Planning a Fall Foliage Trip? Book These Amtrak Routes

Each journey offers scenic and convenient access to premier leaf peeping destinations in the US and Canada.GettyA fall foliage train ride is the quintessential autumn getaway. US rail routes glide through some of the nation’s best scenery, including dense forests, glittering lakeshores, and rippling foothills. Even better: unlike a road trip through these colorful landscapes, a rail journey allows travelers to be completely absorbed in the bright red, orange, and yellow hues flicking past the windows.Amtrak trains stop in foliage-rich destinations across the US and Canada. And while the journey itself is certainly a highlight of the trip, travelers will also find seasonal attractions upon arrival at many of the routes’ stops, like apple picking, hikes through vibrant woodlands, and cozy stays at historical inns.Consider this your guide to booking a fall foliage train ride, from the best time to book for peak colors to the top Amtrak trains for reveling in all autumn has to offer. Simply buy your ticket, sit back, and enjoy Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring spectacle.This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Kansas City, United States – October 22, 2022: An Amtrak train driving against the scenic fall forest in Kansas City, USGettyWhat is the best time to plan a fall foliage train trip?Don’t forget that when planning a fall foliage trip, timing is key. You’ll want to visit your destination of choice when the changing leaves are decked out in their peak colors. There are several reliable online tools for predicting when the leaves will be the most vibrant. If you’re not sure where you want to visit, start with the Smoky Mountains fall foliage map, which shows predictions for the progression of the entire country’s leaves based on date. Another good choice is the Farmer’s Almanac, which lists the dates each state is predicted to reach peak foliage.Once you have your dates squared, these are the best Amtrak routes and destinations for an unforgettable fall foliage trip.The Green Mountains in Vermont, pictured above, is the quintessential New England fall foliage destination. C Louis/GettyVermontTrain line: VermonterOn its way from Washington DC to St. Albans, Vermont, Amtrak’s Vermonter train ambles through lush northeastern forests and charming small towns. (The entire 13-hour journey crosses nine states, from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.) Once in Vermont, you’ll have your pick of picturesque villages with plenty of fiery trees to view.The train's first stop in Vermont is a solid choice for a fall weekend getaway: the historic town of Battleboro. This pretty hamlet sits right on the Connecticut river in the foothills of the Green Mountains, so expect undulating blankets of colorful foliage in every direction. The train station is right in town, so most activities and amenities are accessible by foot. Stop by a local café or browse the shops lining Main Street. Rent a kayak from one of the local outfitters and gaze over the water toward hills filled with vibrant leaves. Or, head to nearby Fort Dummer State Park (about a 45-minute walk along South Main Street) for easy hiking trails and lookout points over crimson-tinged maple, oak, and birch trees.Peak time for foliage: Early to mid-OctoberMichiganTrain line: Pere MarquetteAmtrak’s Michigan Services are a series of rail lines running all throughout the Wolverine State. For an autumn sojourn, plan to hop aboard the Pere Marquette, a daily route that runs from Chicago to Grand Rapids. The train winds up Michigan’s west coast, offering brief but sweeping views of Lake Michigan and bisecting lush, Midwestern farmland dotted with trees resplendent in their autumn wardrobes.Once in Grand Rapids, the city’s 200+ local parks offer up-close views of nature’s shifting kaleidoscope. Among the highlights are Blanford Nature Center, which offers extensive walking trails through an old-growth forest of blazing red sugar maples. Don’t miss the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens, with its network of scenic trails through more than 100 acres of forests and wetlands. The 1,500-acre Millennium Park is just five minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, yet is home to an 18-mile network of treelined trails that wind along lakes and rivers.After you’ve had your fill of forest-bathing, be sure to explore the local brewery scene for seasonal craft beers—after all, Grand Rapids is known as “Beer City, USA.” Fall-themed activities are available throughout the city as well. Don’t miss apple picking from century-old orchards at Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery. Extend the historical charm to your accommodations with one of the area’s charming bed and breakfasts, like The Leonard at Logan House, which was built in 1914.Peak time for foliage: October 6 to 15Fall foliage spread across Minocqua, Wisconsin GettyWisconsinTrain line: Empire BuilderAs Amtrak’s Empire Builder stretches from Chicago, across all of the Upper Midwest, and into Washington state, it offers plenty of foliage-centric destinations to choose from. Just under a four-hour ride from Chicago is a perfect locale for soaking in autumn’s glory: Wisconsin Dells.Head to Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area for views of trees in their seasonal finery among numerous pines and set against Cambrian sandstone cliffs, canyons, and unique rock formations. Back