Looking for a great day trip idea for fall? Experience autumn's colors with a scenic ride aboard a special fall color excursion train. A forest ablaze in fall colors is among nature's most dazzling sights -- especially when viewed from a window seat aboard a vintage train.

Fall foliage trains are as varied as the leaf-peepers who love them. Scenic railroads and heritage railways feature weekend excursion trains, dinner train rides and more. Historic steam engines and classic diesels explore New England valleys, Michigan woodlands, Wisconsin lake shores and beyond.

A fall foliage tour by train offers several advantages over a car trip. Rolling vistas are unobstructed by billboards and other visual blight. Large, panoramic windows are ideal for photo ops. And, the would-be driver gets to relax and enjoy the view with everybody else.

Railways linked below have designated special special foliage runs but many other Tourist Trains extend their timetables through the season. Reservations are required in some instances and advised whenever possible.