17 Epic Train Rides in the U.S. That Will Give You an Unforgettable Experience

There's something so incredibly alluring about taking a scenic train ride in the U.S. From the rumble of the car on the tracks, the scenery rolling past the window by your seat, and the old-fashioned charm of railway travel all combine to make trains the most romantic method of land transit. Excluding your morning subway commute, of course. America's railroads were once indispensable arteries of trade and travel, connecting the nation's major cities. Today, air travel and the highway system have demoted trains from crucial to quaint, but riding the rails is still a great way to tour some of the most beautiful regions of the country. Check out some of the most breathtaking and best train rides in the US, located all across the nation. From the mountains of the East Coast to the Pacific coast of sunny Southern California, adventure awaits on the rails.

1. Cog Railway, New Hampshire

This gorgeous train ride will take you to the summit of Mount Washington and back. Chug along sweeping landscapes of stone and rugged mountainsides while learning about the area from your conductor. The most thrilling moment of the trip comes as the train begins its descent, when it appears as if the car is going to tumble off the edge of the mountain! Don't worry, though: this railway has been safely running without a hitch for almost 150 years. In fact, it's the oldest cog railroad in the world. The ride to Mount Washington runs from early May to mid-October, and the journey totals about three hours. The Cog Railway is one of the most scenic train rides in the USA. This epic journey is at the top of our list next time we're in New England.

2. Cass Scenic Railroad, West Virginia

Winding around the mountains of West Virginia is the Cass Scenic Railroad, one of the most picturesque train routes in the country. Visitors will get the chance to experience the thrill of the Golden Age of the railroads while cruising through the wilderness on old, refurbished logging flat-cars that once traveled through the rainforests of British Columbia. The journey between Whittaker Station and Bald Knob takes about 4.5 hours, during which the locomotive will climb to an astounding 4,700 feet. Guests should dress warmly, wear dark clothing (the steam engine may leave you ever so slightly sooty), and be prepared for an incredible adventure.

3. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad, Colorado

Relax and drink in the sights and sounds of the Rocky Mountains on the legendary Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad. This train journey is a delight for all of your senses. This railway is open during the summer season, usually May to October, although there are excursions available during the holidays as well. Train departure times vary. All rides are round-trip and last about 2.5 hours.

4. The Denali Getaway, Alaska

Cruise through the stunning Denali National Park on a train that offers nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Booking a ride on the Denali Star Train with the Alaska Railroad is a great way to experience the beauty of the park without committing to days of hiking. If you can't resist the pull of the wild, however, Denali National Park offers almost limitless opportunities for wilderness exploration. Among other activities, guests can try their hand at rafting, glacier climbing, gold panning, and fishing.

5. Tuckasegee River Excursion, North Carolina

One of the best routes offered by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, this train ride begins in Bryson City and continues for 4.5 hours. Visitors will be whisked through the stunning countryside of North Carolina, where they'll pass through the Cowee Tunnel and alongside "The Fugitive" movie set. The trip includes an hour-long stop in Dillsboro, the perfect opportunity to browse local shops and refuel with tasty food before heading back to Bryson City.

6. The Pacific Surfliner, California

Speed from San Luis Obispo to San Diego in this incredibly scenic coastal train journey on Amtrak's The Pacific Surfliner. The trip winds along the world-famous Del Mar beach, giving passengers the chance to take in sweeping ocean views without getting the least bit sandy or sunburned. Tip: Make sure you grab a seat on the right side of the train, depending on the direction of the journey. This is among the most scenic train trips in the USA, and you'll definitely want to put it on your bucket list!

7. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, Iowa

If you like the idea of a scenic railroad adventure, but don't want to spend all day on a train, this Iowa railroad is a great option. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad offers visitors picturesque, 2-hour journeys around the Des Moines River Valley in Boone. Catch a ride Memorial Day through October 31, Thursday through Sunday. If you're interested in pairing the natural show outside your window with a gourmet meal, the railroad's dinner trains are a great option. Note: The train pictured is not one of the railroad's passenger trains. Book your tickets on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad website.

8. Hiwassee River Rail Adventure, Tennessee

This journey is an offshoot of the Tennessee Valley Railroad. Hop on the Hiwassee Loop and experience one of the best ways to see the breathtaking scenery of the region. The train departs from Etowah, and some locomotives offer high-level dome viewing.

9. Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad & Museum, Illinois

Have you ever wanted to be a train conductor? This place can make your dream come true. Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad & Museum is run by a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the joy of historic trains with the public. Hop on board their 1912 steam locomotives for a 3.4-mile trip through the beautiful Freeport countryside. The company also sets aside "throttle time" during which excited guests can actually take control of the train (with LOTS of guidance and supervision, of course, but still a one-of-a-kind experience!). They do spooky train rides aboard the Train of Terror during select nights in October, too. You'll certainly experience one of the most unique train rides in America with the Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad in Illinois.

