If you are just joining us on this Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations series—welcome! If you are looking for family friendly travel tips—ways to take advantage of the spectacular autumn weather—then you’ve come to the right place. So far, we’ve covered corn mazes and haunted houses, and hiking trails, now grab your conductor’s hat, we’re getting ready to hop aboard the Autumn Express.
I’m sure you have seen the incredible fall foliage from a car, or perhaps while you were walking down a park path, but have you ever viewed the season’s breathtaking natural color show from a train? I’ll admit the only train I have ever boarded was the one that took my family around the perimeter of a local amusement park (by the way, my 2-year-old LOVED it), but I can’t imagine a more unique way to take in all of the wonderful fall colors while chugging along inside a train car.
In fact, many rail companies throughout the country offer themed rides with entertainment for kids. For example, New Hampshire’s Conway Scenic Railroad stops right near the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Crawford Notch (Highland) Center.
If you live a bit farther south consider checking out North Carolina’s Raft’N Rail Excursion package. Through October 28th you and your family can go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River and take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad from Bryson City, North Carolina. You can get details here.
Your kids will love this one: For all of you pumpkin fans who live in and around Ohio, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs the Great Pumpkin Express. It departs from the Rockside station on October 21-22 and 28-29, with a costume contest and a visit to a pumpkin patch and corn maze.
If you live in the Southwest, you may consider boarding the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which runs between Colorado and New Mexico. Or take a trip to California where you can take advantage of the specials offered by the Fillmore & Western Railway Company, which is located about 60 miles from Los Angeles. It celebrates Halloween with a “PumpkinLiner” trip to a private pick-your-own pumpkin patch. There’s also a “Headless Horseman” tour offered five times in October.
Related Articles:
Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations-Part 1: Corn Mazes
Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations–Part 2: Haunted Houses
Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations-Part 3: Hiking Trails