Ready to ride the rails through some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes?
Hop on board as we explore the 20 best scenic railway journeys in the U.S.
From coast to coast, these train rides offer a unique way to experience the country’s
diverse beauty.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Chug through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains on this historic narrow-gauge railroad.
You’ll wind along the Animas River, passing through remote wilderness and old mining towns.
Keep your camera ready for those postcard-perfect mountain views!
Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic
Journey from Anchorage to Seward on this route that showcases Alaska’s wild beauty. You’ll pass glaciers, spot wildlife, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Denali.
It’s like traveling through a nature documentary!
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Grand Canyon Railway
All aboard for a trip to one of America’s most iconic natural wonders! This railway takes you from Williams, Arizona, right to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Listen for the whistle of the steam locomotive as you travel through the high desert.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Combine the pleasure of train travel with the indulgence of wine tasting. This gourmet rail tour takes you through California’s picturesque Napa Valley.
Sip on local wines as you roll past sun-drenched vineyards.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Straddling the Colorado-New Mexico border, this 64-mile journey takes you through remote wilderness areas inaccessible by highway. As you cross Cumbres Pass, you’ll be riding on the highest narrow-gauge railroad in North America.
High altitude, high excitement!
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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Winding through the mountains of western North Carolina, this railway offers a front-row seat to the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains. From river gorges to mountain vistas, it’s a leaf-peeper’s paradise in the fall.
Cape Cod Central Railroad
Experience the charm of coastal New England on this scenic railway. You’ll pass cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and quaint villages as you travel through Cape Cod.
Don’t forget to look out for lighthouses!
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Ascend the highest peak in the Northeast on the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. As you climb Mount Washington in New Hampshire, you’ll witness the dramatic change in vegetation and expansive views of the surrounding White Mountains.
It’s an uplifting experience in more ways than one!
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Verde Canyon Railroad
Nicknamed ‘Arizona’s Longest-Running Nature Show,’ this four-hour journey takes you through the heart of Arizona’s red rock country. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles soaring overhead as you travel through the Verde Canyon’s vibrant landscapes.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Step back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush on this narrow-gauge railroad in Alaska. As you climb nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of mountains, glaciers, and gorges. It’s pure gold for scenery seekers!
Strasburg Rail Road
Take a ride on America’s oldest operating railroad in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. This journey through Lancaster County’s rolling countryside offers a glimpse into a simpler time. Don’t be surprised if you pass a horse and buggy along the way!
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Coast Starlight
For a longer adventure, hop on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight for a 35-hour journey from Seattle to Los Angeles. You’ll see it all – from the Cascade Range to the Pacific coastline to the Santa Barbara Channel.
Cass Scenic Railroad
Travel back to the days of steam-driven locomotives on this heritage railroad in West Virginia. As you climb Bald Knob, the third-highest point in the state, you’ll be riding in restored logging cars pulled by a rare Shay locomotive.
It’s a real treat for history buffs and nature lovers alike!
Adirondack Scenic Railroad
Experience the wild beauty of upstate New York on this railway journey through the Adirondack Mountains. From dense forests to sparkling lakes, the views are quintessential Northeast. Keep your camera ready – you might spot a moose!
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Skunk Train
Don’t let the name fool you – this train journey through California’s redwood forests is anything but stinky. As you travel through towering groves and over trestle bridges, you’ll understand why this area is nicknamed the ‘Kingdom of the Redwoods.’
Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks
While this luxury train is relatively new to the U.S., it’s quickly become a favorite. Journey from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah, passing through an array of stunning landscapes. From Rocky Mountain peaks to red-rock canyons, it’s a feast for the eyes.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Explore Ohio’s only national park from the comfort of a train car. This railroad winds through the Cuyahoga Valley, offering views of the Cuyahoga River, lush forests, and rolling hills.
It’s a hidden gem in the heart of the Midwest!
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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Combine the romance of rail and river on this unique journey in Connecticut. Start with a ride on a vintage steam locomotive, then hop aboard a riverboat for a cruise on the Connecticut River.
It’s two adventures rolled into one!
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Embark on a journey through the North Georgia Mountains and along the Toccoa River. This railway offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a glimpse into the area’s rich railroading history.
It’s especially magical during the fall when the foliage is in full color.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Last, but not least, take a ride through the stunning landscapes of western North
Carolina. This railway offers several routes, each showcasing the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
From deep river gorges to lush forests, it’s a nature lover’s dream come true.
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Witness America’s Diversity on the Rails
These train rides show the incredible diversity and beauty of America’s landscapes. So why not slow down, sit back, and let the train take you on a journey through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery?
After all, sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. All aboard for adventure!
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