Three top railroads to experience in the fall [Image courtesy East Broad Top Railroad – Orbisonia, Central Pennsylvania]In recent years, train journeys have become hugely popular with travelers and these three top US railroads offer the ride of a lifetime while taking in the fall colors. One is America’s ‘Highest Railroad’ – The Pikes Peak Railroad. The second is the Grand Canyon Railway steam engine railroad, while the third is the East Broad Top Railroad, a 150-year-old narrow gauge in Pennsylvania.
Top US railroads to ride in the fall
Travelers looking for a train ride on the top US railroads can experience the train ride of a lifetime while gazing at beautifully scenic views from the trains’ windows. Read on for details of three top US railroads to try out in the fall of 2024.
1. The Broadmoor, Manitou And Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway [Image courtesy The Broadmoor]Travelers can take a unique cog railway up to the 14,115 feet Pikes Peak – the highest in the US for spectacular views. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of only two cog railways in the country and runs all year round (except for certain holidays). It is interesting to note that this is where the lyrics to the song “America the Beautiful” were composed, inspired by the views.
Depot for the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway [Image courtesy The Broadmoor]The cog railroad was originally built in 1891 and is owned and operated by The Broadmoor. Not only is the historic railway the highest in America, but it is also the highest cog railway in the world. Moreover, it is one of Colorado’s major attractions and one of the most unique experiences to enjoy in the fall.
Read more about the railroad and make reservations on The Broadmoor’s website here.
2. The Grand Canyon Railway, Williams, AZ
[Image Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel on Facebook]The Grand Canyon Railway is the last mainline steam engine railroad in the US and is a wonder to ride. The railroad has been taking visitors to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon since 1901 before the land was even a national park.
One of the top US railroads, the Grand Canyon Railway was built by the legendary Atkinson, Topeka, and Santa Fe (ATSF). It runs from Williams, AZ, on historic Rt. 66 to within steps of the Grand Canyon South Rim and El Tovar.
[Image Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel on Facebook]Meanwhile, the train is comprised of railcars from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Among them are the luxury dome cars (see photo above) and an open platform observation car for wonderful views. Moreover, the train has vintage coaches with opening windows.
The train departs at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m., with a 2.5-hour layover at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Moreover, the railway runs daily with exceptions on certain holidays like Christmas.
Ecologically speaking, it is estimated that the train takes some 70,000 cars off the road and once a month, the railway pulls the daily train with a massive, 100-year-old steam engine built in 1923, which runs on waste vegetable oil. Meanwhile, the Grand Canyon Railway is believed to be the last standard gauge passenger railroad in the US where steam engines still pull revenue trains.
Visit the website of the Grand Canyon Railway for more information about the train and the hotel. Alternatively, call 1-800-843-8724.
3. The East Broad Top Railroad – Orbisonia, Central Pennsylvania
[Image courtesy East Broad Top Railroad – Orbisonia, Central Pennsylvania]Considered by the Smithsonian to be an “American Treasure”, the East Broad Top Railroad (EBT) is a 150-year-old narrow gauge railroad in Pennsylvania. Moreover, it is one of America’s best-preserved examples of 19th-century American narrow-gauge railroads and industrial complexes.
Meanwhile, the EBT is located in Orbisonia, PA, nestled in the rolling hills and farmlands in central Pennsylvania. It was shut down in 1956, but is up and running again with a century-old steam engine, taking passengers on one-hour train rides in enclosed passenger cars, open-air cars, and even a vintage caboose.
Depot [Image courtesy East Broad Top Railroad – Orbisonia, Central Pennsylvania]Moreover, passengers can enjoy a nine-mile round-trip ride from the historic Orbisonia station to a picturesque picnic grove. Along the way, passengers enjoy views of a classically beautiful Pennsylvania valley, most untouched by the modern world. Guided tours are also available of the railroad’s remarkably intact, late 19th/early 20th-century machine shop complex on every day that the trains run.
The Railroad runs through October, with holiday trains available in November and December. Reservations are recommended, as the Railroad’s renaissance draws national and international attention. Visit the website of The East Broad Top Railroad here for more information and reservations, or call 814-447-3285.
Experience one of these unique, top US railroads during the fall of 2024 and take home memories of a lifetime.