Labor Day weekend has come to a close – which means we’re at the unofficial send-off to summer and the perfect time to start thinking FALL. 🍂

And what says “Pennsylvania Fall” better than a scenic train ride through a kaleidoscope of autumn colors? It’s the ideal season for a quick family weekend escape – crisp air, vibrant foliage, and quality time outdoors before the school and sports schedule kicks into full gear. Plus, most of these train rides are based in charming towns and can be paired with other nearby fall activities – perfect for that fall family weekend trip!

Whether you’re traveling with little ones, teens, or grandparents, there are great options for all ages. So tell me – where should I help you plan your family’s next cozy fall getaway?

For Families with Younger Kids

New Hope Railroad – (New Hope)

Fall Foliage Excursion 🍁 – A warm, nostalgic ride aboard vintage coaches departs from the 1891 “Witch’s Hat” station in New Hope. The 90-minute journey heads through Bucks County, reaching charming Buckingham before turning back. A lively storyteller shares local history along the way, bringing the trip to life. Runs every weekend in October.

Halloween Extra 🎃 – The 45-minute Trick-Or-Treat Train features the tale of Spookley the Square Pumpkin and festive tunes performed live by one of their onboard musicians. Costumes are encouraged and each kiddo is given an official railroad trick-or-treat bag, filled with assorted knick-knacks and sweets. Once back at the station, there are trick-or-treat stands set up around the platform! Runs the last 3 weekends in October plus Halloween.

Strasburg Rail Road (Lancaster County)

Offers a variety of family-centered experiences: a 45-minute countryside ride in coach or open-air cars; and a themed family outing like the Pumpkins in Paradise fall event.

Pumpkins in Paradise 🎃 – ONE DAY ONLY! Celebrate the beauty of fall with a festive afternoon at Groff’s Picnic Grove!  Board the historic steam train for a scenic ride through Amish Country, then step off at Groff’s Picnic Grove for a fun-filled layover featuring live music, games, and pumpkin decorating. Happening Saturday, September 27 only.

West Chester Railroad (West Chester to Glen Mills)

A 90-minute round trip through Chester County’s fall scenery. Launched in 1997, the heritage line adds special event rides (including Halloween and holiday-themed trips) perfect for younger or easily excited kids. 

Fall Foliage Express 🍁 – Enjoy a brisk fall afternoon as you embark on a scenic journey through the picturesque Chester Creek Valley aboard their heated train to the charming village of Glen Mills and return. During the stop at the historic Glen Mills train station, take some time to explore the picturesque picnic grove, perfect for a leisurely lunch to view the fall colors. Runs almost every Sunday in October, and first two Sundays in November.

Halloween Special 🎃 – The Fall Foliage Express, but with non-spooky Halloween fun! Perfect for families and little ones looking to enjoy the season without the scares. Come aboard in your best Halloween costume, kids will receive treats – no tricks, just sweets! It’s a fun, festive way to enjoy Halloween while traveling through some of the most beautiful fall scenery around. Runs the last weekend in October.

East Broad Top Railroad (Rockhill Furnace)

This is more than a ride—it’s historic immersion. America’s oldest narrow-gauge railroad (circa 1872) offers rides through beautiful central PA scenery.

Pumpkin Patch Express 🎃 – Put on your Halloween costume and head out for a fall festival in the mountains of Central PA! Ride the train, play games, pick the perfect pumpkin, and more! You’ll enjoy a train ride to the Pumpkin Patch where you’ll have 1.5 hours to enjoy delicious food, participate in a variety of fun activities, and for every child to pick out their very own pumpkin. Runs the last 3 weekends in October.

Stewartstown Railroad (York County)

Short coach or caboose trips—about 1.5 miles out and back— these trains offer a lower-cost option for those who want the experience without as many frills.

Pumpkin Patch Express 🎃 – Every passenger is invited to pick their own pumpkin to take home (until supplies last) on this festive train! This train ride is about 1 ½ hours long. Runs the 1st two weekends in October.