in the center of town, a leisurely stroll along the scenic River Walk offers a chance to behold the bursts of color while weaving your way along the water.Unwind from all that hiking at one of the area’s local breweries. Then check into Sundara Inn & Spa, one of the first destination spas in the Midwest with treatments like Reiki and CBD massages.Peak time for foliage: Mid-OctoberCaliforniaTrain line: California ZephyrTravelers looking for an extended fall train journey would do well to board Amtrak’s California Zephyr. The line stretches all the way from Chicago to Emeryville, California, in the Bay Area. But the scenery becomes especially dramatic once the train reaches Colorado and traverses the unique landscapes of the West. After passing through Denver, expect to ascend the Rockies, glide over Utah’s salt flats, past red rock canyons, and along the Sierra Nevadas.Hop off the train in Truckee, California, the gateway to the Lake Tahoe region, which transforms into a wonderland of colorful foliage come October. Here, visitors are treated to displays of yellows and reds as quaking aspens, willows, and cottonwoods morph into rich golds, ambers, and chartreuses, and oaks and dogwoods that add splashes of maroon and crimson, all contrasting with the mighty pines and deep blue lake.There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to soak in the autumnal atmosphere, either. Everything from mountain biking and kayaking, hiking and horseback riding will immerse travelers among the vivid trees. For a full outdoor experience, try camping at one of the numerous state-run sites along the lake’s perimeter, or opt for a bit of pampering at a resort and spa like the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe.Peak time for foliage: October 15 to 31Hop off the Downeaster train in Portland, Maine and head over to Cape Elizabeth (pictured above) or take a 15-minute ferry ride to Peaks Island. Dougall/GettyMaineTrain line: DowneasterAmtrak’s Downeaster line weaves north from Boston through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, where it ends in the city of Brunswick. Expect smatterings of New England leaves to be on display throughout the journey.Hop off the train in Portland, about a two-hour ride from Boston. While there’s plenty to do in the city itself, we recommend taking a quick 15-minute ferry ride across Casco Bay to Peaks Island. The quaint island can be navigated by visitors without a car. Grab a bike or a golf cart at one of the rental shops in town or simply use your own two feet: the area is quite walkable. There’s one hotel on the island, The Inn on Peaks Island, and plenty of waterfront dining, making it a great choice for a quick overnight or weekend stay.Take a bike ride around the two-mile island loop to absorb the incredible views. The island has a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, so you’ll get to see bursts of oranges and rubies as well as rich, dark greens, all set against a sparkling waterfront.Peak time for foliage: Early to mid-OctoberVirginiaTrain line: CardinalWhisking passengers through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Amtrak Cardinal train offers a visual feast of fall colors. The U-shaped route curves down from New York City, swooping through 11 states and the District of Columbia before terminating in Chicago.Charlottesville, Virginia, is a stop along the way that’s perfectly situated for reveling in autumnal scenery. Seated smack dab in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city is a fall wonderland come October. There are plenty of places in town to spot vibrant leaves, including the bosky campus of the University of Virginia and the historic Downtown Mall, which is pedestrian-only. But for the true leaf-peeping extravaganza, you’ll want to rent a car and head to Shenandoah National Park, about an hour’s drive away. Hike the easy 1.6-mile Stony Man loop to an awe-inspiring lookout point with a vista of the rolling hills of deciduous trees all around.Peak time for foliage: Mid- to late OctoberMontana's Chief Mountain with autumn colors.GettyMontanaTrain line: Empire BuilderSpanning eight states across the Northwestern US, the Empire Builder line operates from Chicago to Seattle and cuts through prime landscapes for foliage viewing. Leaf enthusiasts will want to hop off at Whitefish, Montana—a Rocky Mountain town that’s known for its access to Glacier National Park. Though the colors are spectacular, don’t expect to see rich reds or oranges. Here, it’s bright yellow tones that rule the day. Across the rolling hillsides and along the area’s scenic rivers, you’ll find brilliant honey-hued aspen trees and gold-tinged larches, a unique type of pine tree with needles that change from green to flaxen and fall away when the weather turns crisp.For the ultimate scenery, rent a car for a day and drive a quick 40-minute jaunt to Glacier National Park. There, you’ll see the resplendent larch trees framed by the park’s snow-capped peaks above and its sparkling lakes below. Drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is less crowded in the fall months, to get a look at the most iconic views. Note that portions of the 50-mile road begin to close down in the third week of October, so be sure to check the official road status page for the latest information.Peak time for foliage: Mid-OctoberMassachusettsTrain line: Lake Shore LimitedIn the fall months, the Berkshires are a true leaf-peeping paradise. The rolling mountain landscape becomes an undulating patchwork quilt of searing scarlets, terracottas, vermillions, and more. Amtrak’s Lakeshore Limited route puts fall travelers right in the colorful action, with its stop in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.During the four-hour trip from Boston, the route passes through open countryside and picturesque towns until it enters Western Massachusetts after Springfield. Then, the train follows the Westfield river and trundles through dense forests bedecked in autumnal grandeur. Pittsfield station is located in the heart of the downtown district, so travelers can step off the platform and straight into charming shop-lined streets and walkable accommodations like the Hotel on North.Farther afield, there are cozy inns like The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough and 33 Main in nearby Lenox. Explore the region’s surrounding farms, like Bartlett’s Orchard for u-pick apples and extensive farmer’s markets at Berkshire Grown. For a deep-dive into the region’s vast foliage, try a longer hike along Yokun Ridge, which offers eight-miles of trails that connect Pittsfield and Lenox, with three lookout points over the tie-dyed treetops.Peak time for foliage: October 5 to 21New Yorkers looking for a quick autumnal jaunt can take the Amtrak train to neighboring Connecticut. GettyConnecticutTrain line: Northeast RegionalOne of Amtrak's most popular routes, the Northeast Regional train also doubles as a fall foliage express come October. Spanning from Virginia all the way to Boston, almost every stop is a chance to spot tie-dyed treetops. Hopping off in Connecticut—we recommend the charming town of Mystic— is a great bet to experience the wondrous effects of Mother Nature’s paint brush. Located right in Mystic is the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, which offers numerous hiking trails winding through forests of stately oaks, red maples, and American beech trees aflame with color. Heading a bit farther north (40 minutes by car) to the Pachaug State Forest will afford even more chances to soak in a bevy of autumnal hues.On its many miles of trails, you’ll meander through a cathedral of trees in metamorphosis. For a truly awe-inspiring view over the treetops, hike to the Mount Misery Overlook. Contrary to its name, this vista is sure to delight the foliage-minded among us. At 441 feet high, the lookout is the highest point of elevation in the area, meaning a bird’s eye view of the forest’s colorful canopy. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a seaside tipple at Mystic’s waterfront bar Red 36 or dinner at The Shipwright’s Daughter, which offers seasonal fare from local purveyors.Peak time for foliage: Mid- to late OctoberMinnesotaTrain line: BorealisOne of Amtrak’s newest lines is also among its best fall journeys. Launched in 2024, the Borealis train runs between Chicago and St. Paul-Minneapolis through historic small towns, Mississippi River bluff landscapes, and verdant farmlands of the Upper Midwest. Trees are plentiful along the route, with oaks, maples, birches, and more awash in a palette of oranges, yellows, and reds.Foliage-seekers can alight in the town of Winona, Minnesota, located on an island in the Mississippi—where visitors hike, kayak, or fish amid craggy river bluffs carpeted with ever-changing treetops. Key sites include the 3,000-acre Great River Bluffs State Park, whose hiking trails offer broad vistas over the colorful canopies and across the Mississippi and Black rivers; Sugar Loaf Bluff, a distinctive rock formation with hikes and advanced rock climbing; and Lake Park, with easy, paved trails encircling Lake Winona. Enjoy the foliage from the serenity of the river with a guided boat tour.Be sure to stay at a hotel with scenic views, too, like the boutique Hotel 44 Degrees North, located in the heart of downtown with rooms that overlook the river bluffs and forests.Peak time for foliage: October 5 to 20GettyMontrealTrain line: AdirondackRestarting operations just in time for fall trips across the Canadian border is Amtrak’s full Adirondack line, which stretches from New York City to Montreal. The route was shuttered for six weeks over the summer in order to complete track modifications. It reopened to the public in early September. That’s good news for autumnal fanatics, as this foliage-rich route—lined with maples, oaks, birches, and more—becomes postcard-perfect each October. Expect multicolored arboreal panoramas to fill the giant picture windows as you weave through the Hudson River Valley, past Lake Champlain, and along the hills of the Adirondacks. Notable stops along the way include Hudson and Saratoga Springs in New York, but we recommend riding the entire 10-hour route to Montreal to absorb the full force of the fall ambience.Once in Montreal, there are plenty of options to continue the leaf-appreciation tour. Mount Royal, the famous mountain peak overlooking the city, will be a riot of color. Less than an hour outside the metro area are dazzling nature reserves chock full of morphing trees, like the Morgan Arboretum and Parc-Nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques.Peak time for foliage: Early to mid-OctoberWhy Everyone Will Be Going to Osaka in 2025Jessica Puckett is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers transportation and travel news for Condé Nast Traveler. She has previously covered travel news at The Points Guy and domestic and foreign affairs at ABC News. ... Read More