20 U.S. Towns Where Scenic Train Rides Show Off America’s Natural Beauty
There’s something timeless about a scenic train ride, where the landscape unfolds slowly before your eyes, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty of the countryside. Across the U.S., there are charming towns that have become famous for their unforgettable train journeys, winding through mountains, forests, and alongside rivers.
These rides aren’t just about getting from one place to another—they’re about the experience of the journey itself. From historic railroads to modern scenic routes, here are 20 U.S. towns where scenic train rides let you see the country in the most picturesque way possible.
1. Durango, Colorado – Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango offers one of the most iconic scenic train rides in the U.S., the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic steam-powered train takes you through the rugged San Juan Mountains, offering breathtaking views of cliffs and rivers.
It’s a journey back in time, filled with Colorado’s wild beauty and history.
2. Bryson City, North Carolina – Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Bryson City is home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, where scenic rides take you through the stunning Smoky Mountains. Travel alongside rushing rivers and through tunnels carved into the mountains, with panoramic views of the vibrant landscape.
It’s a perfect way to explore the natural wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains.
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3. Skagway, Alaska – White Pass & Yukon Route
The White Pass & Yukon Route in Skagway offers a scenic ride with views that are nothing short of dramatic. This narrow-gauge railroad climbs steep grades, passing waterfalls, gorges, and snow-capped peaks as it follows the historic Klondike Gold Rush trail.
It’s a thrilling and unforgettable journey through the Alaskan wilderness.
4. Essex, Connecticut – Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
In Essex, you can enjoy the unique experience of combining a scenic train ride with a riverboat cruise. The Essex Steam Train takes you along the Connecticut River, offering views of forests, marshes, and historic landmarks.
This ride is a tranquil and scenic escape into New England’s picturesque countryside.
5. Chama, New Mexico – Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Chama is home to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, one of the longest and most scenic narrow-gauge railways in the U.S. The ride takes you through the Rocky Mountains, crossing the Colorado-New Mexico border with breathtaking views of meadows and canyons.
It’s an authentic steam-powered adventure filled with history and stunning landscapes.
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6. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania – Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
Jim Thorpe’s Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers a peaceful ride through Pennsylvania’s lush woodlands and along the Lehigh River. This scenic train follows the path of an old coal route, offering serene views of forests, cliffs, and waterfalls.
Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit, with vibrant autumn colors surrounding the tracks.
7. Cass, West Virginia – Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Cass Scenic Railroad takes visitors deep into the Appalachian Mountains, powered by historic steam locomotives. The ride offers spectacular views of dense forests, rolling hills, and mountain valleys, with stops at old logging camps.
It’s a charming and nostalgic experience perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
8. Ely, Nevada – Nevada Northern Railway
Ely’s Nevada Northern Railway offers scenic train rides through the remote landscapes of Nevada’s high desert. The rugged, open vistas and historical mining routes make for a unique and memorable train journey.
This railroad also offers stargazing train rides, where passengers can enjoy clear desert skies filled with stars.
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9. Williams, Arizona – Grand Canyon Railway
The Grand Canyon Railway in Williams offers one of the most spectacular train rides in the country. Starting in this charming town, the train takes you through Arizona’s high desert to the edge of the Grand Canyon.
It’s a scenic and historic ride that culminates with one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
10. Cumberland, Maryland – Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Cumberland’s Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers a scenic ride through the Allegheny Mountains. The journey passes through dense forests, over deep gorges, and along the scenic Potomac River.
This picturesque route showcases the natural beauty of Western Maryland’s rolling hills and mountains.
11. Arcadia, Missouri – Arcadia Valley Scenic Railroad
Arcadia Valley Scenic Railroad takes you on a peaceful ride through the Ozark Mountains. This scenic journey offers views of rugged cliffs, serene rivers, and lush forests in the heart of Missouri.
It’s a charming and relaxing way to experience the natural beauty of the Midwest.
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12. Baldwin City, Kansas – Midland Railway
Baldwin City’s Midland Railway offers scenic rides through the Kansas countryside.
This historic train takes you past rolling hills, farmlands, and small-town charm, providing a peaceful escape from the everyday.
The railway also offers themed rides, making it a fun family-friendly destination.
13. Boone, Iowa – Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
Boone’s Scenic Valley Railroad takes you on a picturesque journey through Iowa’s countryside. The ride crosses over towering bridges and follows the Des Moines River, offering beautiful views of farmlands and river valleys.
It’s a relaxing way to see the quiet, scenic beauty of rural Iowa.
14. Hood River, Oregon – Mount Hood Railroad
The Mount Hood Railroad offers stunning views of Oregon’s towering Mount Hood and the surrounding vineyards and orchards. This scenic train ride takes you through the Hood River Valley, showcasing the region’s natural beauty in every season.
It’s a fantastic way to experience Oregon’s wine country and breathtaking mountain views.
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15. North Conway, New Hampshire – Conway Scenic Railroad
North Conway’s Conway Scenic Railroad offers nostalgic train rides through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The scenic route winds through forests, alongside rivers, and across historic trestle bridges.
The train’s vintage charm and stunning views make it a must-do for visitors to New England.
16. Silverton, Colorado – Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Silverton, like Durango, serves as a terminal for the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This leg of the journey offers steep mountain passes, winding rivers, and sweeping views of the Rockies.
Silverton’s old mining town charm adds to the allure of this scenic ride.
17. Clarkdale, Arizona – Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad offers scenic journeys through the high desert and red rock canyons of Arizona. From Clarkdale, this train takes you past ancient ruins, towering cliffs, and the sparkling Verde River.
It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to see Arizona’s natural wonders, away from the crowds.
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18. Mount Rainier, Washington – Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad takes passengers on a stunning ride through forests and foothills surrounding Washington’s iconic mountain. This historic steam-powered train offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the lush, green landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
It’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers seeking a scenic train adventure.
19. Fish Camp, California – Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Fish Camp’s Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers a scenic ride through the Sierra Nevada forests. This historic logging train provides views of towering pines and beautiful meadows, just minutes from Yosemite National Park.
It’s an enchanting experience for anyone looking to explore California’s natural beauty by train.
20. Alamosa, Colorado – Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
Alamosa’s Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers a journey through the breathtaking San Luis Valley. The train takes you through the rugged beauty of southern Colorado, with views of mountains, valleys, and wildlife.
It’s a picturesque and peaceful ride that offers a glimpse of the untamed beauty of the region.
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