Villains Express with the Witch Sisters 🧙‍♀️ – Kick off spooky season in style with this family friendly Villain’s Express! You’ll be joined by a hilarious trio – the witch sisters – for some festive activities during the ride, a spooktacular game of Spooky bingo and a festive dance party at the picnic grove! Wear your best Spooky costume, witch hat, or whatever gets you in a spooky and silly mood! Only running October 18!

For Older Kids & All-Ages Explorers

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (Jim Thorpe)

Autumn Leaf Season Train 🍁 – A 45-minute Autumn Leaf run along the dramatic Lehigh River, passing through tunnels, over bridges, and into forested canyons. Offered throughout October and November on various weekdays and weekends. NOTE: Autumn Leaf Season train tickets cannot be pre-purchased. You must purchase them the day you want to ride on a first-come, first-serve basis. The only exception is for groups of 10+ on a weekday, I can reserve those in advance. Runs most days in October.

Bonus: Bike Train 🚲 – The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway has teamed up with Pocono Biking! Ride one-way with your bikes safely stowed onboard and pedal back along the Lehigh Gorge Trail—great for active older kids. You can rent bikes, too! The leaves are usually *just* turning at this point and that crisp air is perfect! The Bike Train sells out every year – make sure to act fast and let’s secure your family weekend in Jim Thorpe! Only September 20 & 21.

Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad (Titusville)

Fall Foliage Ride 🍁 – Enjoy a slow-paced, 3-hour round trip through Oil Creek State Park. Trains move at about 12 mph—ideal for taking photos of reflected fall foliage amid rolling hills. Really nice way for older kiddos to learn about the history of the Oil Creek region while enjoying the stunning fall foliage views. Runs October 1-17 only. These ALWAYS sell out.

Strasburg Rail Road (Lancaster County)

Haunted Rails & Tales: Eerie Local Legends Train 🎃👻 – Local folklore, fables, and phenomena come alive for a unique steam train experience during Strasburg Rail Road’s Haunted Rails & Tales, based on the published works of Matt Lake, author of Weird Pennsylvania. Lake will serve as the ghostly host as he guides guests through the weird, eerie, and spooky tales of Lancaster County and its environs. Runs weekends in October and more closer to Halloween.

Colebrookdale Railroad – (Boyertown to Pottstown)

Autumn Splendor Ride – This 90-minute fall foliage ride takes you across a historic corridor through woods and over streams. With restored vintage cars (coach, parlor, café, dining, and open-air), it’s a scenic, immersive experience. These are unique in that they offer different fall foliage options – train ride only, or a meal (brunch, lunch, dinner, and an adult-only hard cider tasting experience). All options run throughout October.

The Stourbridge Line – (Honesdale to Hawley)

When the Stourbridge Lion arrived in Honesdale in July 1829, about three miles of wooden track had been laid which crossed the Lackawaxen River on a trestle bridge some thirty feet in height. Today, The Stourbridge Line, operated by the Delaware, Lackawaxen & Stourbridge Railroad Company, offers a vast array of regular and special event trains for all ages to enjoy. 

Pocono Foliage Express 🍁 – Covers 20 miles of Wayne County’s colorful landscapes over a 90-minute period. The schedule won’t be updated for this ride until the end of September, but if you’re interested, I can let you know when it’s released!

Autumn Dinner Train 🍁 – One of the only options where a full meal is served – a great way to see the beauty of fall while enjoying a relaxing catered dinner! Runs most weekends in October.

Pumpkin Patch Express 🎃 – October weekends bring the festive Pumpkin Patch Express where the children get to pick a pumpkin to bring home.

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Whether you’re seeking a magical ride that delights young imaginations, a scenic adventure for older kids, or a historic journey that stretches everyone’s horizons—Pennsylvania’s fall train excursions offer something for every family. From the nostalgic charm of New Hope and East Broad Top to the rugged beauty of Lehigh Gorge or Oil Creek, your family’s perfect autumn memory awaits on the rails.

Need help narrowing based on your location or interests? Just let me know! Each of these train rides makes for a great start to a weekend trip! Enjoy the train and stay the night in the local town to experience what else fall has to offer! Ready to book your fall foliage weekend? Let’s talk!

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Photos:

• John Brighenti from Rockville, MD, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Chris Warner,Allegheny National Forest,United States Forest Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons