All Aboard for Fall Foliage

There's no better way to enjoy Pennsylvania's autumn spectacle, bursting with brilliant color, than on one of the Keystone State's historic railroads.

The steam locomotive, the iconic creature that led and carried the American Industrial Revolution, is still very much a part of Pennsylvania's signficant rail history. Visitors to PA can find a variety of tourist trains, each unique in topography, history and amenities. Each year, fall tours showcase them as perfect vehicles to sit back and absorb the season.

Legends of the Fall

THE HORSESHOE CURVE, Altoona
More than 50 trains daily can be observed riding the rails of this world-famous engineering marvel. Through November 21, the Funicular, an inclined plane which transports visitors up to the trackside observation area, offers a unique way to enjoy the autumn hues of the Allegheny Mountains.

KISKI JUNCTION RAILROAD, Schenley
Take a one hour scenic train ride on a working freight shortline railroad along the Kiski River. Book ahead for Kiski's fall foliage and Halloween rides from mid-October until the end of the month. 

LEHIGH GORGE SCENIC BYWAY, Jim Thorpe
Old style passenger coaches from the 1920s take visitors on a 16-mile roundtrip along the picturesque Lehigh River. Tickets for October train rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to grab a seat.

NEW HOPE & IVYLAND RAILROAD, New Hope
Ride "Haunted Halloween" and "Trick-or-Treat" trains the last two weeks of October, as well as 35-mile fall foliage rides through picturesque Bucks County every weekend in October.

OIL CREEK & TITUSVILLE RAILROAD, Titusville
The OC & T offers fall foliage tours throughout October, taking you across PA's historic and beautiful Oil Country.

STOURBRIDGE LINE, Honesdale

The Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions have been postponed for the 2013 season. Please continue to check back for any changes to the schedule. For those of you who are train or history buffs, take a trip back in time at the Wayne County Historical Society where a full scale size replica of the Stourbridge Lion is housed.

STRASBURG RAILROAD, Strasburg
Founded in 1832, Strasburg celebrated its 50th year in 2008 and is one of Lancaster County's most popular attractions. During a 45-minute ride, passengers view pristine Amish farmland at harvest time.

TIOGA CENTRAL RAILROAD, Wellsboro
Fall foliage rides along gorgeous Lake Hammond run daily at 1 and 3 p.m., and give passengers a chance to see crisp, picture-worthy fall foliage throughout Tioga County's countryside. 

For other fall foliage excursions this season, check out Pennsylvania's scenic byways at www.visitPA.com/scenic-byways.

You might also like:  5 Epic Fall Foliage Train Rides

 

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