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Sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. Such is the case for passengers who step aboard these 10 trains — nominated by a panel of travel experts and voted as the best by readers — offering gorgeous scenery and memorable rides.
Each route promises an unforgettable experience filled with beautiful landscapes and unique regional charm. Whether you’re traversing majestic mountains, winding through lush forests, or gliding along rushing rivers, these train rides offer a captivating way to take in the diverse beauty of the country.
Departing from Utica’s Union Station, the Adirondack Railroad runs 108 miles of former New York Central trackage through the heart of Adirondack Park, all the way to Tupper Lake with routes ranging from 90-minute excursions to a full-day High Peaks Limited journey. The train winds past Piercefield Flow, Lake Arab, Horseshoe Lake, and countless remote clearings that you’d never stumble upon any other way. Pack your binoculars and expect pure, unspoiled quiet.
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad invites guests aboard the Trough Canyon excursion, a three-hour adventure through West Virginia’s “Almost Heaven” Trough region along the South Branch Potomac River. The mountain valley is known for its thriving bald eagle habitat. Historical narration brings the area’s rich past to life, while birding enthusiasts and photographers enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities. Across the seasons, the canyon reflects the bald eagle life cycle, from nesting and fledglings to growing juveniles. Guests can personalize their journey with five distinctive dining experiences, each offering a unique way to add comfort, flavor, and enjoyment to an already unforgettable ride.
The California Western Railroad, known as the Skunk Train, got its start hauling lumber in Mendocino County; today, it’s the towering evergreens tucked within the Noyo River Canyon and lining the Pudding Creek Estuary that steal the spotlight. Departing from Fort Bragg and Willits, each journey blends rich history with breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re touring the historic engine house, riding an electric-assist railbike, or enjoying a drink at the Glen Blair Bar that’s accessible only by rail, the Skunk Train promises an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Take in gorgeous views of the Allegheny Mountains on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. The original railroad began operating in 1852 and currently boasts the second-largest continuously operating steam locomotive in the world. Helmstetter’s Curve, an iron truss bridge, and a 914-foot tunnel make this train a truly special experience.
Completed in 1884, Colorado’s historic narrow-gauge Georgetown Loop now operates a mix of diesel-electric and steam engines from Georgetown to Silver Plume. On the 75-minute round-trip route, passengers can ride in box cars with bench seating that is open in the summer or fully enclosed parlor cars during the holiday season. Optional silver mine guided walking tours during the summer take visitors deep into Leavenworth Mountain for a glimpse of working in a 19th-century mine.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the world’s highest cog railroad, reaching a height of 14,115 feet. This 9-mile journey takes passengers to the top of Pikes Peak, traveling along Ruxton Creek and through Deer Park along the way.
Trains roll along a 15-mile stretch of century-old Chicago & Northwestern track beside the Namekagon River, part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Riders travel through dense Northwoods pine forests at a pace that dares you to slow down and take in the scenery. Excursion options range from pizza, wine and cheese, and Santa trains to four-course dinner trains and a one-of-a-kind Bed & Breakfast Train.
East Broad Top Railroad traces its roots back to 1872, and it’s the only 3-foot gauge common carrier railroad still left east of the Rocky Mountains. Excursions carry passengers on a 9-mile round trip ride through undulating hills, pastoral scenery, and forests. Guided tours and special events, like Christmas in Coal Country and PEANUTS The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, offer a different train ride experience.
The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad once hauled silver and gold between these two Colorado towns. Today, visitors can hop aboard for this nine-hour round-trip journey through some of Colorado’s most impressive scenery, with a stop in Silverton to explore the historic mining town.
One of the most authentic steam-operated railroads in existence, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs for 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, passing through the San Juan Mountains and the scenic Conejos Valley along the way. This moving National Historic Landmark represents one of New Mexico’s most spectacular day trips.
Brian enjoys exploring cities along public transit lines and writing about it at his blog, imayroam.com. He also writes about food tours, layovers, and exploring movie and musical landmarks.
Brian has traveled to 57 countries as well as every state. On weekends, he leads music and film-focused tours of New York City. His five-star rated Goodfellas Tour has been featured in Airbnb Magazine. Always happy to offer tips to aspiring travel writers and tour guides, Brian has been featured at the New York Times Travel Show as part of their Meet the Experts panel.
A Massachusetts native, Jared Ranahan’s yearning to see the world has led him to live in eight cities across four continents, and he is always seeking out a new city to visit or call home.
Jared is especially interested in zoology, history, and natural science, and works to incorporate these disciplines into his stories whenever possible.
Jared enjoys hoppy IPAs, peaty scotches, and all forms of sugarcane distillates.
Laura Sutherland is a veteran travel writer who specializes in culinary, craft beer, wine, ski, and family travel. She’s the author of six travel guidebooks, including “The Best Family Ski Vacations in North America.” Her articles have appeared in publications like Real Simple, Taste and Travel International, Parents, Family Fun, Writer’s Digest, The Dallas Morning News, and Miami Herald. An avid skier since the age of four when she strapped on a pair of wooden skis at Yosemite’s Badger Pass, she’s since explored dozens of snow sports resorts through the United States, Canada and Europe.
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, and the founder of ThemeParkHipster.com and FloridaHipster.com. As a self-proclaimed foodie and wine lover, she brings her curiosity and zest for life to every adventure. Based in Orlando, Florida, NikkyJ spends her days discovering hidden gems and world-class attractions throughout America. You can join her journey on YouTube, where she shares insider tips, stories, and inspiration for theme park travelers everywhere.
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