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• Fall Foliage Train Rides

Vermont Fall Foliage Train Rides (2024) : A Complete Guide

Last revised: December 30, 2023

By:  Adam Burns

Vermont is a nationally renowned part of New England for its breathtaking scenery, most notably the Green Mountains, which transfer each fall into incredible displays of red, yellow, vermillion, and brown.

One way to view the foliage is by train on the Vermont Rail System and Green Mountain Railroad.   The train takes passengers through some of the most beautiful scenery in Vermont, including quaint New England towns, historic covered bridges, and stunning views of the fall foliage. The tour is timed to coincide with the peak of the fall foliage season, making it the perfect way to experience Vermont's natural beauty.

If you are interested in this even be sure and get your tickets early as they sell out very quickly! In addition to its regular tours and excursions, the railroad also offers private charters and special events. It's a popular destination for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions, offering a unique and memorable way to celebrate.

Overall, the Vermont Railway/Green Mountain Railroad is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Vermont. It's a unique and charming way to experience the beauty of the Green Mountains and Vermont's countryside, and its various tours and events offer something for everyone. Whether you're a train enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to experience Vermont's natural beauty, be sure to add the Green Mountain Railroad to your itinerary.

Other Fall Foliage Attractions

If you're interested in seeing other parts of Vermont during the fall, instead of just by train, these are some of the state's most popular locations.

• Stowe, Vermont :  This picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, and it's one of the most popular destinations for leaf peepers. The area is home to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, and Smugglers' Notch State Park, both of which offer breathtaking views of the fall foliage. Stowe is also known for its charming covered bridges, which make for a great photo op.
• Green Mountain Byway :   The byway is a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of Vermont's fall foliage. The 11-mile route winds through the town of Waterbury and Stowe, and offers stunning views of the Green Mountains, including Mount Mansfield and Camel's Hump. Along the way, you'll pass through quaint New England villages, historic farms, and charming country stores.
• Lake Champlain :  This famous, and massive, freshwater lake that stretches over 120 miles, and it's a popular spot for leaf peeping. The lake offers stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, and the foliage reflected in the water is truly breathtaking. You can take a boat tour of the lake, or simply relax on one of the many beaches and take in the view.
• Route 100 : This scenic highway runs the length of Vermont, and it's one of the best places to view the fall foliage. The route winds through charming New England villages, past historic farms and covered bridges, and offers stunning views of the Green Mountains. There are also plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way, including hiking trails, country stores, and artisanal cheese shops.
• Montpelier :  Montpelier is Vermont's charming capital city, and it's a great place to view the fall foliage. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, and there are plenty of parks and trails that offer stunning views of the foliage. The city is also home to the Vermont State House, a beautiful historic building that's surrounded by trees and makes for a great photo op.

Green Mountain Railroad/Vermont Rail System

(Burlington) :   When one thinks of a New England autumn, Vermont often comes to mind.  A train ride is a fabulous way to experience the region's world-renowned fall colors. 

As it turns out, one of America's top heritage railroads can also be found here, the Green Mountain Railroad.  The company, a division of freight line Vermont Railway, operates over much of the old Rutland Railroad that shutdown in the 1960's. 

It has maintained valuable transportation services for its home state ever since that time.   

From mid-September through mid-October the railroad hosts popular  Fall Foliage  trips (including dinner trains) to allow patrons fabulous views of New England's vibrant autumn colors.  They even offer First Class accommodations for these trips. 

SteamLocomotive.com

Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. 

It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. 

It is quite staggering and a must visit!

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Vermont Rail & Sail

Day 1 - depart for albany, ny, day 2 - stowe, vt, day 3 - bellows falls, vt, tour details, commodore’s inn, transportation, trip highlights, upcoming departures, if you like this tour, you may also like..., a taste of vermont, the 1000 islands, montreal escape, ready to book.

Champlain Valley Dinner Train

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Champlain Valley Dinner Train - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Ride Vermont’s Rail Trails

W hen I was in college, I freight-hopped across the country, experiencing America from the open doors of empty rail cars. Years later, my wife Sue and I took a two-day train journey from Zimbabwe into South Africa. It felt like time was suspended as we crossed the African desert, mesmerized by the rhythmic pulse of rolling steel.  

It had been a while since I reveled in a slow ride on a long, flat, straight path through a magnificent landscape. But recently, I have began doing so on two wheels, exploring Vermont’s growing network of rail trails.

In the last few years, miles of rusting steel ribbon that once crossed Vermont have been removed to make way for paths of crushed gravel and cinders, perfect for the rubber soles of running or hiking shoes or two not-so-knobby tires.

