Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in autumn, there is no denying the stunning scenery. Each part of the world has a unique combination of trees and foliage, meaning fall colors are revealed in a rainbow of hues. Our fall foliage tours capture this vivid tapestry in world-class leaf-peeping destinations and hidden gems alike, allow you to experience fall at its finest in destinations across North America.
Travel into the quaint states of New England, venturing to coastal cities with long-spanning history and maritime ties and exploring forest-enveloped mountain towns. You could connect a vacation in New England with Eastern Canada by rail or cruise, and delve into the delights cultural Montreal and Quebec City between foliage-spotting expeditions. Elsewhere, fall colors are revealed as you explore along the shores of Lake Michigan in the Great Lakes or amongst the lore-filled peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Wherever your autumn adventure takes you, enjoy a thoughtful itinerary of sightseeing and incredible excursions that highlight both the views and your destination. Witness the seasonal changes like never before with these top experiences on our fall foliage tours.
Embark on a Mackinac Island Carriage Tour -
Because Mackinac Island is car-free, there is no better way to experience its timeless scenery and crystalline lake views than from the seat of a horse-drawn carriage. Pulled by a team of Hackney and Percherons horses, see the sights of downtown, followed by points of interest throughout the island. From the butterfly conservatory to Arch Rock and the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags, each stop is a testament to the magical atmosphere of Mackinac Island. While visiting the Great Lakes in the autumn, this adventure is framed by trees in shades of gold and rust, contrasting the blue water and making this an excursion to remember.
Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad -
Delve into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains on a 4 1/2 roundtrip journey from Bryson City, North Carolina. Enjoy scenic vistas from the comfort of fully restored rail cars as the train ventures toward the Nantahala Gorge, each moment awash in autumnal glory. The 44-mile passes through charming mountain towns where time stands still, crosses Fontana Lake on the historic Fontana Trestle Bridge, and traverses serene mountain landscapes surrounded by dense, multi-colored forests. Enjoy an hour-long layover at the Gorge to wander along the river, then settle back into your seat for a second viewing of North Carolina's incredible vistas.
Climb Aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway -
Enjoy an unforgettable vantage point on the fall foliage of New Hampshire's White Mountains as you climb to the summit of Mount Washington aboard the world's oldest mountain-climbing train, the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Fully restored vintage rail cars take us to the summit of the highest peak in New England, all while traveling at a leisurely pace and offering spectacular scenes of the surrounding peaks kissed by autumn. The journey to the top takes approximately 1 hour, and upon arrival, marvel at the 360-degree views that include up to five states, the Atlantic Ocean, Southern Canada, and the spectacular rainbow of autumn.
Tour the Lavish Breakers Mansion -
No visit to New England in the Fall is complete without a visit to The Breakers, built in 1895 in Newport, Rhode Island. Once a summer home for Cornelious Vanderbilt II of the iconic Vanderbilt family, the Italian Renaissance-style home is now a National Historic Landmark. We are wrapped in the sheer grandeur of the Gilded Age as we wander through the perfectly preserved rooms and take in the views over the Atlantic. Complementing the architecture and surrounding beaches are swathes of deciduous trees, which make The Breakers an unexpectedly wonderful place to admire the changing season.
Marvel at the Scenery From the Stowe Gondola -
Another New England gem, the Stowe Gondola is located in Stowe, Vermont, a charming town surrounded by towering mountain peaks and stunning fall foliage scenes. Because of its surroundings, there is no better place to travel to the "Top of Vermont" aboard the Stowe Gondola. Step aboard a glass-enclosed pod and relish a memorable perspective on the forests of the Northeast as you climb to the summit of Mt. Mansfield. The ascent takes approximately 10 minutes, and from the top, you can indulge in autumnal hiking adventures on the mountain trails or have a meal at the Cliff House Restaurant, whose picture windows overlook the magnificent foliage.
Weave Along the Famous Kancamagus Highway -
All the beauty of Fall Colors on one of the world's most scenic byways awaits on the Kancamagus Highway. Fiery colors explode in all directions as the coach moves down this famed tree-lined highway, which travels more than 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest. A highlight of any fall foliage tour, this drive weaves through deep woodlands, past rivers and waterfalls, and within view of stunning mountain peaks. The pathway seems carved without modern influence, with no businesses blocking the brilliant views. Each moment offers a chance to absorb the unique ambiance that only New England can provide in autumn.
Taste Pure Maple Syrup at Morse Maple Farm Sugarworks -
Indulge in the flavors of autumn with a tasting of fresh maple syrup while soaking up the Fall Colors of New England. Of course, the best place to do this is Morse Maple Farm Sugarworks in Vermont, a 200-year-old farm where eight generations of the same family have produced this sweet delicacy. Learn how maple syrup is harvested from the trees and processed into the product we all know and love. Surrounded by orange and red maple trees, you can taste a few varieties of syrup and even see the ancient trees that began this operation. This is an autumn experience to treasure.
Admire Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore -
Towering more than 450 feet above Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the Great Lakes' most impressive sights. Another unexpected fall foliage experience, this destination is awash with natural beauty, combining golden sand, pristine blue water and kaleidoscope-worthy beech and maple trees. A ranger-led tour introduces all its beauty as we drive along a scenic road through this preserved area. There are 12 stops along the route, which provide sprawling views of the lakeshore and forests, and as we explore, popping off the road for better views, we also take short walks on the towering dunes for better vantage points.
Make your autumn one to remember on our top fall foliage tours. With unique itineraries from Eastern Canada to the mountains of Appalachia, Vacations By Rail makes it easy to embrace autumn in the location that most appeals to you. Seats are selling fast, but space remains on prime leaf-peeping departures. Find your inspiration in our catalog of fall foliage tours, or contact a Rail Specialist for recommendations.
