The vibrant colors of autumn foliage can be enjoyed the best with scenic Pocono mountain train ride across the spectacular spectrum of color-changing leaves all over the region. Scenic train rides are one of the best things to do in the Poconos during fall and continue to delight visitors every year.
Rail Lines in Poconos hold an enormous part in history and have a solid link to the changes and development of the region, dating back to the 1800s, long before the civil war and the industrial revolution. The railroads in the Poconos were part of the change in the new nation frontier. Scenic train rides Poconos are a great way to have a great view of the natural beauty of Poconos while also experiencing and learning about the rich history of Poconos.
Most of the scenic rides in Poconos are slow – so relax and enjoy your time with a spectacular view in front of your eyes. There is no better time to experience the beauty of the Poconos than in the fall, with the leaves turning red and putting on a beautiful show of changing colors that pops up on the blue sky background.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
This 70 minute round trip of train ride, delights you by the great view of high-rising cliffs, majestic mountain view and wildlife through the forested route to Old Penn Haven.
History
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is the sister company of the Reading and Northern Railroad. Starting its operations in 1985, the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad ran over a short track in Berks County.
After 20 years, the railway track attracted more tracks, expanding the operations. Today, the railway operates in the historic town of Jim Thorpe PA, during weekends, holidays and selective weekdays throughout the year.
Some of the memorable trips throughout the year include Autumn Lead Excursions that start from Reading Outer Station, Tamaqua Station, and Port Clinton Station, where you get to see many places and information about the communities on the way. You get to learn about the coal mining operation with the help of railroads that were carried out in the early 1800s.
Down below you can see the essential information about the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to enjoy the train rides in Pocono mountains.
| Train routes | Lehigh river on top of bridges, Glen Onoko, Lehigh Gorge State Park & Old Penn Haven |
| Total distance it covers | 16 miles |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Timings | Saturday & Sunday – 9:30 am to 6 pm
Monday to Friday – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Location | No.1, Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 |
| Amenities | Wheelchair accessible, narrative story about area, comfy seats, restrooms. |
Different Train Rides
Delight in the scenic train rides in the Poconos, where you can find different styles of travel in Lehigh gorge scenic railway. Here, you are able to discover various different train rides which give you the experience of the panoramic view in the pleasant ambience.
Open Air Car
Here, passengers face the window, enjoying the view outside. The pets and people can move and stand along the sides of the open-air car and enjoy the cool breeze.
Standard Coach Seating
The standard coaches at Lehigh Gorge railway station were built in 1932. The interiors of the coaches are renovated but still have hints of vintage style. The coaches feature windows, comfortable seats, and restrooms for the passengers.
Crown – Class Seating
This coach is premium to the standard coach. It is a lot more spacious and comfortable for the passengers. The seats are cushiony, have better restrooms, and are heated during cooler weather.
Vista – Class Dome Car Seating
Delight in the beautiful view of the Pennsylvania scenery in the comfy padded seats. Feel like flying in the sky on this totally climate controlled train ride.
First – Class Lounge Car Seating
This observatory dome car offers the most scenic view of the Poconos from the top and sides. The coaches have a fully-controlled air conditioning/heating system and clean restrooms for the passengers.
Tickets and Pricing Details :
| Train Rides | Adults | Children
( 3 to 12 years) |
Children
(under 2 years) |
| Open Air Car | $24 | $10 | Free |
| Standard Coach Seating | $22 | $9 | Free |
| Crown – Class Seating | $24 | $10 | Free |
| Vista – Class Dome Car Seating | $30 | $19 | Free |
| First – Class Lounge Car Seating | $49 | $40 | Free |
What to Expect:
This is the perfect family ride which has many shades during various seasons for scenic train ride Poconos where you can enjoy the touch of nature along with the narrative story about the area. Those lovely attractions in the lovely seasons will delight you into the wonders of nature.
- Fall: You get to witness a spectacular change in the color of the leaves on the trees.
- Winter; Since there are no leaves on the trees, you will be able to see the Lehigh River and old remnants of canal locks.
