Steam locomotives once powered America's trains. Today, most steam engine trains have been converted to diesel or electric power. Still, there remain some scenic train rides that offer this nostalgic mode of travel, such as New England's Essex Steam Train, which follows a course through the pastoral Connecticut River Valley-an exceptionally breathtaking sight during fall foliage season.
Steam train excursions recall a bygone era of travel. Itineraries featuring these heritage railways offer the ideal balance between modern touring and historical journeys. California's Redwood Forest Steam Train employs one of the oldest preserved narrow-gauge steam engines. This scenic train ride shares the history of the Roaring Camp Railroad on its journey through the state's towering redwood groves. Colorado is home to two famous steam train rides: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, connecting the historic mining towns of Durango and Silverton across the Animas River Canyon and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the longest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad operates a steam train excursion along the Tuckasegee River through the western corner of rural North Carolina. In contrast, the Tennessee Valley Railroad's Summerville Steam Special offers a look at the mountains in Southern Tennessee and Northern Georgia.
These steam train trips in the USA showcase some of the country's best-kept secrets: special trains, charming small towns, and fantastic scenery.
(82 reviews)
Discover the beauty of the Southwest in autumn on this 9-day adventure featuring Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, historic rail journeys, and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. Your journey begins in Chicago, San Francisco, or along the California Zephyr route, with an overnight train to Grand Junction, Colorado.
(41 reviews)California is a land of possibilities, and this unforgettable tour displays some of its greatest offerings. Over eight days, soak up the modern and historic sides of San Francisco and travel into nature, where towering redwood trees surround us on the Redwood Forest Steam Train. We also admire the mountain and waterfall panoramas of Yosemite...
(341 reviews)Journey through the untamed beauty of Colorado on this 8-day Rocky Mountain expedition. We discover expanses of landscape hidden from modern traffic aboard six scenic railways: Georgetown Loop Railroad Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Royal Gorge Route Railroad...
Whether it is the sites of yesteryear, fall scenery, or iconic towns you seek, there is plenty to see on this New England journey. Your round-trip expedition begins in Boston, where you have time to see the sites both on your own and with a scheduled sightseeing tour. Moving into Maine, Portland and Bath await. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the...
(70 reviews)From mountains to sandstone arches and all the varied terrain between, this week-long journey is a showcase of nature. Admire the craggy peaks of the Wasatch Mountains surrounding Salt Lake City before boarding Canyon Spirit, a train that combines luxury and adventure. Following its brand-new route, travel from Salt Lake City into the...
(142 reviews)The Old West's rugged frontier towns and renowned national historic sites are hallmarks of this 11-day escorted tour. We begin our journey across America's Western frontier by joining modern technology with nostalgic travel methods, riding Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Provo, Utah. The route takes us across the Rocky Mountains and...
Seaside culture and beautiful views guide memorable autumn adventures in New England. Explore the history of Boston before traveling north to Maine aboard Amtrak's Downeaster to discover the allures of Portland, Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor, including Acadia National Park and the Maine Oyster Company. Crossing into the fall-kissed forests and...
(34 reviews)A region of scenic landscapes and iconic cities beckons as you dip your toes into Southern heritage in Tennessee and North Carolina. Uncover Nashville, "Music City U.S.A.," before turning to nature in Chattanooga, Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains. Witness dramatic scenery painted in seasonal brilliance while riding aboard three scenic...
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey as we travel from ocean to glimmering ocean across the USA, from dazzling Times Square to the Hollywood Hills. Enjoy guided tours of America's great cities, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago and Los Angeles, with cruises around Manhattan and the Chicago River. Travel overnight from Chicago to Grand...
Jun 12, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Witness the changing colors of the season like never before while embarking on these top experiences and excursions on our North American fall foliage tours.
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May 06, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Spend the remaining months of the year ticking off your travel bucket list while traveling to top last-minute destinations for 2025 from the U.S. to Europe.
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Jun 13, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Don’t miss your chance to see peak fall foliage by traveling at the wrong time; instead, follow this leaf-peeping guide to learn when and where to go this season.
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Jun 08, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
This year, discover fall destinations that benefit from the changing weather and gorgeous colors of the season throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
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