Rail routes, once the foundation of travel, still crisscross Vermont’s valleys, carving through farmland and bordering the major rivers, with easy stopovers at brew pubs and wineries, B&Bs, farm stands, classic general stores and old opera houses. Many local bike shops now offer shuttle services, e-bike rentals and trip planning for rail trail riders.  

The national rails-to-trails movement dates to the mid-1960s, when the first rail trails opened in the Midwest. In the 1980s, after Congress deregulated the railroad industry, unprofitable routes closed around the country and 4,000 to 8,000 miles of rail lines were abandoned each year. Congress then passed a law to allow for the preservation of abandoned rail corridors and enable their conversion into multi-use trails, a process known as railbanking.  

A number of Vermont’s small rail lines closed in the 1980s and 1990s, including the Delaware & Hudson line (now the D&H Rail Trail from Castleton to Rupert), a portion of the Central Vermont Railway (closed in 1985, and now the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail), and the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad line (closed in 1995, and now the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail). Under Gov. Howard Dean, the state of Vermont moved to railbank the corridors.  

Sue Minter, my wife and cycling partner, authored Vermont’s first bicycle and pedestrian plan in 1996, and later served on the House Transportation Committee and was Secretary of Transportation.  

She explains:“What we are seeing now is a coming to fruition of efforts begun by Gov. Dean, who championed rail trails throughout the 1990s. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail got a huge boost in 2005 when then-Rep. Bernie Sanders secured a $5.2 million earmark for VAST to transform an underutilized resource into a bike and snowmobile trail.”

Now, Vermont is on the cusp of a golden age of rail trails. Burlington’s bike path, a feeder to the Island Line Rail trail has been redeveloped and rerouted. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is nearly miles complete. It is growing daily with a goal of crossing the entire northern tier of the state, east to west, a total of 93 traffic-free miles by late fall, 2022.   By this fall, the last section of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail should be complete, making it possible to ride from St. Johnsbury to Swanton on the Canadian border. Soon, Vermont will have the longest rail trail in New England, as well as five others that traverse other parts of the state.  

While that trail has been spurred on by a recent injection of nearly $14.3 million in state and federal funds, several other rail trails are also being built out.  

This past spring, the Cross Vermont Trail saw new sections and a bridge completed in Montpelier, part of a vision that would create a trail that runs from Wells, on the New Hampshire border, to Burlington.  

The 19.8-mile Vermont portion of the D&H Rail trail crosses western Rutland and Bennington counties in two sections – one between Castleton and Poultney, the other between West Pawlet and Rupert.   When the entire route is completed, you should be able to ride nearly 34 miles from Castleton to West Pawlet, off-road, and then on to New York’s East Salem village.  

Two sections of the West River Rail Trail can be ridden now: South Londonderry to Townshend and West Dummerston to Brattleboro. The goal is to open the entire 36-mile route.  

Rail trails have several key benefits: there are no cars, they are flat, and they travel through beautiful countryside. They go in a straight line, so you won’t get lost. In winter, many of the trails are used by fat bikes, skiers, and snowmobiles.  

I recently rode parts of three Vermont rail trails. All three rail trails are meticulously graded and have surfaces of fine packed gravel (except the paved Burlington Bike Path), making them suitable for all types of bikes. (We used road bikes with standard 700 x 28cm road tires.)  

In addition to great riding, we couldn’t pass up another attraction on or near each of these rail trails: Vermont craft breweries. We ended each ride by raising a glass.  

While there are dozens of shorter rail trail sections around the state where you can ride, walk, hike or ski, these six trails are worth a day trip or an overnight. Set up camp or check into one of the trailside B&B’s, stop at the local brew pub and make a weekend out of it.  

Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail  

Length: 26.4 miles,  

St. Albans to Richford.  

What was once the route of a milk train that serviced the farms of Franklin County is now the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail (MVRT). In the early 1990s, the State of Vermont and local citizens began converting the former Central Vermont Railway into a multi-use trail that follows the Missisquoi River through the flat farmlands of Franklin County with views east to the Greens.  

We started in the Rail City, St. Albans, whose downtown has undergone a renaissance in recent years. The trailhead was easy to find: a large brown MRVT sign and a bicycle mounted high on a post signaled our arrival. A trailhead kiosk and parking lot has free color maps and a guide to the entire trail.

As we rolled out of St. Albans on the well-maintained rail trail, we passed walkers, cyclists and runners in the first few miles. The population on the trail and in the countryside thinned quickly as we rolled through open farmland. Views stretched over miles of green corn fields to where Jay Peak rose in the distance. After 7 miles we came to Sheldon, a former summer resort based around the town’s once famous mineral springs. The 100-room hotels have long since been replaced by dairy sheds that shelter an equivalent number of cows. In 1984, a train derailment damaged a bridge here and that marked the end of the rail service on this line. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (see below) connects to the MVRT at mile 9, opening possibilities for extended and even multiday tours across the state. We continued riding through farm fields with views of the northern Greens.

At mile 16 we came to the town of Enosburg Falls, where cyclists can refuel at diners and convenience stores. We stopped to eat lunch in front of the beautifully restored Enosburg Opera House, built in 1892, where a summer theater camp was in full swing and a community theater was rehearsing on stage.  

We pedaled on for several more miles north of Enosburg to take in views over the Missisquoi River rapids, which flows parallel the trail. This section of river is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a water trail that runs from New York to Maine. This scenic high point was where we turned around for a fast ride back to St. Albans. More info: champlainbikeways.org

Nearby Ski Resorts: Smuggler’s Notch, Jay Peak Camp: Lake Carmi State Park is a few miles north of Enosburg Falls. Bike Shops: Bootlegger Bike Shop, Jeffersonville & St. Albans. Fuel Up : The Flying Disc coffee shop in Enosburg Falls not only serves coffee drinks and smoothies and sells jewelry and old vinyl records and canoes you can rent from the town recreation department if you want to leave your bike and paddle back to your car on the Missisquoi.  

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail  

Length: 93 miles  

St. Johnsbury   to Swanton

After two decades of debate, planning, and construction, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is now a reality—partly. Three sections of trail are currently open for riding: St. Johnsbury to Danville (15.4 miles), and Morristown to Cambridge (17.4 miles) and Swanton to Sheldon (11.6 miles). When completed and connected to the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, the route will run 93 miles, spanning the state from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. Managed by the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST), the trail is already popular with snowmobilers and skiers in the winter.  

The most popular section, from Morrisville to Cambridge, has been online for several years. We arrived at the trailhead in downtown Morrisville to find a bustling parking lot of riders. Lamoille Valley Bike Tours was there renting electric bikes and one family with small children was happily enjoying the silent electric assist of these bikes.  

We headed out on the former St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad line, which ceased operation in 1995, and pedaled across a restored railroad bridge. Within a mile, we passed Lost Nation Brewing, a craft brewery and restaurant which is located alongside the trail, and its bike rack was packed. We knew immediately where we would end the day.  

The trail follows the meandering Lamoille River in the first few miles. After passing through Hyde Park, we emerged into open farm fields with expansive views of Mt. Mansfield. Sue and I clicked into a rhythm as we rolled through the pastures at a good clip, taking in the different perspective on the mountains that we ski in the winter. As we arrived in Johnson after 8 miles of riding, the skies opened up with rain. We took shelter at a LVRT trailhead kiosk located at a covered picnic spot at Old Mill Park. Several other riders soon joined us.  

The sun returned and we rode on to Cambridge, where the old train station has been restored and converted into a community playground with a train theme. We slowly rode through a historic covered bridge and admired the elaborate trusswork.

From Cambridge, a mile-long Greenway Trail brought us to Jeffersonville, where we stopped at The Farm Store, which features an espresso bar, home-baked breads and local products. Sue and I spotted posts outside that were topped with replica golden horse heads.  

We both smiled: this was what remained of Le Cheval D’Or, a small French restaurant where I proposed to Sue 32 years ago. Farm Store owner Jennifer Bishop loved hearing our tale, and ran in back to offer us one of the old black lanterns that once hung in the restaurant. Like the railroad, every building has history here. More info: lvrt.org

Nearby Ski Resorts : Smuggler’s Notch, Jay Peak, Stowe. Camp: Mountain View Campground in Morrisville is about 5 miles from the trail. Bike Shops: Bootlegger Bike Shop, Jeffersonville & St. Albans; Lamoille Valley Bike Tours in Johnson, Chuck’s Bike Shop and PowerPlay Sports in Morrisville. Fuel Up: Start or end your ride at Lost Nation Brewery in Morrisville, right on the rail trail.  

Island Line Trail

Length: 14 miles (rail trail); 30+ miles,  

Champlain Islands tour.

One of the most scenic rail trails in Vermont is the Island Line Trail. Started as the Rutland Railroad in 1901, the rail trail runs from Oak Ledge Park in Burlington, follows the shores of Lake Champlain on the Burlington Bike Path, and crosses the lake via a three-mile long causeway to South Hero and a short bike ferry ride. The path is paved until shortly before the causeway, which has a crushed gravel surface.

We set out on a ride through the Champlain Islands by starting at Airport Park in Colchester. After a mile-long ride through the Colchester Bog, the rail trail abruptly launches out into Lake Champlain on a narrow rail bed built atop large marble boulders. We were surrounded by water and mountains. We spun along, with views of the Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. We soon came to The Cut, a 200-foot gap in the causeway, and boarded a bike ferry that Local Motion operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

Emerging at South Hero, we continued our ride past Snow Farm Vineyard where you can stop for wine tastings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (I suggest you save this for the return leg), often with live bands playing. Sue and continued on the Stone Castles bike tour (so named by champlainbikeways.org, which has a great list of bike tours around Lake Champlain), and had fun finding the many miniature castles that dot the landscape of South Hero. As we cycled by the acclaimed Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero, we couldn’t resist popping in to make a dinner reservation, then dashed back across the lake to catch the last bike ferry and rode back to the car.   More info: localmotion.org

Nearby Ski Resorts: Bolton Valley, Smuggler’s Notch, Jay Peak. Camp:   Grand Isle State Park in South Hero or leave your bike in North Hero and kayak out to Knight Island or Woods Island State Parks. Bike Shops: Outdoor Gear Exchange, Burlington; Bootlegger Bike Shop,s St. Albans. Fuel Up : Stop at one of the Champlain Islands winery tasting rooms, such as Snow Farm or Ellison Estate Vineyards or pick up home-made pastries at DonnaSue’s roadside farmstand on Route 2 in Grand Isle.  

Wells to Montpelier Rail Trail

  Length: 18 miles,  

South Ryegate to Marshfield

Just south of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail makes up the wildest and most scenic part of a route that’s being mapped and developed as the Cross Vermont Trail, traveling more than 90 mile east/west across the state between Wells and Burlington.  

For many years, the “Granite Train” ran a 45-mile stretch of tracks, connecting the mines of Barre with the main train lines that ran down the Connecticut River valley. It’s now made up of three sections, the longest of which runs 18 miles through Groton State Forest.  

From Ricker Pond, at the southern end of Groton State Forest, nearly all the way to Marshfield, you can ride dirt and cinder trails through largely undeveloped land. Watch out for moose and deer. Stop at Lake Groton or Kettle Pond for a dip. Camp out at Groton State Park’s many camp sites or book a room at the state-owned Seyon Lodge in the middle of the forest.  

In Groton State Forest the trail can get rough at times so be prepared. But you’ll also be rewarded with plenty of places to stop and parking areas where you can cut short the 21-mile ride.   More info: crossvermont.org

Nearby Ski Resorts: Sugarbush, Burke, Ascutney. Camp:   Groton State Forest has hundreds of great campsites, including several that are lakeside. Bike Shops : Onion River Sports in Montpelier. Fuel Up: Reprovision at the Marshfield General Store or continue on to Positive Pie in Plainfield.  

Delaware & Hudson Line Rail Trail  

Length:19.8 miles in two sections

Little to no bike or foot traffic, open meadows, a goat farm with a self-serve cheese stand, a slate baron’s mansion (now a B&B) are just a few of the things that make the Delaware & Hudson Line rail trail, one of the most interesting and beautiful trails in the state.  

Once named the “The Bridge Line to New England and Canada,” the Delaware and Hudson line once connected New York with Montreal, Quebec and New England. During the 1800s, it transported minerals up and down the East Coast, crossing the western portion of Vermont. “Slate picker” cars stopped in Castleton, Granville and Poultney (a region still known as “slate valley”) and carried roofing slate from Vermont to towns around New England. The railroad went bankrupt in the 1970s and a decade later the state of Vermontpurchased the abandoned tracks and began rehabbing the route as a rail trail and put in more than 17 wood-deck bridges to span the many streams and rivers.  

Today, the rail trail still relies on its cinder and gravel bed and is better suited to wider or knobby tires of a hybrid or mountain bike. Start at the Amtrak station in Castleton or at the parking area at the Castleton State College trailhead. From there, the trail runs south to Poultney before crossing into New York. At present, the trail stops for about four miles over the New York border where it becomies densely overgrown, before picking up again in Granville. This is one of two portions that New York State wants to build out and when that is complete, you will be able to ride 34 miles south to West Pawlet and   then on to a section New York hopes to rehabilitate, then all the way to East Salem.

If you start or end in Granville, you can make a weekend of it if you book a room at the Station House B&B (in the old train station) or at the red slate Sheldon Mansion Inn whose 10 acres border the trail. A new brewery, Slate Town Brewery is there too.

South of Granville, you’ll ride through some dense forests before it opens up to quiet meadows and farmland. This is one of Rutland Audubon’s birding hotspots, a place where warblers migrate or you might scare up a ruffed grouse. As the trail crosses the 300-acre Consider Bardwell goat farm watch for a small sign for the serve-yourself farmstand with the creamery’s award-winning cheeses and other products. From there you can continue south to West Pawlet.  

As one reviewer writes on Traillink.com, “When riding this trail you’re almost always alone with your thoughts – you DO see others but it’s not the highway that other trails can be. It’s a country trail bisecting fields, paralleling a stream for a good portion of the ride, cow pastures, some old ‘urban’ decay near West Pawlet and Granville, but it’s completely scenic, quiet, and easily ridden.”  More info: vtstateparks.com/dh-rail-trail

Nearby Ski Resorts: Killington, Pico, Stratton, Bromley. Camp:   Lake St. Catherine State Park is a short bike from the trailhead in Poultney or camp or stay in one of the hike-to cabins at the Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert. Bike Shops: Analog Cycles in Poultney or Battenkill Bikes in Manchester. Fuel Up: This area has a wealth of classic Vermont general stores that have been revived and serve farm-fresh fare, including Mach’s Market and Smokehouse in Pawlet, and Sherman’s General Store in Rupert.  

West River Trail, South  

Londonderry to Townshend  

Length 18.1 miles, Upper Section,

3.5 miles Lower Section  

With swimming holes along the way, covered bridges, campgrounds where you can pitch a tent or stay in a shelter, and plenty of places to reprovision, the West River Trail is a great introduction to riding (or walking) a rail trail. The pathway that follows the West River along what may be one of the oldest transportation paths in the state. Native Americans called the West River “the Wantastiquet” or “waters of the lonely way,” and it was part of a system of waterways and overland routes that connected Lake Champlain to the Otter Creek to the West River to the Connecticut in Brattleboro. In 1879, the existing path was developed into a rail bed for the West River Railroad, a winding, narrow-gauge railroad that earned the nickname “36 miles of trouble.” In 1903, a local newspaper dubbed it the “trydaily” route; “they go down in the morning and try to get back at night.”  

Today, some of the old depots have been restored and when the trail is completed, it will run the full 36 miles. For now, though, the West River Rail Trail is in two sections – the 18.1 mile upper section from South Londonderry to Townshend and a lower section, from West Dummerston to Brattleboro. The South Londonderry Depot serves as a trailhead and museum for the West River Railroad. Start there and you can follow the trail for about 2.7 miles to the Winhall Brook campground trailhead. From there, it’s about 5 miles south to Ball Lake and Ball Mountain Dam. At Ball Mountain Dam steep switchbacks drop the trail down and it heads on to Jamaica State Park, another 3.5 miles, where you can also camp for the night. At present, the upper section of the West River Trail ends at Townshend Dam, about 18 miles from South Londonderry. A separate 3.5-mile section runs from West Dummerston south to Brattleboro, following the river. More info:  

Nearest Ski Resorts: Magic, Bromley and Stratton are all within a 20-minute drive from the South Londonderry trailhead. Camp : Winhall Brook Campground or Jamaica State Park. Bike Shops : Equipe Sports in Rawsonville rents mountain bikes. Fuel Up: Order ahead and pick up takeout house-made sausages and burgers at HoneyPie on Route 30 in Jamaica or provision and pick up pizza or a fajita at West River Provisions in Jamaica. n

Contributing editor David Goodman is the author of Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast: 50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in New England and New York. He lives in Waterbury Center, Vt.  

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All Aboard Fall Foliage Trains: Vermont Leaf Peeping

Fall Foliage in Vermont is a staple of any autumnal vacation to the Green Mountain State. Fall Foliage Train Rides might be the best new, or not so new, way to enjoy the state’s best colors. Looking to ride the rails and enjoy the scenic views Vermont has to offer this fall? Learn more about the historic 1930s train cars that are open and welcoming passengers nearly a century later.

Green Mountain Railroad

Three-Course Meal in a 1930s Train Car

In addition to the scenic views and welcome ambiance of the train ride, passengers are served a three-course meal during their ride. The meal is prepared on the train itself in the kitchen car. Their rotating, seasonal menu featured several Vermont favorites. Dine in the newly refurbished 1930s dining cars while you glide through the mountains of Vermont. 

Fall Foliage Favorites

The Fall Foliage Train may be one of the best hidden gems when it comes to exploring Vermont this fall. From walking Smuggler’s Notch to your cozy cabin stay at Sterling Ridge Resort, we love guiding you to experience the best fall has to offer.

