New England’s rolling hills, pristine lakes, and charming villages provide the perfect backdrop for some of America’s most memorable train journeys. From the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the rocky shores of Maine, these historic railways offer passengers a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and rich railroad heritage in comfort and style.
Here is a list of 20 scenic train rides that showcase New England’s diverse landscapes and seasonal splendor.
Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway, New Hampshire
The Conway Scenic Railroad takes passengers through the heart of the White Mountains on restored vintage coaches from the 1940s and 1950s. The 55-mile round trip to Crawford Notch passes beneath towering peaks and alongside the Saco River, offering spectacular views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
During the fall foliage season, this route becomes one of New England’s most photographed train journeys.
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
This engineering marvel has been carrying passengers to the summit of Mount Washington since 1869, making it the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. The three-hour round trip covers just over 6 miles but climbs nearly 3,700 feet, providing breathtaking panoramic views of five states and Canada on clear days.
The steepest railway track in the world, with grades reaching 37 percent, makes this journey as thrilling as it is scenic.
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Green Mountain Railroad, Bellows Falls, Vermont
Vermont’s Green Mountain Railroad operates several routes through the state’s iconic countryside, including trips along the Connecticut River and through the Green Mountain National Forest. The Bellows Falls to Chester route follows the Williams River through covered bridges and past historic mills, while longer excursions reach into the heart of Vermont’s ski country.
Fall trips book up months in advance as passengers chase the legendary Vermont foliage.
Cape Cod Central Railroad, Hyannis, Massachusetts
This charming railway offers multiple scenic routes across Cape Cod, from dinner trains to family-friendly excursions through cranberry bogs and salt marshes. The two-hour round trip from Hyannis to the Cape Cod Canal provides views of kettle ponds, pine forests, and traditional Cape Cod architecture.
Summer evening dinner trains include locally sourced seafood while passengers watch the sunset over Cape Cod Bay.
Hobo Railroad, Lincoln, New Hampshire
The Hobo Railroad’s vintage coaches follow the Pemigewasset River through the White Mountain National Forest, offering passengers a relaxed journey through some of New Hampshire’s most pristine wilderness. This 80-minute round trip features views of the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges, with frequent wildlife sightings including moose, deer, and various bird species.
The railway’s casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make it perfect for families exploring the White Mountains.
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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Essex, Connecticut
This unique experience combines a vintage steam train ride through the Connecticut River Valley with an optional riverboat cruise. The train journey takes passengers through protected wetlands and forests aboard beautifully restored 1920s Pullman coaches, while the riverboat portion explores Gillette Castle and other historic sites along the Connecticut River.
The complete round trip covers both land and water, showcasing Connecticut’s diverse natural beauty.
Valley Railroad, Essex, Connecticut
Operating on the same tracks as the Essex Steam Train but offering different seasonal experiences, the Valley Railroad provides year-round scenic excursions through the Connecticut River Valley. Their North Pole Express during the holiday season has become a beloved family tradition, while summer wine trains appeal to adults seeking a more sophisticated rail experience.
The railway passes through the same pristine landscapes that have remained largely unchanged since the railroad’s construction in the 1870s.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, Meredith, New Hampshire
This restored railway follows the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake, offering passengers stunning water views and mountain vistas. The one-hour and two-hour excursions pass through small lakeside communities and provide glimpses of the grand hotels and summer cottages that made this area famous during the Gilded Age.
Fall foliage trips combine the brilliant colors of New Hampshire’s hardwood forests with the deep blue waters of the lake.
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White Mountain Central Railroad, Lincoln, New Hampshire
Located in the heart of the White Mountains, this railroad offers short but scenic trips through Lincoln and North Woodstock. The 15-minute journey might be brief, but it provides excellent views of the Franconia Notch area and serves as a perfect introduction to the region’s railroad history.
The vintage diesel locomotive and open-air cars make this an affordable option for families visiting the White Mountains.
Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
This trolley museum operates vintage streetcars along a scenic route through the Deerfield River Valley in western Massachusetts. The 40-minute round trip includes stops at the famous Bridge of Flowers and provides views of the glacial potholes that give Shelburne Falls its name.
The museum’s collection includes trolleys from around New England, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s urban transportation history.
