This Vintage Train Is One of the Best Ways to See Fall Foliage-and It Goes Through a Gorge With Stunning Waterfalls

"Over millions of years, the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania carved out a rugged, steep-walled gorge that is full of thick vegetation and hidden waterfalls. One of the best ways to soak in the natural wonder of this region is by boarding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, a comfortable, vintage coach train that winds into Lehigh Gorge State Park. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway departs from Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania-a town just 1.5 hours outside of Philadelphia."

"Many of the passenger cars were built as early as 1917, but they have been updated with modern comforts such as restrooms, plush seating, and heating. There's also a snack and souvenir car aboard the train in case you forgot to bring snacks or water. For more privacy, be sure to book the private caboose, which can hold up to six passengers."

"The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is truly at its most spectacular in autumn, when the leaves start to change color and the gorge prepares itself for winter. On these brisk, fall days, the train travels over rivers, across bridges, and through tunnels-passing by viewpoints of the fiery leaves of the maple trees, oak trees, and river birches. Be sure to have your cameras ready for the dramatic cliffs and wildlife sightings."

Over millions of years the Lehigh River carved a steep-walled gorge filled with thick vegetation and hidden waterfalls. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway provides a vintage-coach train experience into Lehigh Gorge State Park. The train departs from Jim Thorpe, a town 1.5 hours from Philadelphia known historically as Mauch Chunk, located in the Pocono Mountains. The out-and-back route follows the Lehigh River over bridges through Glen Onoko into the state park while guides explain regional history. Passenger cars date as early as 1917 and include restrooms, plush seating, heating, a snack and souvenir car, and a private caboose for up to six passengers. The ride is most spectacular in autumn when maples, oaks, and river birches display fiery colors; the 2025 autumn leaf schedule runs Oct. 1 to Nov. 16, and the autumn ride lasts 45 minutes.

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