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Enjoy Vermont's Fall Foliage On This Mountain Train Ride

There's no historic experience quite like seeing this state's stunning fiery foliage from the comfort of an authentic, old-school Rutland rail coach.

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What is the champlain valley dinner train, the champlain valley dinner train: what to see, the history of this scenic vermont railroad, where is the champlain valley dinner train.

Forget scenic fall drives in Vermont - the state's Green Mountain Railroad , now known as the Champlain Valley Dinner train, offers the chance to witness the beautiful fall scenery of this stunning part of the state from the comfort and convenience of a train ride. Although the railroad also hauls freight, its numerous unique train tour experiences offered throughout the year have led to the line becoming a top tourist attraction in New England. Taking passengers on a scenic ride through the southern Vermont countryside in restored authentic diesel locomotives, the Champlain Valley Dinner Train has earned its place as one of the best tourist activities in Vermont, delivering a wide variety of train tours - from fall foliage scenery trips, train dinner tours, and prohibition-inspired journeys.

Related: Copperhead Mountain Coaster Is The Longest In Branson

Ranging from one to three-or-so hours in length, the railroad's tours offer the chance to witness some of the best sights in Vermont while listening to historical narrations, the railroad's stories of the past, the history of the towns along the way, and an array of fascinating Vermont facts.

Although a myriad of Vermont scenic rain rides is available year-round on this route - particularly during special occasions and holidays - inarguably, one of the most spectacular times to tour this rail trail is during the fall.

As summer ends and fall's rich foliage hues take over, passengers can hop on board and soak up a spectacle of ravishing reds, intense yellows, and bright oranges of deciduous trees all the way from Rockingham to Chester, as well as take in famous Vermont sights, including the Connecticut River, Brockway Mills Gorge, the Green Mountains, and old town river towns - like Burnaby Village Museum.

This iconic railroad is a freight and tourist line in upstate Vermont that utilizes former Rutland Railroad trackage. Many Vermont rail tours of the original Green Mountain Railroad today are operated by the Vermont Rail System (VRS) - a family-owned and operated railroad company.

Offering seasonal train experiences along the rails, VRS takes tourists through the sensational scenery in old-school diesel trains reminiscent of a romantic era when most Americans traveled by rail. Running seasonal Green Mountain railroad passenger cars, the railroad's tours use genuine historic Alco RS-1 or S-4 locomotives to pull railroad tours - and these are original restored Rutland units.

The carriages are old-fashioned, heavyweight coaches, adding an extra layer of historical authenticity to what's already an incredible experience of discovering the state's natural beauty and historically significant towns.

Related: 10 Scenic Fall Train Rides That Are Worth The Travel

The Green Mountain Railroad schedule runs on three main routes: the Green Mountain Flyer goes from Bellows Falls to Chester Depot, the White River Flyer runs from White River Junction to Thetford, and the Champlain Valley Flyer operates from Burlington to Charlotte.

While many trips take place in the spring and summer, there are plenty of other excursions during specific times, too, including Easter Bunny rides in March, Halloween trains for adults and children in October, as well as Polar Express routes in December.

Other special Green Mountain railway rides from Burlington also include Mother’s Day Brunch, Father’s Day Rail & Sail, and the Independence Day Fireworks train, among others.

However, the Scenic Fall Foliage excursions from Chester are one of the best Vermont train rides to add to the bucket list, taking tourers along the tracks to relish the amazing colors and sights of the Vermont countryside and Green Mountain range throughout September and October.

Related: These Eckert's Patches Are Slaying The Midwestern Pumpkin Experience

The Green Mountain Railroad dates all the way back to the Rutland Railroad, the latter of which shut down in 1961 due to a lack of freight traffic and labor disputes and has remained out of service ever since.

However, the Green Mountain Railroad founder, Nelson Blount, acquired some of the pieces of the Rutland in 1964, intending to operate the previous railroad’s section between Rutland and Bellow Falls for his collection of Steamtown locomotives.

After many discussions with the State of Vermont and workers of the railroad itself, the entire route between Rutland and Ludlow for both freight and passenger movement was to be opened.

As such, the efforts to save the Rutland line in the mid-1960s essentially birthed the celebrated Green Mountain Railroad Vermont railroad - a testament to the original line historically and lovingly remembered for its scenic countryside and covered bridges. Had it not been for the attempts at the Rutland's revival, these memories would have remained nothing more than that - memories .

Related: 10 Vermont Towns That Are Celebrating The Fall Season Perfectly

In the modern day, the Green Mountain was split off from the Steamtown USA museum and operates independently under the Vermont Rail System - now comprising over 400 miles of track and boasting an impressive family of over 150 railroaders.

