Mount Hood Railroad
Hood River, Oregon
Oregon’s Mount Hood Railroad takes passengers from the 1911 railway depot in the Hood River Canyon through the river valley. The area is full of woodlands, orchards, vineyards and all the seasonal color they have to offer. The two-hour trip includes a 30-minute layover in Odell, a small rural community that grew up as a base for the local fruit industry. Railroad office manager Tamara Wiley recommended the trip for a number of reasons, including “the scenery and the narration that gives the history of the area.”
Several seating areas are available; first class and diamond class both include meal service, and meals are available as an extra for those traveling in standard class. This year, the railroad is particularly proud of its redesigned food service, which makes the most of local produce, wines and freshly caught salmon. Dining and brunch excursions are also available.
Those wishing to see the best of the fall colors are advised to plan their excursion for October. All cars provide a good outlook across the rural scenery, but the diamond class seats are on the upper level of the Sky Dome car, which offers full panoramic views.
Groups of 14 or more can be accommodated and are advised to make reservations as soon as possible or at least two weeks in advance.
Adirondack Scenic Railroad
Utica, New York
“The Adirondack Railroad travels through parts of the park that are not accessible by vehicle,” said railroad executive director Bethan Maher. “The only other way to see some of these spots is by hiking 20 or 30 miles into the wilderness.”
Since 1992, New York’s Adirondack Scenic Railroad has been restored and operated by the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society. Its four stations in the upper part of the state offer a variety of excursions, including seasonal specials as well as those geared toward diners or outdoor adventurers. Whether Utica, Thendara, Saranac Lake or Lake Placid serves as the point of departure, all rides offer comfortable, climate-controlled carriages with food service. All allow for views of the colors of autumn as trains wind their way through forests and along rivers. Trips to and from Lake Placid pass by some of the locations from the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Fall foliage excursions run from mid-September through late October. Maher said this may be the last year to enjoy trips between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, as part of the line is scheduled for demolition. She said another route particularly popular with groups is between Utica and Thendara. Groups can choose a round trip or a one-way journey, or they can combine a trip with a cruise, traveling north by train and returning across the lakes.
“The trains pass through a number of small whistle-stop towns and provide a rare opportunity to see beaver meadows and other wildlife,” Maher said.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango, Colorado
For those seeking a true journey into America’s wilderness, a trip on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad may be just the ticket. The round-trip excursion between Durango and the historic mining town of Silverton runs on a railroad spur that has been in continuous operation since 1882. Guests can settle in for a three-and-a-half-hour trip along the Animas River. The train winds its way through parts of the San Juan Mountains that are otherwise inaccessible except by helicopter. Group sales manager Carrie Whitley said this gives “very good opportunities for viewing wildlife in its natural setting.” Once the train arrives at Silverton, a two-hour layover provides plenty of time to explore the town’s mining history. Guests can then settle in for the return trip to Durango and more views of Colorado nature.
Since the journey from Durango to Silverton climbs almost 3,000 feet, there tends to be a wider range of foliage color than in some other parts of the country. Whitley recommended late September through early October for some of the best viewing opportunities.
Groups of 20 or more are advised to contact Whitley as early as possible to reserve their excursions.
“We’re known worldwide for being the little train founded on mining,” Whitley said. “We have a true passion for keeping things authentic on our railroad.”
