Pennsylvania has a rich railroading history, and several railroads offer scenic and historic rail excursions. They are never so popular as in the Fall during peak foliage season. Below is a list of notable railroads in Pennsylvania that provide rail excursions:

Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Allentown & Auburn Railroad
(232 Railroad Street, Kutztown, PA)

Description: The passenger train normally consists of 1 coach, 1 open air car, and a couple of cabooses. Seasonal train rides like Ghost Stories at the Grove, Pumpkin Trains and Operation Toy Train are popular for all ages.

Historic Bellefonte Railroad

Bellefonte Historical Railroad
(320 W. High St., Bellefonte, PA)

Description: Experience scenic train rides along Centre County’s historic mainline. Learn about the history while riding vintage railroad equipment. Fall foliage excursion train rides are planned.

Colebrookdale Railroad

Colebrookdale Railroad
(64 S. Washington St., Boyertown, PA)

Description: Operates 8.6 miles between Boyertown and Pottstown, known as the Secret Valley Line. 90-minute Secret Valley Expedition (with dining options), fall foliage rides, and themed events like Santa’s Christmas trains and “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” rides.

East Broad Top Railroad

East Broad Top Railroad
(421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, PA)

Description: America’s oldest operating narrow-gauge railroad, offering 9-mile, one-hour round trips through Central Pennsylvania’s rolling hills and farmland. General admission includes a scenic train ride and a guided tour of the early 20th-century shop complex.

Everette Railroad photo by Explore Altoona

Everett Railroad
(244 Loop Road, Hollidaysburg, PA)

Description: Offers steam-powered excursions on a 23-mile route from Hollidaysburg to Martinsburg or other destinations in Blair County. Autumn Adventure (2.5-hour fall foliage ride in October), Pumpkin Patch Train (1-hour, family-friendly). A 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner.

Gettysburg Railway, Gettysburg

Gettysburg Railway
(106 N. Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA)

Description: One hour excursions offering exciting cultural experience that highlights the historic significance of the rail line. Passengers can enjoy a first-class train ride near the battlefield, with views of the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and the picturesque countryside.

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, PA

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
(1 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe, PA)

Description: Offers 70-minute, 16-mile round-trip excursions through Lehigh Gorge State Park, following the Lehigh River over bridges and through Glen Onoko. Regular scenic rides and seasonal, 45-minute Autumn Leaf Train excursions.

MA & PA Heritage Railroad, Airville, PA

MA & PA Heritage Railroad Heritage Village
(1258 Muddy Creek Forks Rd., Airville, PA)

Visit the authentic circa 1900s Heritage Village and take a ride on MA & PAs Maintenance Train. Their Railroad Heritage Day (Sept. 27) event kicks off the fall excursions along with the Pumkin Patch and Fall Foliage Trains.

Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad, Middletown, PA

Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
(136 Brown Street, Middletown, PA)

Description: Offers 11-mile, 75-minute round-trip excursions between Middletown and Hummelstown, passing Swatara Creek and Union Canal. Special events include Moonlight Specials, Civil War reenactments, train robberies, and New Year’s Eve trains.

Steam Train along the New Hope Railroad, New Hope, PA

New Hope Railroad
(32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA)

Description: Operates on a former Reading Company branch, offering steam- and diesel-powered excursions through scenic Bucks County. 45- to 90-minute trips, including Fall Foliage Excursions, Trick or Treat Excursions, and Santa’s North Pole Express. First-class cars offer bar service and narrated history.

Northern Central Railroad, New Freedom. Photo by John Gensor

Northern Central Railway
(117 N. Front St., New Freedom, PA)

Description: Operates 9.2 miles of the former Pennsylvania Railroad’s Northern Central Railway, offering historic and themed train rides. Seasonal events like fall foliage and holiday trains.

Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad, Titusville, PA

Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
(409 S. Perry St., Titusville, PA)

Description: Operates 14 miles of track through Oil Creek Valley, offering 3-hour, 27-mile round-trip excursions powered by diesel locomotives. OCTRR offers standard scenic rides, murder mystery dinner trains, and seasonal events. Features a Railway Post Office car with a USPS hand stamp.

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine Steam Train, Ashland, PA

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train

(1900 Oak St., Ashland, PA)

Description: Tour the coal mine, then take the ¾ ride around the side of the Mahanoy Mountain behind a vintage narrow-gauge steam locomotive around. In November, the Hand on the Throttle event gives attendees the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a steam engineer. 

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, Reading, PA

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad
(3501 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA)

Description: Features restored Jersey Central station and Norfolk Southern’s former executive “F” units. Fall foliage trips and day/weekend getaways to Jim Thorpe, with multiple departure stations are very popular excursions.

Stewartstown Railroad, Stewartstown, PA

Stewartstown Railroad

(21 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Stewartstown, PA)

Description: Stewartstown Railroad operates over 7.4 miles of track which runs from Stewartstown, PA to an interchange in New Freedom, Pennsylvania with the former Northern-Central Railway. Pumpkin Patch Express is among several special themed excursions happening in fall 2025.

The Stourbridge Line, Honesdale, PA

The Stourbridge Line
(812 Main St., Honesdale, PA)

Description: Offers scenic rides along the Lackawaxen River in the Pocono Mountains, departing from Honesdale or Hawley. Excursions include fall foliage tours, pumpkin patch trips, and themed events like dinosaur-themed rides and brewery tastings. Round trips can last up to 6 hours.

Strasburg Rail Road, Strasburg, PA

Strasburg Rail Road
(301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA)

Description: America’s oldest continuously operating railroad, chartered in 1832, offering 45-minute steam-powered round trips through Lancaster County’s Amish farmland. Fall foliage tours and holiday-themed excursions are always popular.

WK&S Railroad, Kempton, PA

WK&S
(42 Community Center Dr., Kempton, PA)

Description: During your 40-minute round trip, enjoy forests, streams, tree-covered hills, bridges and the two old-time towns of Trexler and Wanamakers. Fall train rides include the Harvest Moon Special, the Apple Pickin’ Train and the Pumpkin Patch train.

West Chester Railroad, West Chester, PA

West Chester Railroad
(220 E. Market St., West Chester, PA)

Description: Operates along the scenic Chester Creek Valley, offering fall foliage excursions and other seasonal rides in heated historic cars. Rides usually take 90 minutes round trip.