What's more, the VRS hauls over 25,000 freight cars annually, with almost 90% of traffic serving Vermont businesses. If that wasn't impressive enough, the VRS celebrated 50 years of continuous service as of January 1st, 2014.

Today, the VRS operates passenger services under the Green Mountain Railroad, running seasonal excursions and dinner trains, as well as year-round charters and special events.

Aspiring railroad visitors can reserve a coach on one of the company's scheduled trains or even rent the whole train on the day of their choosing if they so wish. Whether it's for special occasions, birthday parties, school field trips, tour groups, weddings company functions, holidays, or anything else, the VRS accommodates charter reservations for any event.

Related: 10 Terrifyingly Haunted US Destinations To Visit This Fall Season

There's more than one departure for the railroad routes that the VRS offers. The two main locations are Burlington and Chester, the addresses of which are:

• Burlington Address: One Railway Lane Burlington VT, 05401
• Chester Address: Chester: 563 Depot Street (Rte. 103), Chester

All trains departing from Burlington board on the new Amtrak platform just behind the Main Street Landing (also known as One Main Station). Public parking at this location is available - visit this website for pricing and further information.

A wonderful (and very comfortable) way to discover Vermont's scenery and enjoy the best views in the Green Mountains, the Green Mountain Railroad map is one that visitors to this state must explore via the tracks.

Granting the chance to celebrate special occasions and themed holiday events, learn about historical happenings of the area, and enjoy seasonal scenes that change every few months, this is one of the best tours in Vermont for kids and adults alike.

Plus, when it comes to Vermont train rides, fall foliage discovery excursions are highly rated; if the Champlain Valley Dinner Train reviews are anything to go by, visitors will not be disappointed when they commit themselves to this fantastic trip.

The Spectacular Fall Foliage Train Rides In Vermont You Don't Want To Miss

Natalie Clunan

Natalie is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves uncovering new places along the East Coast. Contact: [email protected]

More by this Author

With summer winding down, you might be feeling blue. So, why not bring some color to your life with one of the vibrant Vermont fall foliage train rides ? Perk up Vermonters, soon the yellows, oranges, and red hues of autumn will delight you with a bold and beautiful display. As we head into the harvest season, scenic hikes and country drives might be at the top of your list to take in the views. Treat yourself to something extra special through two journeys offered by the Vermont Rail System : Cocktails on the Rails and the Dinner Train.

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How about it folks: Aren’t these some of the best Vermont fall foliage train rides? Do you know someone who would love to take this trip?

This scenic overlook is also a great spot to take in the changing leaves. And bring a taste of autumn in Vermont home with something from Etsy.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Where are the best fall activities in vermont.

What are the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage in Vermont? Here is a list of six chairlifts in Vermont to glide through the vibrant fall foliage.

• Mount Snow (39 Mount Snow Road, West Dover, VT): Take the Bluebird Express to heaven on this exciting scenic attraction in Vermont. From the summit of Mount Snow, the comfortable bubble chairlift carries us on unlimited rides, with the purchase of a ticket, through the beautiful surrounding views including the Somerset Reservoir, Mount Monadnock, and Mount Washington. Also, find out about the annual Oktoberfest on the Mount Snow website.
• Okemo Mountain Resort (77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT): The scenic ride on the Sunburst Six chairlift offers a different perspective of the Vermont landscape. Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster is also available for fun through Oct. 9. The first five minutes of the ride is a 1,600-foot climb, giving enough time to anticipate the fun. Then it plunges 375 vertical feet along 3,100 feet of track, following the curves of the mountain at speeds up to 25 mph with camel backs, waves, banking loops, and even a twister section.
• Stowe Mountain Resort (7416 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT): Soar to the top of Vermont on the Gondola Skyride. From the top of the state's highest mountain, Mt. Mansfield, we can enjoy a scrumptious meal at Cliff House restaurant, visit the Summit Retail Gift Shop and enjoy something sweet at The Waffle.

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Home » Trails

Four trails, endless possibilities.

Vermont’s Rail Trails are four-season, multi-purpose recreation and transportation corridors across all parts of Vermont, connecting historic towns and villages with the treasures of the vast Vermont landscape by way of gently rolling, smooth ribbons of gravel pathways. Easy to access, use, and enjoy, Vermont’s Rail Trails have something for everyone.

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My whole family can enjoy the rail trails without worrying about keeping together. It’s safe and fun and beautiful.