10. Steam Into History, Pennsylvania

This steam train takes its history seriously. Passengers are taken through York County along the route that President Abraham Lincoln and Union troops traveled during the Civil War. Guests will learn all about the era through incredible reenactments, and maybe even run into the famous president himself. Steam Excursions are as close to time-traveling as you'll ever get. This is one of the best train trips in the U.S. you can take, and it's fun for the whole family, too!

11. Saratoga & North Creek Railway, New York

This is a great scenic train option for history buffs. Climb aboard a vintage rail car and enjoy fresh gourmet meals while chugging alongside the gorgeous Hudson River. The locomotive stops at nine different stations and makes fascinating stops at different historic sites in the Adirondack Mountains. If you decide to schedule your trip for the snowy winter season, the railway offers a heated and convenient shuttle service directly to Gore Mountain. Oh, and it's definitely one of the best fall-color train rides in New York, as well as one of the best scenic railway trips in America.

12. Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Texas

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad (GVRR)offers rides on a 1920s-era luxury coach that actually runs through the heart of Grapevine, Texas, and beyond. Take the Cotton Belt Route for a historic excursion that starts at the Cotton Belt Depot, through Tarrant County, and ends at the Historic Stockyards, where passengers can get off the train and explore before the train heads back to Grapevine. Live entertainment will be on board during this journey, which may be one of the most unique train rides in the USA. The GVRR also offers special event trains, including its Easter Bunny Express, Jazz Wine Trains, Dinos on the Tracks, an Oktoberfest Craft Brew Train, Day Out With Thomas, Trick 'R Treat Trains, and many more throughout the year!

13. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Georgia

The beautiful Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs through the even more beautiful Blue Ridge region of Georgia. The trip begins in Blue Ridge, a lovely town nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest. From there, the 4-hour, 26-mile round-trip journey takes passengers along the Toccoa River in vintage closed or open-air rail cars. Guests will have a 2-hour layover in Copperhill/McCaysville (the town actually has two names due to being on the GA/TN border), which is a great spot to grab some grub or shop for antiques.

14. Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway, Arkansas

If you're a fan of railroad memorabilia, you'll love this train ride. Offering excursion tours and catered dinner trips from Eureka Springs, the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway stops off at a depot filled with vintage train items and signage that is sure to spark your imagination. Each tour lasts slightly less than an hour, making it a convenient and fun way to spend an afternoon with the family or take a much-needed break from everyday life. The Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway is a fun experience. The season for these unique train rides in the USA begins mid-April. Visit the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway website for more information.

15. Dinner Train, Branson Scenic Railway, Missouri

This ride is a foodie's delight. Located at 206 E Main Street in Branson, this amazing train ride in Missouri offers a gorgeous 2-hour journey through the Ozarks, complete with a delicious three-course meal and drink served on tables covered in white linens. Along the way, you'll learn the history of the railroad and enjoy the scenery as the train rides along the tracks. Families will also be delighted to know that the train offers a "Polar Express" train ride that runs throughout the holiday season.

16. Las Vegas Monorail, Nevada

This is the ultimate way to see the Las Vegas strip without emptying your pockets or getting stuck in awful traffic. Stops include popular venues like MGM Grand, Bally's/Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's/Imperial Palace, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas Hilton, and Sahara. The Las Vegas Monorail's cars are air-conditioned (a huge plus) and offer incredible views of the dazzling sights around town, especially at night — just imagine riding past the Sphere all aglow after dark! Trains run all week until the wee hours and cost $5.50 for a single ride or $13.45 for a 24-hour pass. This is one of the best ways to get around Las Vegas, especially during the summer. Visit the Las Vegas Monorail's website to purchase tickets.

17. Ashland Amtrak Train, Virginia

It may not be a historic steam engine, but the Ashland Amtrak Train is steeped in history. Head to the quaint downtown Ashland train station to view a fascinating museum of railroad-related artifacts and historical articles. The train ride itself is also incredibly lovely, so book your tickets for a wonderful day trip adventure in Virginia!

Best Train Trips in the U.S.

These train rides showcase the beauty of our country in the best ways possible. From the coastline of Southern California to the mountain regions of the Midwest and South, a train ride provides an unforgettable adventure for people of all ages. Do you know of any other incredible scenic train rides in the US that we missed? Are there other beautiful train trips that need to be on the list? Please send us a note through our nomination page.

Are you excited to book your next adventures aboard one of the most scenic train rides in the USA? Discover more of the best scenic railroads in America that show off some of the prettiest landscapes.