Haunted Fall Foliage Train Rides Wind Through New Jersey’s Scenic Routes
When autumn paints New Jersey’s landscape with brilliant reds and golds, there’s no better way to experience the magic than aboard a haunted train ride.
These special fall excursions combine spectacular foliage views with spooky tales and ghostly encounters that celebrate the Halloween season. Pack a light jacket and prepare for unforgettable journeys through the Garden State’s most picturesque and mysteriously haunted railways.
1. Salem Ghost Train – Woodstown, NJ
Rumbling through South Jersey’s historic farmland, the Salem Ghost Train carries brave souls into the heart of Woodstown’s haunted history. Local storytellers board the train to share chilling tales of Revolutionary War skirmishes, restless spirits, and eerie happenings tied to the region’s oldest homesteads.
Lantern light flickers through the cars as the train slows near abandoned barns and mist-covered fields where ghosts are said to roam.
2. Whippany Haunted Express – Whippany, NJ
Aboard restored vintage coaches, passengers experience both spectacular foliage and encounters with costumed spirits from the railroad’s past. The journey winds alongside the Whippany River where autumn trees reflect brilliantly in the water below.
Local actors portraying railroad workers who met mysterious ends add theatrical chills to the scenic ride. Children especially love the not-too-scary ghostly conductors who roam the aisles handing out treats while sharing tales of the railroad’s haunted history.
3. Black River & Western Railroad Spooky Ride – Flemington, NJ
Operating since 1965, this heritage railroad transforms each October into a hauntingly beautiful experience. The vintage diesel locomotive pulls century-old coaches through Hunterdon County’s rolling hills ablaze with autumn colors.
Ghost stories of former railroad employees accompany the clickety-clack rhythm of wheels on tracks. Halfway through the journey, the train makes a special stop at a “haunted” station where passengers can disembark to explore spooky displays while sipping hot apple cider.
4. The Great Pumpkin Train – Delaware, NJ
This autumn classic takes passengers along the Delaware River before stopping at a pumpkin patch tucked beside the tracks. Children pick pumpkins while adults warm up with apple cider as the train whistle echoes through the valley.
Seasonal decorations, costumed characters, and a dash of spooky storytelling turn this ride into a Halloween tradition for families across New Jersey.
5. New Jersey Museum Of Transportation / Pine Creek Railroad – Allaire State Park, NJ
Nestled in historic Allaire State Park, the Pine Creek Railroad transforms each October into a “Haunted Halloween Express.”
Passengers board vintage coaches as costumed storytellers spin chilling tales about the park’s 19th-century ironworks, ghost sightings, and mysterious happenings along the forested tracks. As darkness falls, jack-o-lanterns and lantern lights create a haunting glow around the old depot.
6. ALL A BOO DiDonato’s Trick-Or-Treat Train – Hammonton, NJ
Designed for younger goblins and witches, this cheerful Halloween train transports families through a miniature Halloween Town glowing with lights and decorations.
Each stop along the way offers safe trick-or-treating, costumed characters, and friendly frights. The festive ride wraps up with music, games, and hot chocolate to keep everyone warm after a night of spooky fun.
7. Pine Creek Railroad – Phillipsburg, NJ
Historic rail cars rumble along the scenic Delaware River as passengers take in vibrant fall colors mixed with eerie legends.
Conductors share ghostly tales of the railroad’s past while steam from the locomotive drifts across the tracks like wandering spirits. The ride blends railroad history with a Halloween atmosphere perfect for autumn adventurers.
8. Corn Maze Train – Phillipsburg, NJ
Each autumn, this family-friendly train chugs through the golden hills of New Jersey before stopping at a sprawling corn maze designed with spooky twists and turns.
As the sun dips below the horizon, flickering lanterns light the pathways while costumed characters surprise visitors along the way. The train ride back follows tracks lined with glowing jack-o-lanterns, adding a touch of mystery to the crisp fall evening.