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Vermont Events Calendar

G ather together to watch as live music lights up historic downtowns and waterfronts, treat the whole family to a Vermont fair or festival as foliage bursts forth , or get outside in the winter for carnival activities like ice carving and snow volleyball . Vermon t’s events calendar is stacked.

Vermont Signature Events

Vermont Signature Events showcase the rich variety of experiences that define Green Mountain life. From town-wide festivals to 100-year-old traditions, these top-rated events bring visitors into the fabric of the community and offer a true taste of what’s local.

Summer Showcase

Sound of music at trapp family lodge.

June 20 – 22, 2024 Step into the timeless world of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s iconic music at The Sound of Music: In Concert. Enjoy enchanting melodies and captivating performances at the current real-life home of the von Trapp family.

Vermont Renaissance Faire

June 22 – 23, 2024 This family-friendly gathering features over 100 crafters, artisans, and food vendors. Delight in performances by musicians, dancers, acrobats, and magicians alongside historical encampments, fight demos, and even a live joust with a “unicorn.”

45th Annual Middlebury Summer Festival on the Green

July 7 – 13, 2024 For over 45 years, Festival on the Green has been a cherished event in Addison County’s shire town, drawing visitors to its free, family-friendly performance series of 17 acts over seven days.

Vermont Blueberry Festival

July 26 – August 4, 2024 Celebrate the beloved blueberry with 10 days of fun and festivities in the Deerfield Valley region. Historic downtowns light up with a block party and street fair while harvesting activities and adventures abound throughout the valley.

Dog Mountain Summer Dog Party

August 3, 2024 The Dog Mountain Summer Dog Party invites dogs and their owners to revel in the joys of summer. Live music, food trucks, and local vendors, a Doggie Walk of Fame and Dog Contests create a lively atmosphere.

Autumn Showcase

Sunflower house.

August – September 2024 This awe-inspiring spectacle of vibrant colors spans 20,000 square feet at Billings Farm & Museum. Wander through this living floral masterpiece, taking in the breathtaking palette of orange, red, and golden yellow.

Garlic Town, USA

August 31, 2024 Every Labor Day Weekend, Bennington Vermont becomes “Garlic Town, USA” in honor of all things garlic and agriculture. This acclaimed festival boasts over 130 vendors, live music, chef demos, and kids’ activities.

Whoopie Pie Festival

September 14, 2024 Sample delicious whoopie pies from vendors across the East and witness the assembly of a massive whoopie pie by the Dream Maker Bakers Team. Enjoy entertainment, activities, and tasty food options.

Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival

September 20 – 21, 2024 From downtown Wilmington’s Wine & Soup Stroll to the picturesque Mount Snow venue, indulge in the finest wines, soups, and artisanal products from across the region over two days.

Vermont International Film Festival

October 18 – 27, 2024 Experience the magic of cinema at the Vermont International Film Festival, a 10-day celebration of diverse, independent films from around the globe. Join filmmakers, panelists, and special guests for post-film Q&As and reception in Burlington.

Winter Showcase

Stowe Winter Carnival January 2025

Watch professional ice carvers create stunning sculptures throughout the village, then experience the NICA-sanctioned Ice Carving Competition. Enjoy activities for all ages, including ski movies, kids’ carnival fun, and sports tournaments like Snowgolf and Snowvolleyball.

Harris Hill Ski Jump February 2025

Experience the 103-year-old tradition of international ski jumping at Harris Hill Ski Jump, New England’s only Olympic-size jump. Witness jumpers aiming to break the 341-foot hill record, soaring at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

Celebrate Sugaring Season

Vermont Maple Festival

Vermont sugar makers produce more pure maple syrup than any other state in the U.S. The Vermont Maple Festival celebrates the state’s signature crop, maple syrup. Enjoy a variety of activities, including sugarhouse tours, cooking and product contests, craft shows, antique displays, pancake breakfasts, numerous kids’ activities, and a vibrant parade , during this weekend-long festival in the city of St. Albans.

Whenever you’re visiting and whatever you’re planning, there’s a Vermont event to complement your trip. Browse the calendar by date, location, event type and topic, and more.

Year-Round Pride

Vermont Celebrates Pride With Events All Year

With the highest rate of same-sex couples in the nation, it’s not surprising that Vermont is home to a myriad of events that celebrate Pride. Even after Pride Month passes, Vermont serves up thrilling year-round activities that will keep you coming back for more.

Vermont’s Events Venues

Brattleboro Stone Church

In downtown Brattleboro, the 147-year-old Stone Church offers an unforgettable atmosphere to experience music.

4 Performing Arts Venues in Northern Vermont

Check out these four independent performing arts spaces in northern Vermont for inspiring performances.