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7 Scenic Train Trips On The East Coast To Take This Summer

  • Scenic East Coast train trips in summer offer unique experiences, stunning views, and historical charm for a memorable journey.
  • Summer is the perfect time to embark on these train trips, with longer days and nice weather enhancing the travel experience.
  • Onboard amenities like comfortable seating, dining options, and scenic views make train travel relaxing and hassle-free, especially during the peak summer season.

A train ride is a relaxing means of travel, allowing travelers to unwind and enjoy the ride without having to deal with traffic. When thinking of taking a train trip in the summer, the East Coast of the USA offers stunning coastal scenery, historical charm, and cultural experiences, making a journey full of cherishable memories.

From magnificent natural wonders on the East Coast and cozy East Coast towns to historical landmarks, each train ride in this region is a distinct experience. Plus, the summer's longer days and nice weather make it a great time to do these trips.

Also, the amenities onboard the train, like comfortable seats, restrooms, dining options, and even sleeping spaces (particularly onboard America's long and scenic overnight train trips ), make the journey more relaxing and hassle-free. The scenic views along the train ride add to the overall experience.

Listed below are some of the best scenic East Coast train trips to take in the summer. Choose one to explore tranquil towns with beautiful surroundings and a laid-back vibe, or take in the splendor of major cities and have a fun summer vacation.

10 Bucket List Towns To Explore By Amtrak Train

Coastal vistas and historic charm along the scenic boston-to-hyannis route.

The CapeFLYER , a summer weekend passenger train between Boston and Hyannis, is one of the best train rides on the East Coast in summer for travelers looking for scenic and fun experiences.

The train operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Once on Cape Cod, travelers can explore this popular summer destination on the East Coast without a car because buses and island ferries are available to get around.

With free Wi-Fi, a café, wheelchair accessibility, and all other essential amenities of a passenger train, the CapeFLYER is a relaxing and enjoyable ride to take in the summer. But this is not all; bringing bikes or pets is free for passengers!

General seating does not require reservations. Travelers can purchase tickets from South Station, the app, and the conductor.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Scenic mountain vistas, historic charm, and immersive experiences while passing through the adirondacks.

The Adirondack Railroad offers a magnificent opportunity to experience the majestic landscapes of Upstate New York. While this historic Adirondack Railroad train is famous for its winter Polar Express , the Adirondack Railroad also offers various scenic train rides during the summer, such as The High Peaks Limited and The Gateway .

With breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains, stunning countryside, and historic landmarks, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is among the most scenic train rides in the US in summer.

This picturesque ride between Utica, Thendara, and Tupper Lake takes passengers through lush forests, beautiful lakes, and breathtaking peaks. With comfortable seating, wheelchair accessibility, and a café, the train ride is truly an immersive experience in one of the East Coast's most picturesque regions.

About The Gateway

About the high peaks limited, 7 epic round-trip amtrak vacations in the us, strasburg rail road, a scenic train ride onboard vintage steam locomotives through majestic pennsylvania dutch country scenery.

With vistas of the gorgeous Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Strasburg Railroad is the oldest railroad in the country . Its vintage steam locomotives and passenger cars provide an authentic historic experience, making it a must for individuals looking for scenic and unique train travel experiences.

Strasburg Rail Road offers year-round special events and themed trips, including Easter and Christmas rides. The train travels to Paradise, Pennsylvania, and back in 45 minutes, passing through peaceful Amish country, making it one of the most scenic summer train trips on the East Coast.

The trip is truly unforgettable, regardless of the options that passengers select from, which include coach classes, first-class cars, open-air cars (available exclusively from April to October), and lounges.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy majestic mountain scenery onboard vintage railcars through the north carolina countryside.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is another scenic train ride along the East Coast that's worth doing in the summer. In fact, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is famous for being the most scenic fall train ride in the US , but summer is also a wonderful time to enjoy this trip.

This historic train, which operates out of Bryson City, North Carolina, provides up-close views of Fontana Lake, the Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains, historic structures, and breathtaking greenery.

