Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026): Dates & Tips
Published: August 5, 2026
By: Adam Burns
The WK&S offers a short, classic heritage ride through Berks County creek country—especially photogenic when maples and oaks turn. WK&S photo.
The Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad (WK&S) is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest all-volunteer heritage operations. From Kempton, trains cover a short former Reading segment through rural farmland and along Ontelaunee Creek toward Wanamakers. Each autumn the railroad markets a dedicated Fall Foliage outing (typically one October weekend, with related harvest-themed specials such as Flavors of Fall on the broader calendar)—an easy family day trip from the Lehigh Valley and Reading areas.
Seats on peak color Sundays sell; book when the fall calendar posts.
About the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern
Tourist service dates to 1963 on roughly 2.6 miles of the old Reading Slatington Branch saved by enthusiasts. Power is a mix of steam and diesel depending on the date. The operation is known for short, friendly excursions, caboose rides, and seasonal specials rather than multi-hour mountain products.
Related: Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026) · National Fall Foliage Hub
2026 Fall Foliage — At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Trip name | Fall Foliage Excursion (plus related harvest specials such as Flavors of Fall when scheduled) |
| Location | Kempton, Pennsylvania (42 Community Center Drive area / depot) |
| 2026 dates | Dedicated fall foliage typically one weekend in October; regular Sunday season into fall—confirm live calendar at kemptontrain.com |
| Duration | About 40 minutes round trip (typical scenic product) |
| Distance / route | ~2.6 miles one way toward Wanamakers along Ontelaunee Creek / rural farmland |
| Power | Steam and/or diesel (confirm for your date) |
| Classes | Coach; caboose options on some trains |
| Fares | Confirm on official site (recent public listings have cited modest adult fares for regular rides) |
| Official site | kemptontrain.com |
Schedules and fares change. Confirm on the railroad’s website before booking. Information compiled August 4, 2026.
What the Ride Is Like
Trains leave Kempton amid rural farmland and quickly enter wooded country along Ontelaunee Creek for the short run toward Wanamakers. This is classic southeastern Pennsylvania short-line scenery—creek, timber, and farms—not high-mountain gorge drama. The short length suits young children and multi-stop PA foliage weekends with Colebrookdale, Strasburg, or New Hope.
Related products (Apple-Pickin’, Flavors of Fall, Halloween, etc.) appear on the seasonal calendar; book the exact ticket type you want.
Peak Color Notes
Berks County lower-elevation hardwoods often peak mid-to-late October, later than the Poconos. Early October weekends can still be green in warm years.
What to Expect Onboard
- Volunteer-run heritage pace; family crowds on foliage weekends
- Short outing—plan lunch in the area before or after
- Steam when rostered is a major draw; confirm power
- Arrive early for parking and boarding
Tickets & Practical Information
- Booking: Online when dates post; (610) 756-6469
- Base: Kempton, PA 19529
- Pair with: Colebrookdale Autumn Splendor; Reading / Lehigh Valley day trips
- Tickets: kemptontrain.com
Tips for the Best Experience
- Target mid-to-late October foliage weekend when published
- Verify steam vs. diesel if steam is the priority
- Combine with a longer PA foliage ride the same weekend
- Do not trespass on railroad or private property for photos
Related Reading on American-Rails.com
- Pennsylvania Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
- Colebrookdale Fall Foliage 2026
- West Chester Fall Foliage 2026
- Fall Foliage Train Rides — National Guide
- Best Fall Foliage Trains East 2026
Always verify 2026 schedules, fares, and event dates on the operator’s official website before you travel.
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