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 Northern Virginia, to take in views of the stunning foliage through the window of a locomotive.
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. 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 $33 for seniors, and $36 for adults 13 and up)
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 from September 12 to October 18 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 $32.99 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, enjoy the Pumpkin Patch Special and pick out a pumpkin October 3 through 11. Or you can always keep it simple with the Fall Foliage Express on November 7. 21 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, tickets starting at $19 for kids and $21 for anyone 13 or older
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, Haunting of Pumpkin Junction. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks, Pennsylvania, tickets starting at $18 for kids and $26 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 from October 17 through 25. 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
Wilmington & Western Railroad
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours, 30 minutes
Travel through Delaware’s Red Clay Valley on the Wilmington & Western Railroad, which began in 1867 as a transportation route for freight and passengers. Visitors can ride on a coal-burning steam locomotive or an early-generation diesel locomotive in a vintage train car. For fall foliage, the 90- to 100-minute Autumn Leaf Ramble winds through the valley during the autumn season. The railroad also offers specialty rides, including the Santa Claus Express and Holiday Lights Express, and caboose and parlor car rentals. 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, tickets start at $17 for children and $19 for adults
Feature image courtesy Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
