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, the best fall train rides in New York 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.

1. Adirondack Scenic Railroad

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 car 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!

2. Catskill Mountain Railroad

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, and 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. 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.

Learn more about the Catskill Mountain Railroad, and then plan your next visit.

3. Sunnyside Gardens Pumpkin Patch Train

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. Looping around the pumpkin patch several times, this is one small-town stop you won't want to miss out on this season. During their fall festival in September and October, 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.

4. Arcade & Attica Railroad

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 get off. This stunning fall ride brings 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.

5. Delaware & Ulster RailroadEditor’s Note: The railroad is currently working to restore their tracks and trains so they can operate for the 2024 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. You can also find Brunch, Lunch, and the 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 for you.

Learn more about the Delaware & Ulster Railroad, and then plan your next visit.

Aren't these New York train rides just so wonderful? Do you have a favorite train ride to take during the fall season? To discover more ways to enjoy this amazing season to the fullest, read about how Fall Is Coming And These Are The Best Places To See The Leaves Changing in New York! Don't forget to pack some epic road trip snacks for the adventure.