This autumn, why limit your leaf-peeping adventures to what can be seen by foot or by car? Hop aboard one of these five scenic train rides, all within a three-hour drive from NoVA, to take in views of the stunning foliage through the window of a locomotive.
Strasburg Rail Road
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours
This authentic steam train will take passengers along 2,500 acres of countryside. Choose from a classic ride in a regular train car or one of the themed rides that feature live performances. There’s a Murder Mystery Train Experience, and, for the Halloween season, Haunted Rails and Tales. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks, Pennsylvania, tickets starting at $17 for kids and $25 for adults on weekdays; higher prices for the special experiences
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours, 15 minutes
Gaze out at the Allegheny mountains from these steam or diesel trains. The route starts in Cumberland, Maryland, and ends in Frostburg, passing over a stream and through a tunnel and showing off stunning views of Maryland’s mountains. Choose a dinner train to enjoy a meal while watching the leaves drift by. And for kids, a one-hour Pumpkin Patch Limited runs to Bone Cave and back on weekends during October 18 through 26. Tickets are $14 and passengers receive a pumpkin, apple cider, and decorations — and Halloween costumes are encouraged. 13 Canal St., Cumberland, Maryland, dinner tickets are for ages 21 and up and are $60 to $120 per person
B&O Railroad Museum
Drive time from Dulles: About 1.5 hours
Hop on the Mile One Express for a quick 20-minute ride along the first mile of commercial railroad ever built in the U.S. On rides departing at 11:30 a.m., the train will make a stop at the First Mile Stable to see the horses. After your ride, explore the rest of the museum to learn all about the history of American railroading. 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland, tickets starting at $4 for kids and $5 for adults (museum admission is $12 for kids, $17 for seniors, and $20 for adults)
Northern Central Railway of York
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
There’s plenty of fall fun to be had on this railroad through the Heritage Rail Trail County Park. For classic leaf-peeping trips there are three options: a one-hour ride to Glen Rock, a two-and-a-half-hour ride to Hanover Junction, and a three-and-a-half-hour ride to Howard Tunnel. Each is available with either a steam or diesel train. There will be a special Pumpkin Patch ride on October 19 with fall crafts and pumpkin picking. Pumpkin Patch tickets are $28.99 for adults and $19.99 for ages 2 to 12. 117 N. Front St., New Freedom, Pennsylvania, tickets starting at $19.99 for kids and $28.99 for anyone 13 or older
Stewartstown Railroad
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Take a ride on the Stewartstown Railroad’s 1920s-era passenger coaches. For autumn fun, take the Pumpkin Patch Express to pick out a pumpkin October 4 through 12; meet villains like Maleficent on the Villains Express on October 18; or don your best costume for the Halloween Costume Special on October 25. Or you can always keep it simple with the Fall Foliage Express October 19 through November 5. 21 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, tickets starting at $19 for kids and $21 for anyone 13 or older
Feature image courtesy Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Family newsletter.
