The next two weeks mark a major milestone for nature-loving travelers throughout the American Northeast, as we’re hitting peak fall foliage season. But, rather than suffer through traffic-clogged roads or having to hike miles and miles to see the changing leaves, the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railway invites you to sit back, relax, and take it all in from the comfort of a plush train seat instead.
The railway departs from Milford, New York — a quaint little town smack dab in the middle of the state. It opened for travelers looking to get from point A to point B in 1869. However, passenger train service was discontinued in 1934 and stayed that way until 1996, when the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society purchased the line, rehabbed it, and reopened it for seasonal passenger service once again in 1999. And that includes its Fall Foliage Excursions, which are happening right now.
“Travel along the tranquil Susquehanna River, through farm fields with beautiful views and forests with colorful foliage,” the line explains on its site. “Our open-air car with its new permanent canopy makes for a perfect view of the colors, rain or shine.”
Courtesy of Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
The two-hour trip brings guests through a gorgeous landscape of fall colors, which guests can experience right from the comfort of their seats, looking out through the massive picture windows. The train also includes some complimentary snacks, as well as food available for purchase on the train’s dining car. The only important note is that these are indeed authentic vintage train cars, meaning they are not ADA-compliant, so please consider this before booking your ticket.
The fall foliage trip isn’t the only fun experience to be had this fall. The train line also offers the ee our Pumpkin Patch Express train on Oct. 21 and 22, which takes guests to its private pumpkin patch so they can pick out a gourd, and the Trick-or-Treat Express, which provides trick-or-treat bags for all the children onboard. However, tickets are just like fall foliage itself — extremely limited. So, if you want in, you better get your tickets and hop on board ASAP before the journey and leaves disappear for the rest of the year.
See more about the train and its schedule at cooperstowntrain.com.