13 Little-Known Scenic Train Rides in the US

When you think of scenic train rides, your mind might go to Switzerland or Scotland. Yet, the States have some breathtaking rail routes in their own right.

From soaking up the high-desert sights near the Grand Canyon to catching a glimpse of Denali’s peak in Alaska, there are breathtaking scenic trains in nearly every corner of the country.

With summer in full swing, there isn’t a better time to book a ride aboard these awe-inspiring locomotives.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad (Colorado)

1.5 to 3 hours

If you ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, you’ll be in excellent company. In 1905, Teddy Roosevelt took the train, describing it as “The trip that bankrupts the English language!”

As someone who’s enjoyed this ride myself, I can agree with President Roosevelt’s sentiment. Following the winding Arkansas River, you can spot all kinds of animals, including mountain goats balancing on the cliffs above the train.

Make sure to get a seat on the side nearest to the river, as the views are better than up against the side of the mountain.

Mountain Rail West Virginia (West Virginia)

2 to 5.5 hours

While the Appalachians may not be as tall as their Western state counterparts, they sure do seem imposing on one of Mountain Rail West Virginia’s trains.

On the Cass Bald Trip, passengers climb over 2,300 feet as they approach Bald Knob, the second-highest point in West Virginia. While the change in scenery is staggering from where they started, the most notable difference is the drastic drop in temperature.

Riders can also view the massive Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope in the distance. It is the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world.

Rail Explorers (Iowa)

2 hours

For someone who wants a truly unique railway experience, there is the Rail Explorers option in Boone, Iowa. Rather than merely being a passenger on a train, you get to be the conductor of your own vessel (albeit a slightly smaller vessel).

This ride takes place on a four-wheeled, open-air cart. While you are pedaling to power the two- to four-seat cart, it is motor-assisted — meaning it’s not a terribly taxing experience. On the 11.5- or 12.5-mile route, you’ll pass over trestle bridges, allowing a breathtaking view of the land below.

Amtrak Cascades (Oregon/Washington)

10 hours 25 minutes

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its almost mystical forests — foggy and often peppered with raindrops from a recent shower.

While the area’s hiking is second to none, some people don’t want to trudge around paths to enjoy these views. For them, the Amtrak Cascades is a perfect option.

Starting in Eugene, Oregon, the route snakes north through cities like Salem and Portland (offering chances to get off to explore), working upward through Olympia and Seattle, and then finally concluding the journey in Vancouver, B.C.

The Hawaiian Railway Society (Hawaii)

2 hours

Trains once played an important role in Hawaii when the state was one of the world’s leading sugarcane producers.

While many railways have closed in recent decades, one scenic railroad is still open on Oahu. The Hawaiian Railway Society offers just five opportunities a week to ride their two-hour train tour.

On the ride, visitors learn about the railway’s history, enjoy the lush Hawaii scenery, view the breathtaking Kahe Point, and can even enjoy an ice cream during the train’s pit stop in Koolina.

Denali Star Train (Alaska)

12 hours

If there’s one word to describe Alaska, it’s vast. Sometimes, the windshield of a car just isn’t big enough to afford the views you want of the countless mountain ranges.

Instead of driving around to explore The Last Frontier, you can opt to take the luxurious Denali Star Train to one of Alaska’s biggest attractions: Denali National Park.

The entire route actually takes you past Denali up to Fairbanks, Alaska, which has some of the best places to view the northern lights in North America.

Pacific Surfliner (California)

9 hours

“Pacific Surfliner” perfectly describes the area that this train’s passengers get to enjoy throughout this nine-hour ride.

The train sets off from San Diego, a city known for its sun, beaches, and good vibes. As the locomotive moves north, it makes several stops in Los Angeles — including Anaheim, where a Mickey-Mouse-loving passenger can hop off to enjoy Disneyland.

From L.A., the train continues to another beach town known for surfing: Santa Barbara. From here, riders are only a short trip from their final destination of San Luis Obispo, a college town home to wineries and beautiful hikes.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (North Carolina)

4 to 4.5 hours

There aren’t many railways today where you can enjoy riding on one of the steam-powered locomotives of the past.

If this is an experience you’re looking for, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers both steam and diesel trains to explore the sights of the famous national park.

With two different ride options, guests can either take in the sights of the Nantahala River (including crossing a historic 777-foot trestle bridge) or ramble around the quiet countryside of North Carolina, complete with a stop in the historic town of Dillsboro.

Conway Scenic Railroad (New Hampshire)

1 to 5 hours

An experience on a Conway Scenic Railroad ride is like a trip back in time. If you choose their Mountaineer adventure, you’ll get the experience of a 1950s transcontinental train ride.

On the Conway Valley and Sawyer River routes, on the other hand, you’ll enjoy an authentic 1920s train car experience.

With their freight house and roundhouse both on the National Register of Historic Places, you can trust that this trip will be a hit with any history lover.

Branson Scenic Railway (Missouri)

1 hour 45 minutes

If you’re looking for a beautiful train ride in the Midwest, look no farther than Branson, Missouri.

Branson is already a destination for nature lovers with pristine lakes, high rolling hills, and scenic views. If you want some time out of the sun, the Branson Scenic Railway is a great way to explore the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.

Riders are encouraged to explore the train throughout the trip, allowing them to enjoy the three dome cars with panoramic views.

Pikes Peak Cog Railway (Colorado)

3.5 hours

With the title of the world’s highest cog railway, the ride to the top of Pikes Peak has some tall expectations, and this railway delivers.

In the entire three-and-a-half-hour ride, you only travel nine miles. While this may not seem like a lot, you’re going nearly vertical — reaching 14,115 feet in altitude.

On your ride, you can expect to pass by waterfalls and 2,000-year-old pine trees. Halfway through, you’ll reach the summit of Pikes Peak, where you can explore the views and visitor center before descending back down the mountain.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Georgia/Tennessee)

4 hours

If you’re looking for a balance of gorgeous views and quaint towns, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is for you.

Your 26-mile ride will start in the small town of Blue Ridge, known as the “Antique Capital” of Georgia. Once aboard, you can sit in either an open-air or climate-controlled train car.

After passing by miles of the Appalachian foothills, you’ll reach the towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore and peruse the shops in town. You can also stand over the “Blue Line,” which means you can have a foot in each state simultaneously.

Grand Canyon Railway (Arizona)

8 hours

The Grand Canyon has astonished visitors for generations. The Grand Canyon Railway gives passengers the experience of rolling up to the canyon in the same way our forefathers did.

Guests have six classes of train cars to choose from, including one with an observation dome and a first-class car.

Leaving Williams, Arizona, in the morning, guests get to take in the sights of the high desert before arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon two hours later. Passengers have three hours to view the canyon and historic buildings before loading up to return to Williams in the evening.