- Spring: During the spring, as the trees start blooming, it is pretty colorful
- Summer: You will be able to spot many animals, especially in the early morning and later in the afternoon.
Discover the top family activities in the Poconos, where you can find the complete guide for your trip with your family.
The Stourbridge Line Train Excursions
This Pocono Mountain train ride is prominent during the peak season of the Fall Foliage. I have experienced this ride which delights me in the vibrant colors of the leaves and beauty of the Poconos Mountains, and is the perfect spot for your family vacation.
History
The Stourbridge Lion was initially started to carry the coal mines from Pennsylvania to New York City by the Delaware and Hudson Canal company. The operations were initiated in July of 1829. The trial run took place on the 8th of August, 1829.
Down below in this table, you can discover the essential information about the Stourbridge Line Train Excursions for scenic train rides in Poconos.
| Train routes | Journey along the Lackawaxen river valley |
| Total distance it covers | 25 miles |
| Pet Friendly | No |
| Timings | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| Location | No.812, Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 |
| Amenities | Wheelchair accessible, Shops & restaurants |
Different Train rides
Experience the scenic train rides in the Poconos, where you can find different styles of travel in the Stourbridge line train excursions. Here, you are able to discover various different train rides which give you the experience of the panoramic view in the pleasant ambience.
Pocono Express
This 1.5-hour round trip starts from Homesdale and takes the passenger to Hawley. It is one of the best trips to experience the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. You can immediately book (based on the availability) and get instant confirmation.
Ice Cream Express
It is a great ride for kids and takes around 2.5 hours to depart from Honesdale. It starts on June 24th and happens only on Fridays. It is recommended to pre-purchase the ticket.
Farmers Market Explorer
Every Friday, it departs the Holmesdale station at 1 pm. The total round trip is 3 hours 30 minutes. You can get out of the train and stroll in Bingham Park to the farmers’ market and find local produce. The train then departs from Homesdale at 3.30 pm, which gives passengers 2 hours to go around Honesdale.
Honesdale Explorer
You can extend your ride along the Lackawaxen River to Historic Honesdale. The passengers get 1.5 hours to go around the historic Honesdale and return to the Hawley station by 3 pm.
Pumpkin Patch Express
Take for a ride to a pumpkin patch where you can collect pumpkins and enjoy the autumn foliage.
Tickets and Pricing Details :
| Train Rides | Adults | Children
( 3 to 12 years) |
Children
(under 2 years) |
| Pocono Express | $25 | $20 | Free |
| Ice Cream Express | $25 | $15 | Free |
| Farmers Market Explorer | $25 | $20 | Free |
| Honesdale Explorer | $25 | $20 | Free |
| Pumpkin Patch Express | $59 | $59 | $11 |
What to Expect:
This trip would help you get a beautiful glimpse of Pennsylvania’s fall foliage. The scenic train rides through the beautiful Poconos location and brings in some beautiful winter colors. There are many rides and choices available, depending on the places and experiences you wish for.
Gain some historical knowledge through visiting the Poconos Indian Museum, where you can find the perfect museum to visit.
No.9 Coal Mine and Museum
In this oldest coal mine in the United States, you can discover the real inner workings through the train ride. You can also go as groups and enjoy a walking tour in this hidden gem on your visit to the Poconos.
History
No. 9 coal mine was inaugurated in 1855 but was put in operation by 1972. It is the longest operating coal mine. It was abandoned for two decades before being bought by Panther Creek Valley Foundation in 1992 and the mines were restored for tours in 2002.
You will get access to Landford, Coaldale and Summit Hill and find traces of the mining done back in the day – from churches to miners memorial park with coalfield railroads that rumble across the valley nearby.
Down below you can find out the specific information about the No.9 Coal Mine and Museum for delight in the scenic train ride in Poconos.
| Train routes | No. 9 mine |
| Total distance it covers | 1,600 feet |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Timings | Temporarily closed for winter maintenance.
