Winnipesaukee Scenic Railway Offers The Best Fall Foliage Train In New England

For those who love seeing the fall foliage each year, a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is the perfect way to go. The scenic train ride is among the best ways to experience autumn on the East Coast and the railroad is ready to run its annual Fall Foliage Trains. Read on to learn more about the scenic railroad and what you can expect along the way.

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad to start running the annual Fall Foliage Trains

New England is truly the best place to be during the fall, due to the sheer number of trees, many of which are deciduous. With all those trees, autumn turns the forests into wonderlands in shades of red and orange. Meanwhile, many people enjoy catching those fall colors from their car, but there is a better way (especially for the driver!).

Instead of driving, take a ride with the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and its special Fall Foliage Trains, which run from mid-September to mid-October each year. The train allows its passengers to become fully immersed in the colorful scene for a truly special experience, where the family won’t miss a thing.

Where does the train take its passengers?

The four-hour Fall Foliage Train journey sets off from the tiny town of Meredith, New Hampshire, heading up and over Ashland Summit to the north. The train crosses the scenic Ashland High Trestle, offering passengers views of the water and forest below. Following this, the Fall Foliage train passes through a red deer farm and a Christmas tree farm for those looking ahead to the holidays.

The train then heads to Plymouth, New Hampshire, where it stops, allowing passengers to enjoy lunch at a local inn, The Common Man Inn & Spa. Here, travelers can enjoy a hot buffet lunch in the dining room, which typically includes a hot soup, roast turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy with cranberry sauce and butternut squash. Moreover, vegetarians are also catered for on the inn’s menu.

After enjoying a delicious hot meal, the train’s passengers can explore the inn’s gift shop, selling New Hampshire-made products before hopping back on the train to head home.

The Fall Foliage Train makes another exciting stop

While heading to Meredith and the journey’s end, the Fall Foliage Train makes one more stop in Ashland, New Hampshire. The town is home to the restored Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad Station, where passengers will enjoy a full tour of the historic station. Meanwhile, the tour is led by members of the Ashland Historical Society, all clad in full 1860s clothing for effect.

After hopping back on the train, it continues from Ashland, back over the Ashland Summit, with one last pass by beautiful Lake Waukewan before taking its passengers to the Meredith Station.

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad’s Fall Foliage Train Itinerary

The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad’s Fall Foliage Train leaves Meredith Station at 11 am sharp, returning shortly after 3 pm. The four-hour journey only runs on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 19 to October 20, 2024.

Tickets for the Fall Foliage Train special are $99.99 per person, including the hot buffet lunch at the inn in Plymouth, the guided tour in Ashland, and a souvenir tour booklet to take home.

To avoid disappointment, reservations should be made in advance on the Granite State Scenic Railway’s website here.

Take the whole family for a fun train ride through the autumn colors of New England, while relaxing and watching the beautiful scenes go by.