Old Colony & Newport Railway, Newport, Rhode Island
This railway operates dinner trains and scenic excursions along Narragansett Bay, providing a luxurious way to experience Rhode Island’s coastal beauty. The routes pass through Newport’s famous mansion district and offer views of the bay’s numerous islands and sailing vessels.
Special themed trains throughout the year include murder mystery dinners and holiday celebrations aboard beautifully appointed dining cars.
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Downeast Scenic Railroad, Ellsworth, Maine
This railroad offers passengers a chance to experience Maine’s rugged Downeast coast aboard vintage coaches pulled by historic diesel locomotives. The route follows the Union River through blueberry barrens and forests before reaching the tidal waters near Bar Harbor.
During peak season, passengers often spot bald eagles, ospreys, and other wildlife that make this region famous among nature enthusiasts.
Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, Unity, Maine
Maine’s longest excursion railroad takes passengers through the state’s pristine wilderness, following historic logging routes through dense forests and past remote lakes. The three-hour round trip from Unity to Burnham Junction provides excellent opportunities to spot moose, black bears, and other Maine wildlife in their natural habitat.
The railway’s vintage coaches and friendly crew create an authentic Maine experience that feels like stepping back in time.
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum, Alna, Maine
This narrow-gauge railway museum operates vintage steam and diesel trains along a portion of the original two-foot-gauge railroad that once served rural Maine communities. The museum’s collection includes the only surviving Maine two-footer locomotives and cars, providing visitors with a unique experience of Maine’s distinctive railroad heritage.
Short excursions through the Maine woods offer a peaceful journey back to a simpler time.
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Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum, Willimantic, Connecticut
This museum operates vintage trains along a restored section of the former New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad through eastern Connecticut’s quiet countryside. The museum’s collection includes rare New England railroad equipment, and its seasonal excursions provide an educational journey through Connecticut’s railroad history.
The surrounding landscape of small farms and forests represents the Connecticut that existed before suburban development.
Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, Maine
Home to the world’s oldest and largest collection of electric railway vehicles, this museum operates vintage streetcars and trolleys through the coastal forests of southern Maine. The scenic rides pass through woods that lead to the Kennebunk River, with the Atlantic Ocean just beyond.
Visitors can experience trolleys from Boston, New York, and other major cities while enjoying Maine’s peaceful coastal environment.
Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor, Connecticut
This museum operates vintage trolleys along a three-mile route through the Connecticut countryside, providing a unique perspective on New England’s electric railway heritage. The collection includes rare Connecticut Company trolleys that once served Hartford and other Connecticut cities, now restored to their original splendor.
The wooded route passes through state forest land, offering passengers a peaceful journey through Connecticut’s natural areas.
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Branford Electric Railway, East Haven, Connecticut
Operating along the Connecticut shoreline, this trolley museum provides scenic rides aboard vintage streetcars with views of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coast. The collection includes trolleys from across New England and beyond, restored by dedicated volunteers who keep these historic vehicles running.
The coastal route offers a different perspective on Connecticut’s landscape, combining transportation history with natural beauty.
Boothbay Railway Village, Boothbay, Maine
This historic railway village operates vintage narrow-gauge trains through 28 acres of coastal Maine countryside, featuring restored antique buildings and classic New England railroad equipment. The scenic train rides wind through pine forests and past historic structures that recreate a typical Maine village from the early 1900s.
The museum’s collection includes rare narrow-gauge locomotives and cars that once served Maine’s logging and quarrying industries, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse of rural Maine’s transportation heritage.
Edaville Family Theme Park Railway, Carver, Massachusetts
While primarily a family theme park, Edaville’s narrow-gauge railway takes passengers through 5 miles of Massachusetts cranberry bogs and pine forests aboard vintage trains. The railway showcases the unique landscape of southeastern Massachusetts, where cranberries have been cultivated for over 150 years.
Special seasonal events include the Christmas Festival of Lights, when millions of lights transform the cranberry bogs into a winter wonderland.
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Riding the Rails Into Tomorrow
These historic railways connect modern passengers with New England’s transportation heritage while showcasing landscapes that have inspired generations of visitors. Many of these routes follow the same paths that carried logs from Maine forests, granite from New Hampshire quarries, and passengers to grand resort hotels throughout the region.
Today’s scenic trains preserve both the mechanical heritage of American railroading and the natural beauty that makes New England a premier destination. Whether chasing fall foliage in Vermont or exploring Maine’s wilderness, these railway journeys offer experiences that highways simply cannot match.
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