Reopening on 5th April 2024. |
| Location | 9 Dock Street, Lansford, PA 18232 |
| Amenities | Wheelchair accessible, Gift shop & 57-minute documentary. |
What to Expect:
An educational experience: The place is a landmark of the industrial change in the area and also marked as an educational resource for those who are curious about mining. You will also find a gift shop with numerous artifacts, from signs to the tools used by the miners.
You can enjoy a short walk in the railroad boarding shed, where you can take a quick tour of the mine on the small yellow mine cars and come across “Wash Shanty.” The cars take the visitors deep in the 1,600-foot ride in and around the mine. Inside, the guests will be expected to go on a 600 foot walking tour, where you will observe a 900 feet shaft, an underground mine hospital, and random displays of miners’ tools here and there during the trip. What’s shocking is that most of the artifacts used back in the day are still there and in good condition.
The guides will inform you about the life of the miners day in and day out and the conditions in which they used to work. The best part is that temperatures under the mine remain 50 degrees year long.
Go for a read on camping in the Poconos, where you can get the complete guide of camping in the poconos mountains.
Soarin Eagle Rail Tours
Experience the fun outdoor way of Poconos rail bike with nature and wildlife during your trail. The Soarin eagle rail tours are prominent for its scenic view along the Lackawaxen river in the charming Hawley town.
| Train routes | Lackawaxen river & Hawley |
| Total distance it covers | 6 miles |
| Pet Friendly | No |
| Timings | Open 24 hrs |
| Location | No. 4, Columbus Ave, Hawley, PA 18428 |
Different Train rides
Experience the Poconos rail bike, where you can find different styles of travel in the Soarin Eagle Rail Tours. Here, you are able to discover various different train rides which give you the experience of the panoramic view in the pleasant ambience.
Eastbound Trail:
The tour starts by heading east from the Hawley station through an old train yard in Hawley, towards the scenic Lackawaxen River. The tour is over 6 miles and offers lush scenic views and historic remains. You can come across some moderate to average elevations.
Movie tour:
The rail bikes head to the west, towards Mills Farm. You can sit there and relax as you enjoy the play. The tour is around 6.2 miles and can take 4 hours. As it gets dark, the light in front of the railbikes is turned on, which helps the visitors to navigate.
Pumpkin Patch:
This rail bike package heads towards Nills Farm, where the visitors can collect pumpkins, which are also included in the ticket price. It is around 6.2 miles, with a duration of 2.5 hours.
Sunset tour:
Enjoy the sunset at Lackawaxen River. The tour is 6 miles with an allowed duration of 2 hours where you can enjoy the beauty of scenic train rides.
What to Expect
This is a unique kind of rail tour, which includes only rail biking trips that allows you to pedal down on your own over the historic railroad. You can enjoy the beautiful views around – the charms of Hawley and the scenic view of the Wallenpaupack River.
The visitors get to choose between Tandems and guards according to their group for the best experience with their close ones. The adventure is approximately 6 miles long and takes around 2 hours. The visitors are most likely to come across wildlife near clean water and rich habitat of the place with incredible birds that you can see in person.
All the visitors shall leave the place at the same time, but further, they will be spread out to separate tracks to discover the place at their own pace and space.
Wrap Up
Explore Poconos in all its glory with varied scenic and adventurous railway tours that are relaxing, educational and carry substantial historical significance. This blog gives you an idea about the amazing train rides in the Poconos ,you can also find all the detailed information along with the Poconos train ride tickets.
Just plan a trip and go for various train rides along with your friends and family. After your pleasant scenic train rides, have a stay in Poconos vacation rentals for your perfect stay with various essential amenities.
Contact for creating memorable memories with your friends or family by the help of holiday keepers, to know more on various property types to make your vacation more memorable and secure.
FAQ’s
Q: Why should I go for scenic train rides in Poconos?
A: This is the perfect choice to experience the changing seasons which takes you into the nature tour to Poconos with the story narration.
Q: Who can go for these rides in the Poconos?
A: These are all perfect places for both family and couples where you can create your pleasant memories and freeze your happy moments.
Q: Can I find the best stay near Poconos?
A: Yes, You can find out the best stay in top rated vacation rentals with all essential amenities and they also offer different property types.
