Pennsylvania Train Rides Showing Off The State’s Most Beautiful Views

Pennsylvania’s rolling hills, historic valleys, and vibrant autumn colors come alive when viewed from a train window. Riding the rails offers you a unique way to experience landscapes that are often hidden from highways and bustling cities.

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just seeking a relaxing day trip, these scenic train journeys will leave you amazed.

1. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

Cliffs tower above you as this railway winds alongside the Lehigh River for 16 miles. You’ll spot wildlife darting between trees and watch the water sparkle below during the 70-minute journey through Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Departures happen three times daily, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule perfectly. I recommend bringing a camera for those jaw-dropping mountain views.

2. Strasburg Rail Road

America’s oldest continuously running railroad takes you through Amish farmland where horse-drawn buggies still dot the roads. Your 45-minute ride passes quilted fields and century-old barns that look like postcards come to life.

Choose from coach seats, breezy open-air cars, or fancy first-class accommodations. Special holiday trains and wine evenings add extra charm to this Lancaster County treasure.

3. Colebrookdale Railroad

Known locally as the Secret Valley Line, this two-hour adventure departs from Boyertown into southeastern Pennsylvania’s hidden corners. Restored rail cars from a century ago give you that authentic vintage feel while modern comfort keeps the ride smooth.

Themed events like dinner trains and wine tastings turn a simple excursion into a memorable evening. The scenery changes with every bend in the track.

4. Stourbridge Line

Open windows let crisp mountain air rush in as you travel between Honesdale and Hawley through the Lackawaxen River valley. Fall foliage turns this route into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows that’ll take your breath away.

The Pocono Mountains frame your journey with their timeless beauty. Wine-tasting rides and other themed events make this historic railway perfect for special occasions.

5. New Hope Railroad

A 1925 steam locomotive huffs and puffs its way through Bucks County’s rolling countryside for 45 minutes of pure nostalgia. Historic farms and the Delaware River create a backdrop that photographers dream about capturing.

First-class parlor cars offer luxurious seating if you want to treat yourself. Steam billows past your window as the vintage engine works hard to pull you through this picturesque landscape.

6. Tioga Central Railroad

Wellsboro Junction serves as your departure point for this 24-mile journey through Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon region. Dense forests give way to stunning overlooks where you can see for miles across rugged terrain.

The vintage diesel locomotive pulls you through tunnels and over bridges that feel like stepping back in time. Seasonal rides showcase different natural wonders, from spring wildflowers to winter wonderlands draped in snow.

7. East Broad Top Railroad

This narrow-gauge railway has been chugging through Rockhill Furnace since 1873, making it a living piece of industrial history. Coal mining heritage meets natural beauty as you ride through the Aughwick Valley for about an hour.

Authentic steam engines and original equipment transport you to Pennsylvania’s past. I find the combination of history and scenery absolutely captivating on this National Historic Landmark route.

8. Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad

Your journey begins in Titusville, birthplace of the American oil industry, and follows Oil Creek through forests that once bustled with drilling operations. The 27-mile round trip takes about three hours and reveals both natural splendor and industrial heritage.

Autumn transforms this route into a spectacular color show. Guides share fascinating stories about the oil boom that changed America forever.

9. Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad

Vintage rail cars carry you on an 11-mile journey through Lebanon Valley’s peaceful farmland and woodlands. Your 75-minute ride departs from Middletown and showcases the simple beauty of rural Pennsylvania life.

Seasonal events include pumpkin patch trains and Santa expresses that families absolutely adore. The gentle pace lets you truly absorb every detail of the countryside rolling past your window.

10. Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern Railroad

Tucked away in Berks County, this charming railway runs for six miles between Kempton and Wanamaker through forested hills. Steam locomotives from the 1920s provide authentic vintage atmosphere while you enjoy views of the Hawk Mountain region.

The round trip takes about 40 minutes through terrain that feels wonderfully remote. Local volunteers keep this historic line running with obvious passion and care.

11. Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train

Ashland’s unique attraction combines underground coal mine tours with a narrow-gauge steam train ride around Mahanoy Mountain. Your locomotive circles the mountainside, offering panoramic views of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region.

The 35-minute train ride complements the mine tour perfectly, showing you both above and below ground perspectives. Henry the locomotive has been delighting visitors since 1963 with his cheerful whistle.

12. Everett Railroad

Rolling out of Hollidaysburg, this scenic railway follows an 1850s route through the Allegheny Mountains for 12 miles. Limestone cliffs and dense forests create dramatic scenery that changes completely with the seasons.

Murder mystery dinners and holiday specials add entertainment to your journey. The vintage coaches and authentic diesel engines maintain that classic railroad atmosphere throughout your two-hour adventure.

13. Rockhill Trolley Museum

Electric trolleys glide along a three-mile route through countryside near Rockhill Furnace, offering a different kind of rail experience. These restored streetcars once served cities but now provide peaceful rides through rural landscapes.

You’ll feel the nostalgia of early 20th-century public transportation while enjoying mountain views. The museum’s collection includes trolleys from Philadelphia, Johnstown, and other Pennsylvania cities.

14. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Washington County’s trolley museum operates four miles of track where you can ride beautifully restored streetcars through wooded terrain. Your journey demonstrates how electric railways once connected communities before automobiles dominated transportation.

Knowledgeable guides explain trolley history while you enjoy the smooth, quiet ride. Indoor exhibits complement the outdoor experience with fascinating displays of transit memorabilia.

15. Steamtown National Historic Site

Scranton’s massive railroad museum offers short excursions aboard historic steam locomotives that once hauled freight across America. Your ride through the Lackawanna River valley connects you directly to the golden age of railroading.

The museum complex includes roundhouses, repair shops, and dozens of locomotives you can explore. Special excursions travel longer distances through northeastern Pennsylvania’s beautiful countryside.