Experience this authentic train ride by selecting from a range of passenger round-trip train options, special event trains, and diesel or steam-powered engines. The best ride to take in the summer is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion , which travels along the Nantahala River and offers views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The one-hour layover is in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge, where travelers can unwind by the river while soaking in the surrounding scenery and refreshing ambiance.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

A historic train ride full of spectacular mountain vistas, old-world charm, and pretty towns.

Riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of the unique things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains , with views of the breathtaking Chattahoochee Forest, quaint towns, and Appalachian hills. Starting at the historic terminal in Blue Ridge, Georgia, the 26-mile round-trip journey through history winds along the Toccoa River, displaying the breathtaking landscape of North Georgia.

Travelers can choose from two-hour Express Tours (with no stops) or four-hour Extended Tours (with a two-hour layover). There are also several car alternatives, including vintage cars, open-air cars, and taxis. The 4-hour Extended Tour offers enough time to visit the twin towns of McCaysville and Copperhill during a 2-hour layover.

7 Coolest Towns On The Atlantic Coast For A Summer Vacation In 2024

Amtraks adirondack train, a memorable train trip with amazing vistas of the hudson river, adirondack mountains, lake champlain, and charming towns.

One of Amtrak's most scenic train rides along the East Coast is the Adirondack Train , which provides breathtaking vistas of the towering Adirondack Mountains and the lovely Hudson Valley. The train ride offers an extensive panorama of upstate New York's natural splendor as it passes by Lake Champlain, the Hudson River, lush woodlands, and quaint small towns.

The Adirondack train travels between New York City and Montreal, covering around 381 miles (613 km) in around 11 hours and 36 minutes. The route offers plenty of breathtaking vistas and interesting historical sites, and the beauty of Montreal lends this journey a distinct international appeal.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

A dramatic mountain ascent, panoramic views, and a historic summit stop make this a truly scenic east coast train ride.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway, enthralling passengers with a dramatic rise to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak. Many people enjoy hiking this mountain, but there are numerous reasons to take the Cog Railway instead of hiking Mount Washington during the summer.

As the historic steam train climbs steep hills and travels through spectacular landscapes, passengers are treated to expansive views of the White Mountains and surrounding wilderness. Along the train ride, there will be educational narration by the guide, and the train stops at a summit where guests may take in the expansive views and visit Mount Washington State Park.

7 Scenic Train Trips On The East Coast To Take This Summer

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Niagara Falls Getaway Roundtrip from Chicago

$669 - 5 Days

  • Chicago >
  • Santa Fe >
  • Grand Canyon >
  • Flagstaff >

Travel from Chicago to the majestic wonders of Niagara Falls! Take in the sights of the Horseshoe Falls from high atop the Skylon Tower. Travel right up to the Falls on a sightseeing cruise that will allow you to feel the mist of the Falls. You will also have plenty of time to explore the exciting attractions around the Niagara region. A wonderful roundtrip getaway awaits you!

Reservations: 1-800-268-7252

For pricing and availability from your Amtrak Station:

Highlights:

  • 2 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak®
  • Admission to the Skylon Tower Observatory Deck
  • Voyage to the Falls Boat Ride
  • Roundtrip Amtrak in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Buffalo on the Lake Shore Limited®
  • Roundtrip transfers from train station to hotel between Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls, ON

PERSONALIZE YOUR TRIP:

  • Sightseeing tour of Niagara Falls
  • Niagara Adventure Pass

Call us to customize this vacation!

Other Packages Available:

Disclaimer:

Package prices are per person, double occupancy, tax included. Prices do not include rail from your hometown. Please call for pricing. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability at the time of booking. Amtrak travel is for Coach accommodations unless otherwise noted. Upgrades to Roomette or Bedroom accommodations on board Amtrak are available. Call for pricing. Other restrictions may apply. Activities referenced in the itinerary during free time are for suggested purposes only and are not included. Seasonal activity (if applicable): During the off-season, some tours may not be available. In this case, a similar tour will be substituted. Passports (if applicable): Passports are required when crossing the Canadian border. Amtrak and Amtrak Vacations are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

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