Top 7 Scenic Amtrak Train Routes for Stunning Fall Foliage
The U.S. boasts some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, and, as autumn arrives and landscapes shift, train travel offers a unique opportunity to experience stunning fall foliage from the comfort of your seat. From the rolling hills of New England to the towering peaks of the Rockies, these Amtrak train routes offer travelers an unforgettable journey that is just as memorable as the destination.
Here are some of the best Amtrak train routes in the U.S. offering travelers a front-row view to take in the changing season across some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Adirondack
New York City to Montreal
Duration: 10 hours
Route Highlights: This journey through upstate New York offers views of the Hudson River Valley and the stunning Adirondack Mountains.
Why It’s Great for Fall: You’ll see rolling hills covered in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold as the train winds through forests and alongside lakes. The Amtrak Adirondack train is a great way to experience fall because it takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of upstate New York. Starting in New York City, the route follows the Hudson River, offering views of the water surrounded by trees in bright autumn colors. As the train continues north, it passes through small towns and the scenic Adirondack Mountains, where the fall foliage is especially vibrant. Don’t forget your passport! If you’re going all the way to the train’s terminus you’ll end up in beautiful Montreal, Canada.
Best Time: Late September to mid-October
Vermonter
Washington, D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont
Duration: 13 hours 45 minutes
Route Highlights: Runs through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, passing through small towns and beautiful countrysides.
Why It’s Great for Fall: The Amtrak Vermonter is a fantastic option for enjoying fall in New England, one of the most iconic regions for autumn scenery. The route begins in Washington, D.C., and travels north through rural Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. As the train moves further north, you'll pass through charming small towns and alongside rivers framed by trees bursting with red, orange, and yellow leaves. The highlight of the journey is in Vermont, where the train winds through the Green Mountains, offering sweeping views of rolling hills covered in vibrant fall foliage. It’s a quintessential New England experience during peak autumn months.
Best Time: Early to mid-October
California Zephyr
Chicago to San Francisco
Duration: 51 hours 20 minutes
Route Highlights: Crosses the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada.
Why It’s Great for Fall: While this is a scenic journey year-round, the Amtrak California Zephyr offers a unique fall experience, taking passengers through diverse landscapes as it travels from Chicago to San Francisco. As the train crosses the Midwest, you’ll pass through golden prairies and farmland, with hints of autumn in the trees and fields. Once you reach the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the scenery becomes truly breathtaking—particularly in the fall when the aspens turn bright yellow against the rugged mountain backdrop. Continuing west, the Zephyr travels through Utah’s dramatic red rock canyons and the Sierra Nevada, offering glimpses of autumn color in the high-altitude forests.
Best Time: Late September to October
Coast Starlight
Seattle to Los Angeles
Duration: 35 hours
Route Highlights: Pacific coastline, Cascade Range, and the Sierra Nevada.
Why It’s Great for Fall: The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a spectacular fall journey along the West Coast, running from Seattle to Los Angeles. This route offers a mix of dramatic coastal and forested scenery, with autumn adding a colorful twist. In the Pacific Northwest, the train passes through the lush forests of Washington and Oregon, where trees turn golden and orange during the fall months. As the train hugs the coastline, you’ll also enjoy stunning ocean views, particularly around California’s Central Coast. The contrast of vibrant foliage and the Pacific Ocean makes the Coast Starlight a standout fall experience.
Best Time: October
Empire Builder
Chicago to Seattle/Portland
Duration: 46 hours
Route Highlights: Northern plains, Rocky Mountains, and Glacier National Park.
Why It’s Great for Fall: The Amtrak Empire Builder offers an unforgettable fall journey from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the changing landscapes of the northern U.S. In autumn, the route passes through the Great Plains, where golden grasses stretch across the horizon. As the train approaches the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park in Montana, you'll see forests of aspens turning bright yellow, creating a striking contrast against the rugged peaks. Continuing west, the Empire Builder winds through the Cascade Mountains in Washington, where more fall foliage can be spotted. This route gives passengers a sweeping view of autumn's beauty, from vast plains to towering mountains,
Best Time: Late September to early October
Related Articles: Photo Diary — Portland to Chicago on Amtrak’s Empire Builder
Cardinal
New York City to Chicago via Washington, D.C.
Duration: 26 hours 30 minutes
Route Highlights: This route takes you through the Allegheny Mountains and along the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
Why It’s Great for Fall: The Amtrak Cardinal route offers a beautiful fall journey from New York City to Chicago, taking you through the Appalachian Mountains and along the stunning New River Gorge in West Virginia. In autumn, this route is particularly striking, with the forests turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. As the train winds through the Allegheny Mountains, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of rolling hills covered in fall foliage. The Cardinal also passes by historic towns and picturesque rivers, making it a perfect way to experience the vibrant colors of the Eastern U.S. during the fall season.
Best Time: Late September to mid-October
Maple Leaf
New York City to Toronto
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
Route Highlights: This route travels along the Hudson River and the shores of Lake Ontario.
Why It’s Great for Fall: The Amtrak Maple Leaf is a picturesque fall route that runs from New York City to Toronto, offering a unique mix of urban and natural landscapes. During autumn, the journey along the Hudson River is particularly stunning, as the trees on both sides of the river burst into shades of red, orange, and yellow. As the train continues through the Finger Lakes region and up toward Niagara Falls, passengers are treated to sweeping views of rolling hills and vineyards dressed in fall colors. The route then crosses into Canada, offering a scenic ride along Lake Ontario’s shoreline, where autumn foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to the landscape. The Maple Leaf is an ideal way to experience fall on both sides of the border.
Best Time: Early to mid-October
Traveling by train during the fall is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience the season’s vibrant colors. Whether you’re winding through the forests of New England or crossing the Rockies, these Amtrak routes offer a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking autumn landscapes in the U.S. No matter which route you choose, the combination of convenience and stunning views makes train travel a perfect way to embrace the beauty of fall.
Booking
To book your fall getaway, head to the Amtrak website for updated prices and timetambles.
Planning an autumn getaway?
