On its way from Washington DC to St. Albans, Vermont, Amtrak’s Vermonter train ambles through lush northeastern forests and charming small towns. (The entire 13-hour journey crosses nine states, from the Mid-Atlantic to New England.) Once in Vermont, you’ll have your pick of picturesque villages with plenty of fiery trees to view.
The train’s first stop in Vermont is a solid choice for a fall weekend getaway: the historic town of Battleboro. This pretty hamlet sits right on the Connecticut river in the foothills of the Green Mountains, so expect undulating blankets of colorful foliage in every direction. The train station is right in town, so most activities and amenities are accessible by foot. Stop by a local café or browse the shops lining Main Street. Rent a kayak from one of the local outfitters and gaze over the water toward hills filled with vibrant leaves. Or, head to nearby Fort Dummer State Park (about a 45-minute walk along South Main Street) for easy hiking trails and lookout points over crimson-tinged maple, oak, and birch trees.
Peak time for foliage: Early to mid-October
Wisconsin
Train line: Empire Builder
As Amtrak’s Empire Builder stretches from Chicago, across all of the Upper Midwest, and into Washington state, it offers plenty of foliage-centric destinations to choose from. Just under a four-hour ride from Chicago is a perfect locale for soaking in autumn’s glory: Wisconsin Dells.
Head to Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area for views of trees in their seasonal finery among numerous pines and set against Cambrian sandstone cliffs, canyons, and unique rock formations. Back in the center of town, a leisurely stroll along the scenic River Walk offers a chance to behold the bursts of color while weaving your way along the water.
Unwind from all that hiking at one of the area’s local breweries. Then check into Sundara Inn & Spa, one of the first destination spas in the Midwest with treatments like Reiki and CBD massages.
Peak time for foliage: Mid-October
Maine
Train line: Downeaster
