Scenic train routes offer autumn foliage viewing in US and Canada

Scenic train travel is emerging as a preferred method for viewing autumn foliage across North America, offering access to landscapes often unreachable by car.

In the United States, the central Appalachian corridor—specifically Virginia, West Virginia, and western North Carolina—is projected to have exceptional color in 2026 due to favorable moisture levels. Notable routes include the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which runs 64 miles between New Mexico and Colorado, crossing the state line 11 times.

In Canada, several rail routes provide car-free access to autumn scenery in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Options include the Train de Charlevoix, which connects Quebec and Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie, and routes traveling from Montreal to Bathurst, New Brunswick.