Railroads pass through some of the country's most scenic landscapes, especially in autumn. Hop aboard an excursion train and you'll discover views you can't see from any road, says Don Heimburger, who runs a publishing company devoted to railroads (HeimburgerHouse.com) and has traveled on trains around the world.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Chama, N.M.
America's highest and longest steam narrow-gauge railroad starts in northern New Mexico, and climbs over a 10,000-foot pass, covering 64 miles before ending in Antonito, Colo. "You've got tremendous steep grades and you can hear the chugging," Heimburger says. "You almost feel like you're in the engineer's seat, struggling your way up these mountains." 877-890-2737; cumbrestoltec.com
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Cumberland, Md.
The 32-mile route through rugged Appalachian scenery passes through the Narrows, a mountain cut that was once a gateway to the West. When the train arrives in Frostburg, Md., passengers can watch the locomotive rotating on a turntable for the trip back. It's located about 140 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. 800-872-4650; wmsr.com
Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa, Calif.
This train combines three of Napa's world-famous attributes: wine, food and scenery. The three-hour, 36-mile route attracts 100,000 passengers a year, who are drawn by on-board white tablecloth dining and regional wine tastings. "It's a great experience, something you won't forget," Heimburger says. 800-427-4124; winetrain.com
Grand Canyon Railway
Williams, Ariz.
This rail line once hauled ore, but now it's a great way to visit one of the scenic wonders of the world. The popular 65-mile route starts in Williams, and heads north to the Grand Canyon. It offers several levels of service, strolling musicians, complimentary soft drinks and private bars." Once you step off the train, you're just yards from the South Rim," Heimburger says. 800-843-8724; thetrain.com
White Pass & Yukon Route
Skagway, Alaska
Even in a state packed with outstanding views, this trip stands out. "You just can't find a railroad and scenery combination much better than this — anywhere, really," Heimburger says. The 68-mile route was built to carry fortune seekers to the Yukon gold fields. Now passengers marvel at the engineering required to build tunnels and high trestles in what's still wilderness. 800-343-7373; wpyr.com
Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg, Pa.
Visit the country's oldest railroad company to see and experience steam locomotives — both in the huge Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and on the track. Excursion trips take in Lancaster County's bucolic Amish farmlands, about 65 miles west of Philadelphia. Heimburger suggests breaking up your trip with a stop at Groff's Grove picnic area. 717-687-7522; strasburgrailroad.com
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
Alamosa, Colo.
Although built in the late 19th century, this train was reborn as an excursion line only recently. It offers two southern Colorado routes, but Heimburger favors the day-long La Veta Mountaineer, which crosses 9,242-foot Le Veta Pass. Heimburger suggest sitting in a dome view car to take in the looming mountain views. 877-726-7245; riograndescenicrailroad.com
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Bretton Woods, N.H.
England may have invented the railroad, but America taught it to climb mountains. The world's first cog railroad — which uses gears that interlock with toothed racks on the ground — debuted in 1869 at Mount Washington, 165 miles north of Boston. The grade's so steep that you need to stay seated during the ride, Heimburger says. 800-922-8825; thecog.com
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Cass, W.Va.
A century ago, this steam-powered rail line hauled lumber out of the mountains. Now it's preserved as a link to the past. The line, about 165 miles east of Charleston, offers three trips, but Heimburger recommends the journey to Bald Knob, the third highest point in the state. "You'll just feel like you're in the back woods — a private lumber owner going up to inspect your property up there." 304-456-4300; cassrailroad.com
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango, Colo.
The southwest Colorado line passes along the Animas River Gorge, far above rushing waters. "Your heart starts pounding a little faster when all of sudden you're faced with a huge drop-off to the side," Heimburger says. "This whole train ride feels like an Old West adventure." He recommends packing a jacket and sitting out in the train's open-air gondola. 877-872-4607; durangotrain.com
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