Massachusetts Fall Foliage Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Published: March 8, 2025
By: Adam Burns
As the vibrant hues of autumn sweep across Massachusetts, there's no better way to enjoy the spectacle than on a scenic train ride through the state's picturesque landscapes. Fall foliage train excursions combine the charm of classic rail travel with the stunning beauty of nature, offering a uniquely immersive experience. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best train journeys to take in Massachusetts this fall, providing details on what you can expect on each ride.
Cape Cod Scenic Railroad (Hyannis)
Although known for its beaches and maritime history, Cape Cod offers a unique fall experience. The Cape Cod Central Railroad provides a relaxing journey through bogs, marshes, and quaint towns, revealing a side of this famous region that's often unexplored.
The railroad is an upscale heritage railroad which offers a wide range of dinner trains and specials throughout the year.
While it does not host an official fall foliage excursion its schedule runs through October, allowing passenger to enjoy a train ride at the height of a New England autumn.
Few other places in America offer such vibrant colors of reds, yellows, and burgundies. The railroad operates just over 24 miles of an old New York, New Haven & Hartford branch between Hyannis and Buzzards Bay.
Trains depart from the former town at the preserved, two-story wooden NYNH&H depot built in the early 1900's (located at 252 Main Street).
Your trip takes you north out of town near the Barnstable Municipal Airport and past the Cummaquid Golf Club before turning west through a mixture of woodland and suburban homes.
You will briefly pass the Great Marshes and continue northwest before reaching the Cape Cod Canal which connects Cape Cod Bay with Buzzards Bay.
The trip concludes at another preserved New Haven depot, this one in Buzzards Bay, a one-story brick/stucco structure completed in 1912.
Notable Routes
Scenic Trains: These rides travel between Hyannis and Sandwich, offering not just foliage views but also glimpses of the Cape's diverse ecological settings.
Dinner Train: For a more luxurious experience, partake in a dining excursion that pairs breathtaking vistas with gourmet meals.
Berkshire Scenic Railway (Adams)
Nestled in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts, the Berkshire Scenic Railway offers a delightful journey through the scenic Berkshire region. Known for its quaint towns and vibrant arts scene, the Berkshires become even more enchanting as leaves transform into shades of red, gold, and amber.
This all-volunteer organization has been in service since 1984 and until 2011 used the tracks of freight carrier Housatonic Railroad.
That changed after the company no longer wanted train rides hosted over its rails so the museum worked out an agreement to operate about 5 miles of the former New York Central between Adams and North Adams in 2016.
The museum's operating season lasts from May through October; during this time they host several special events, including during the fall. The line follows the scenic Hoosic River as well as small farms along the way. All trips depart from Adams where the former NYC line has been partially rebuilt to reach the town.
Notable Routes
Housatonic Line: Running between North Adams and Adams, this tour provides a short but picturesque trip showcasing the charm of small New England towns set against the backdrop of fall foliage.
Hoosac Valley Excursion Train: This classic route between Adams and North Adams features vintage rail cars and offers stunning views of Mount Greylock, Massachusetts' highest peak, resplendent in its autumn glory.
Overview
Exploring Massachusetts’ fall foliage via train is an enchanting way to engage with the season's natural beauty while experiencing timeless travel. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or simply a day to admire the splendor of nature, the state's railways offer a charming escape perfect for all. Reserve your tickets, grab your camera, and prepare for a memorable autumn journey on Massachusetts’ foliage train rides.
Recent Articles
-
Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom!
Jan 06, 26 10:18 PM
Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book. -
Pennsylvania Dinner Train Rides In Boyertown!
Jan 06, 26 06:48 PM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
North Carolina ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Ride
Jan 06, 26 11:26 AM
While there are currently no murder mystery dinner trains in the Tarheel State the Burgaw Depot does host a murder mystery dinner experience in September! -
Florida's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:23 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Mexico's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:19 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Ohio's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:14 AM
Among the intriguing ways to experience Ohio's splendor is aboard the wine tasting trains that journey through some of Ohio's most picturesque vineyards and wineries. -
Connecticut's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:06 AM
For 2026, the tour stop at Essex brings Thomas (and Percy, too) to the historic Valley Railroad for a full day of events for the kids. -
Maryland's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:00 AM
In 2026, the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore welcomes the Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour with four event days that combine a Thomas-themed excursion with other activities. -
Tennessee's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 10:51 AM
Set on the grounds of one of the Southeast’s best-known operating railroad museums, the Thomas the train event blends kid-friendly fun with the unmistakable sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a real wo… -
Georgia's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 10:44 AM
Day Out With Thomas is set to roll back into Cordele in 2026, bringing Thomas the Tank Engine and a full family festival to the SAM Shortline at Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park. -
Staten Island Rapid Transit
Jan 06, 26 10:02 AM
The Staten Island Rapid Transit has long served Staten Island since the 19th century and today is known as the Staten Island Railway. -
New York Dinner Train Rides In The Adirondacks!
Jan 05, 26 09:45 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
Ohio Dinner Train Rides On The CVSR!
Jan 05, 26 08:32 PM
While the railroad is well known for daytime sightseeing and seasonal events, one of its most memorable offerings is its evening dining program—an experience that blends vintage passenger-car ambience… -
Pennsylvania's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 01:08 PM
Wine tasting trains are a unique and enchanting way to explore the state’s burgeoning wine scene while enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes. -
West Virginia - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 01:02 PM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
Virginia - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:58 PM
Wine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration. -
Utah - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:37 PM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Kentucky Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:31 PM
If you’re looking for a date night that feels a little more cinematic than the usual reservation-and-a-movie routine, Bardstown’s My Old Kentucky Dinner Train delivers the kind of evening you remember… -
Pennsylvania Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:12 PM
Tucked amid the rolling farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Strasburg Rail Road stands as one of the most celebrated and successful heritage railroads in North America. -
New York's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 11:01 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides!
