Whether you want a quick family-friendly ride or a full-day adventure across the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks, this guide brings you the best scenic train rides in New York for September 2025—only the routes worth your ticket.
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Amtrak Adirondack: NYC to Montreal via the Hudson Valley
This isn’t just a train ride—it’s one of the most scenic rail journeys in North America.
Departing from Penn Station in New York City, the Amtrak Adirondack hugs the Hudson River for hours, offering jaw-dropping riverfront views with the Palisades, lighthouses, and charming river towns sliding past your window.
The ride takes about 10 hours if you go all the way to Montreal, but shorter trips to towns like Saratoga Springs or Ticonderoga are also popular.
Food and beverages are available on board, making it comfortable even for families traveling with kids.
Read More: 8 Best Food Festivals in New York for September 2025
Once you arrive at stops like Saratoga, you can explore attractions like the Saratoga Spa State Park or enjoy local dining before heading back.
Parking is available near Penn Station, and plenty of hotels in Manhattan or Saratoga make it easy to turn this trip into a weekend getaway.
Adirondack Railroad: Utica to Old Forge and Beyond
If you’re looking for pure Adirondack wilderness without leaving New York State, this is the ride.
The Adirondack Railroad takes you deep into the heart of the park, starting from Utica Union Station and winding toward Old Forge.
The trip usually runs for a few hours depending on the excursion, with some themed rides offering onboard snacks and drinks.
Families love it for its vintage rail cars, while rail fans geek out over the restored locomotives.
Nearby attractions like Old Forge’s Enchanted Forest Water Safari or the Adirondack Experience museum make it easy to pair the train ride with other activities.
Parking at Utica Station is convenient, and accommodations range from budget motels to cozy cabins in Old Forge.
Delaware & Ulster Railroad: Catskills by Rail
For those who want a more relaxed, heritage experience, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad in the Catskills delivers.
Departing from Arkville Station, this ride lasts about two hours and features both vintage coaches and open-air flatbed cars that roll through farmland, river valleys, and forested hills.
There’s no full-service dining car, but snacks and light refreshments are often available.
Families appreciate its laid-back vibe, though adults can enjoy nearby attractions like craft breweries or hikes around Belleayre Mountain.
Parking is available at the station, and you’ll find inns and B&Bs throughout the Catskills for a full weekend stay.
Catskill Mountain Railroad: Short but Sweet Adventures
Operating out of Kingston, the Catskill Mountain Railroad is the definition of small but mighty.
Its rides are shorter—often under two hours—but what they lack in distance, they make up for in charm.
September weekends feature themed trains, including fall foliage specials where kids can spot pumpkins and families can enjoy a cozy outing.
Food and drinks aren’t always available on board, so it’s smart to pack snacks. Being family-friendly, this is perfect for young kids or first-time train riders.
Pair your visit with Kingston’s historic Rondout waterfront district or local eateries for a complete day.
Parking is free near the station, and there are several boutique hotels in Kingston if you’d like to stay overnight.
Saratoga, Corinth & Hudson Railway: History on the Tracks
This is one of New York’s newer heritage railways, but it’s quickly becoming a fall favorite.
Departing from Corinth Station, the train rumbles past the Hudson River and into the Adirondack foothills.
Most rides last between 90 minutes and two hours, with restored vintage cars offering both standard seating and open-air options.
Snacks and beverages are often sold on board, and families find the ride easygoing, while adults love the history and small-town vibe.
Nearby attractions include downtown Saratoga Springs, with its mineral springs, racetrack, and restaurants.
Parking is available by the station, and Saratoga’s hotels make overnight stays easy.
Finger Lakes Rail Experience: Wine Country by Train
Few places in New York are more beautiful in early fall than the Finger Lakes, and the Finger Lakes Rail Experience captures it perfectly.
Departing near Canandaigua and Geneva, the route cuts through vineyard country, rolling hills, and alongside lakes. Most trips last around two to three hours.
Some excursions include wine tastings, making this more of an adults-only getaway, though families can join non-alcohol-focused rides.
Snacks and drinks are available on board, but the real highlight is pairing the ride with nearby wineries, breweries, or lakeside dining.
Parking is simple at departure points, and cozy B&Bs and lakefront inns offer great overnight options.
New York & Lake Erie Railroad: Foliage and Wine in Western NY
In Western New York, the New York & Lake Erie Railroad combines two of the season’s biggest draws—fall foliage and wine.
Departing from Gowanda Station, the train takes a few hours to wind through the Enchanted Mountains region.
Wine and craft beer rides are especially popular with adults, but the railroad also runs family-friendly events in September.
Light refreshments are served, and nearby attractions include Zoar Valley’s hiking trails or the quaint shops in Gowanda.
Parking is available at the station, and you’ll find local inns and hotels within short driving distance.
Conclusion
If there’s one way to see New York in September without stress, it’s by train.
From the world-famous Amtrak Adirondack to charming heritage lines in the Catskills and Finger Lakes, these rides transform fall landscapes into living postcards.
So instead of sitting in traffic on I-87 or I-90, grab a ticket, sit back, and let the train do the work.
Trust me—these are the best scenic train rides in New York for September 2025, and they’re worth every mile of track.
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