year and for special events
Want to take a ride on a historic train while you enjoy the beauty of nature in the fall?—Yes, please. One of the most scenic train rides in NJ, the Pine Creek Railroad, is within Allaire State Park. You’ll board the train at a station over 100 years old, and as it winds its way through the park, you’ll view some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the Garden State. And for your boo lovers, don’t miss the upcoming Halloween Train Ride.
Whippany Railway Museum – October 5, 11, and 12
Climb aboard a train at the Whippany Railway Museum to admire the changing leaves. Littles are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes as you take the 10-mile, 45-minute ride, seeing all the reds, yellows, and oranges from the windows. After the ride, kids can visit the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect-sized pumpkin and get a decorating kit for free to bring home while supplies last.
1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ 07981
Woodstown Central Railroad – Weekends, October 4-26
Hop aboard The Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train on Woodstown Central Railroad. Watch scenic farmland and colorful leaves pass by as you head to Fenwick Grove. Once you disembark, littles will love picking out a pumpkin, enjoying cider and donuts, and playing fall-themed activities. If you haven’t had enough fall fun, try their Salem Ghost Train or the Fall Foliage Rambler.
650 Alloway-Woodstown Road, Woodstown, NJ 08098
Scenic Fall Train Rides in NY and PA
Allentown and Auburn Railroad – Select dates October 11-26
The passenger train consists typically of a coach, an open-air car, and a couple of cabooses. Take a Ghost Stories at the Grove train or dress up and hop on the Pumpkin Trains on select dates throughout October.
496 High Road, Topton, PA 19562
Catskill Mountain Railroad – September-October
Take a ride through 150 years of history on the Fall Foliage or Pumpkin Express train in the Catskills. You’ll travel about 8 miles among the beautiful autumn trees and enjoy all the seasonal sights. The Pumpkin Express will take you to our Pumpkin Patch, where the kids can pick their own pumpkins to take home and decorate.
Westbrook Lane Station in the Kingston Plaza, 55 Kingston Plaza Road, Kingston, NY 12401
Colebrookdale Railroad – October-November
Take the yummy Autumn Cider and Donuts Express, where you can take in the fall scenery, and complimentary cider and donuts will be available during the trip. The Autumn Splendor Train, which includes brunch in the dining car, is another way to experience the vibrant colors of the yellow, red, and orange leaves. Other options include the Autumn Splendor Hard Cider Tasting, Dinner in Dining Class, or Lunch in Dining Class train rides. The Fall Foliage Tour and Happy Harvest Expedition, where you can see all the beauty of late autumn, are some other options.
64 South Washington Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway – October 1-November 16
Visit the “Switzerland of America, “Take the Standard Coach, Crown Class Coach, or Open-Air Car from Downtown Jim Thorpe to the Leigh Gorge State Park. The train ride is about 16 miles of autumn beauty. If you’d like to check it out before you go, a live stream is available, allowing you to watch the trains arrive and depart.
1 Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Middletown and Hummelstown Rail – October
Sit back and glide along the rails for an 11-mile round-trip ride on the 1889 Milk & Honey Line while the Conductor gives a narration of historic locations along the way, including the Union Canal during the Fall Foliage Express. You can also choose a pumpkin and dress in your Halloween costume for the Pumpkin Patch Express.
136 Brown Street, Middletown, PA 17057
New Hope Railroad – October-November
Depart from the Witch’s Hat Train Station, established in 1891, in the heart of New Hope, Pennsylvania for a 90-minute journey through Bucks County, tracing the path of the “New Hope Branch” route. Peep the leaves on a vintage passenger coach from the early 1900s while a storyteller shares historical facts and narratives about cultural landmarks along the way. Other fall options include the Murder Mystery Train and the Trick-or-Treat Train, which is perfect for bringing the kids.
32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938
Visit this historic attraction, with a replica 1860s steam locomotive and a GP9 diesel engine. Take a trip sipping brews on the Ales on the Rails-Oktoberfest Train, bring the kids to the Pumpkin Patch Express, or sit back on the rides that showcase the vibrant colors of autumn.
117 North Front Street, New Freedom, PA 17315
Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train – October
At the end of October, see Ashland in Autumn with animals, live entertainment, mine tours, and of course a fall train ride. Take one of two steam locomotives, known as “lokies,” that were initially purchased from a scrap yard and restored for use at the Pioneer Tunnel. The scenic three-quarter-mile ride goes around the side of Mahanoy Mountain for stunning vistas, past a replica bootleg mine, and offers stellar views of the Bancroft Mammoth Vein Stripping area.
1900 Oak Street, Ashland, PA 17921
Stourbridge Line – October-November
Take in the scenery in a vintage railroad coach as you travel along the Lackawaxen River Valley. The Stourbridge Line goes through the Northern Poconos with the Pumpkin Patch Express, Autumn Dinner Train, Pocono Foliage Express, Pumpkin Patch Express-Boo Bash, or on Halloween night, take the Blue Moon Express (ages 21+) and don’t forget your Halloween costume.
812 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Strasburg Railroad – September-November
Take an authentic steam train ride on the oldest continuously operating railroad in the nation. Travel through 2,500 acres of Lancaster County’s famous Amish Country in a First Class, Dining, Open Air, or Coach car. Pumpkins in Paradise, Haunted Rides and Tales, Friendsgiving, and the Murder Mystery Train Experience are all fall excursions to try this autumn.
301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572
The Hawk Mountain Line – October- November
Take a ride on this 60+years line, to see rolling farm fields, orchards, pumpkin patches, scenic bridges, and the historic towns of Trexler and Wanamakers. Sign up for the Flavors of Fall Wine & Cheese Train, the Pumpkins & Ghost Class Pottery Train, the Harvest Moon Special, and the All Aboard the Apple-Pickin’ Train in early October.
42 Community Center Drive, Kempton, PA 19529
West Chester Railroad – October
Take West Chester’s Gateway to the World for over 150 years. The route is part of the old Pennsylvania Railroad’s Central Division on the West Chester and Phoenixville branch. Their Fall Foliage Express, West Chester Railroad History Special, and Halloween Special are fall train treats.
230 East Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380
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