You are planning to tour the US and spend your next vacation in different states? While flights will take you to your various destinations in real time, you will miss out on more of your vacation. Wouldn't you like to start your holiday even before you arrive at your destination? You'll be surprised at how much you haven't discovered yet in the US while traveling by train.
Here are 10 of the most scenic train rides in the US
There is something magical about train travel, especially when it's scenic. All you do is just look out the window and admire the beauty of nature, taking pictures from time to time.
1st place: Amtrak Empire Train
Are you interested in spending more time traveling from Chicago, Minneapolis to Seattle during your vacation? The Amtrak Empire Builder is one of the best rail routes in America and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River, Glacier National Park, the Cascade Mountains, and long tunnels. You can always take a 20-minute break at various points to stretch your legs.
2nd Place: Mount Washington Railroad
This is the first railroad in the world in the form of a saw that leads to the top of the mountain. Climb aboard the train for a three-mile journey to reach the highest peak in the northeast. The trip is three and a half hours long, including an hour at the top for amazing views. This railway is open to visitors from April to November. There are many events and special offers to enjoy your trip. It is better to book a ticket in advance.
3rd place: Grand Canyon Railroad
Too bad most Grand Canyon visitors miss out on the fantastic train ride. They take a walk in the sky, stop the car at lookouts, and even stop overnight at one of the classic cabins, but traveling the Grand Canyon by rail is a completely different experience. Many railroad cars have glass domed ceilings that offer amazing panoramas. The journey starts from Williams and passes through prairies and pine forests. You will reach the South Rim in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The historic village buildings of the South Rim will intrigue you and make you want to immerse yourself in their history. You will definitely remember this trip for a long time.
4th place: Amtrak trip along the coast
Move from Seattle and take a vacation to Portland or Los Angeles on the Amtrak Coast Starlight. The 1377 mile journey will take you to the best places on the west coast — San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Portland, Sacramento and more. You will travel past enchanting waterfalls, snow-capped Cascade Mountains, lush forests and the Puget Sound. Views of the Pacific coast will give unforgettable memories. Enjoy panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows on this 36-hour journey. Delicious delicacies are served in the dining car, including the signature steak with pepper sauce. This is one of the most scenic train journeys in the US due to the amazing experiences it offers.
5th place: Napa Valley Wine Ride, California
Want to experience the most popular wine trail in America? Come to Napa Valley in California. Try a wine valley ride for stunning views and some of the best wines. You will see beautiful wineries and rolling hills with lush rows of vineyards. Along the way, you will sip wine along with a multi-course lunch. Kelly McDonald, an award-winning chef, will prepare dinner and lunch for you. The trip takes 3 hours, but you can choose a special event.
6th place: Drive through the southwest desert
Leave congested Southern California and soon you'll be climbing the Cajon Pass to reach the Mojave Desert. See miles of painted desert as you continue your 2,256-mile train ride. Soon you will pass through red rock canyons with scrub oak, tamarisk, juniper and ponderosa pines. Often the rock is inches from your face as your train snakes through these canyons. In Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas, you'll see big city centers and beautiful little towns. This is a 40-hour epic train ride across the USA.
7th place: Wildlife of the Alaskan coastAlaska is an incredible wilderness with stunning views. The Alaska Railroad Wilderness Classic covers a 114-mile stretch that takes you through the Kenai Mountains. The train goes to areas inaccessible to cars. You will pass through glaciers, cross a river gorge and five tunnels. On this four-hour journey, you have the opportunity to see bears, moose and bald eagles. Get to Seward and look around the village. Be sure to visit the Kenai Fjords National Park.
8th place: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
This ride, which takes you through the San Juan Forest Zone, will help you appreciate just how beautiful the western wilderness of America is. Passing along the Animas River, you can see old stagecoach trails, abandoned mining villages and the stunning peaks of Colorado. You will enjoy a ride on the railroad, which has been transporting silver and gold since 1812. There are many specials, such as beer and wine rides between September and October, and Polar Express-themed rides in November.
9th place: Cass Scenic Railroad, West Virginia
Take one of the scenic U.S. train rides from Indiana and enjoy a trip to Whittaker or Bald Knob. You'll see the mountains of West Virginia using the same line the lumbermen used to haul lumber to Cass in 1901. Make your first stop at Whittaker Station for a quick bite to eat while taking in the beautiful surroundings. The line was built in 1901 to transport timber to sawmills, so it's a trip back in time. The small town of Kass has been preserved, which now looks the same as it did 100 years ago. Timber carriers were converted into modern open wagons. Watch the locomotive billow black smoke.
10th Location: Hawaiian Railroad Society, Oahu, Hawaii
Run at 15 mph on this classic 1.5-hour tropical train. This is an old sugar cane hauler. Along the way, you will see waves crashing on the shore and nodding palm trees. The train has a rear platform that provides an even better view. You will pass through ghost towns and sisal plantations. You can even ride in the founder's private carriage since 1900 on the second Sunday of every month. Maple, mahogany and oak furniture will make you feel like someone from the Hawaiian royal family.
