Want to unplug and unwind? Consider leaving the car at home and taking a daylong train trip.
Train trips offer fabulous views of mountains, deserts, oceans and forests, as well as cultural and historic experiences. They allow you to sit back and ponder the scenery instead of the traffic.
The cost will depend on the season, route and class of train car. But discounts are often available for military members, seniors, students, children and members of AARP or AAA.
And best of all, these trips all take a day or less.
1. Cass Scenic Railroad
The trip: For a short but magical historical jaunt, try the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park rail line. Riding in a restored steam-powered train, you will traverse the scenic mountains of eastern West Virginia.
How long it takes: Traveling the full route from the Cass Depot up to the Bald Knob overlook — 11 miles each way — takes about 4½ hours round-trip.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad website.
2. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The trip: The route of this train, which has been designated a national historic landmark, runs between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, with trains departing from both cities. It carries riders through the Rocky Mountain West.
How long it takes: Traveling round-trip takes a full day, though shorter options are available.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit the Cumbres & Toltec website.
3. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The trip: This Colorado ride travels between Durango — not too far from the Four Corners area where the borders of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet — and Silverton. It has been in operation since 1882.
How long it takes: The steam locomotive’s top speed is 18 mph, so the ride itself takes about 3½ hours each way. The journey also includes a two-hour stop in Silverton. So consider this an all-day trip.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit the Durango & Silverton website.
4. Ethan Allen Express
The trip: A ride on this Amtrak route between New York City (pictured) and Burlington, Vermont — by way of New York’s capital city of Albany — features views of the Hudson River Valley and the Green Mountains.
How long it takes: Traveling the full route takes about 7½ hours, but it includes numerous stops in both New York and Vermont, enabling you to tailor the length of your trip.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express page.
5. Grand Canyon Railway
The trip: This train journey offers travelers a unique and low-stress way to view the heavily tourist-invaded Grand Canyon — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The railway has been in operation since 1901.
How long it takes: All day, including more than three hours to explore the Grand Canyon. Specifically, the train stops at the Grand Canyon National Park’s Historic Village on the canyon’s South Rim.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit the Grand Canyon Railway website.
6. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The trip: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad route in western North Carolina begins at a historic depot in Bryson City and takes riders through the mountains — including Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest.
How long it takes: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers numerous excursions and packages, so you can tailor your itinerary based on your interests and how much time you have.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit the GSMR website.
7. Napa Valley Wine Train
The trip: This Northern California route traversing the popular wine valley combines fine dining, vintage cars and, of course, wine. It travels 36 miles round-trip — from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back — stopping at famous wineries along the way.
How long it takes: The Napa Valley Wine Train offers daytime, evening and all-day journeys.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit the Napa Valley Wine Train website.
8. Mount Washington Cog Railway
The trip: The Mount Washington Cog Railway is in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Built for climbing Mount Washington, the Cog, as it’s known locally, will take you to the highest peak in the Northeast.
How long it takes: The train takes less than an hour to travel from Marshfield Base Station, which is at an elevation of 2,700 feet, to the summit of Mount Washington — at 6,288 feet. Layovers are around an hour, giving passengers time to take in the summit before returning to the base station.
To learn more or book tickets: Visit the Cog Railway website.
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Source: moneytalksnews.com