Ride a choo-choo with your Chow Chow this leaf season! These scenic railroads welcome dogs to sit back, relax and immerse themselves in the vibrant colors of autumn. From waterfront rides with hot cider to a steam train that stops at a pumpkin patch, dogs ride for free on these fall train rides across the country.
The Best Dog-Friendly Train Rides for Fall
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Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co.
Cinderella’s pumpkin only transforms into a carriage for one night, whereas Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. magically turns into a pumpkin for the entire fall season. Every October, people and pups who delight in fall can climb aboard The Pumpkin Train, a festive ride that invites children to pick out a pumpkin to decorate and the whole family to sip on hot cider and eat fresh cookies. Well-behaved pups are welcome to ride along to catch a glimpse of the fall colors lining the Casco Bay waterfront. This slow-paced, three-mile roundtrip journey takes roughly 35-40 minutes to complete.
Wake up to bay views from Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown near the railroad. Fido will find a convenient pet relief area just outside and the waterfront is a short walk away.
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Rail enthusiasts and leaf peepers can unite on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad for the Fall Splendor Excursion. Dogs are welcome to join in the fun on this historic, repurposed steam train that travels down the coastal tracks lined with trees and along Miami Cove and Tillamook Bay. Passengers bringing their canine companions along for the ride are asked to sit in the open-top section of the train, which gives pups more room to stretch their legs and offers an even better view of The Beaver State’s changing colors. The excursion is 45 minutes each way between Rockaway Beach and the quaint town of Wheeler. When you arrive, enjoy a 45-minute layover where you can shop, eat and enjoy views of the mighty Nehalem River.
Hop off the train and check in to your room at Garibaldi Inn at the Bay. Four-legged guests receive treats, towels and bowls to use during their stay, and there’s a grassy relief area outside.
Skunk Trail
Celebrate fall by climbing aboard the Skunk Train’s seasonal Pumpkin Express! This world-famous, dog-friendly attraction will appeal to railroad and history buffs, nature lovers and anyone else who would enjoy a ride through old-growth redwood groves. During the beautiful round trip to an autumnal wonderland, you'll enjoy seasonal treats and beverages, and when you arrive, you'll have the opportunity to walk the pumpkin patch, explore the nearby redwoods, take photos, and choose your very own pumpkin to bring back on the train with you. Dogs get their own ticket and are welcome throughout the train, both in the open and closed carriages.
Stay at the Beachcomber Motel and let Fido stretch his legs in the hotel’s dog park after the train ride.
Conway Scenic Railroad
Surrounded by the natural beauty of White Mountain National Forest, the Conway Scenic Railroad provides passengers and their small dogs with a glimpse of stunning New England fall foliage. Two pet-friendly excursions are offered aboard The Conway Valley Train, an old-fashioned railroading experience. The first departs from the historic 1874 North Conway Train Station in North Conway Village and travels to Conway or Bartlett and back again in just over two hours. Or, opt for The Mountaineer to the Notch Train, the longest journey on our list at nearly five hours which takes in spectacular Crawford Notch’s panoramic mountain vista painted in bold fall colors. Fido will receive his own doggy ticket before boarding.
Settle in for the night at Adventure Suites, where you can enjoy more scenic vistas from the lovely grounds. Dogs are welcome in several of the eclectic, uniquely decorated suites and are greeted with treats.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
All aboard Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for the best show in town. Dogs can ride in both enclosed and open-air coaches from the 1920s for a 16-mile journey through the beautiful Pennsylvania wilderness of Lehigh State Park. Lovers of leaf season can revel in the tapestry on display in ‘The Switzerland of America,’ Jim Thorpe. On the one-hour narrated train ride, you’ll learn about anthracite coal’s role in the Industrial Revolution and enjoy stunning views of the vibrant Lehigh Gorge.
Spend the night surrounded by fall foliage at Cabin in the Trees. This pet-friendly home has an inviting outdoor space with a grill to cook up Fido’s favorites for dinner.
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
Are you planning a pet-friendly adventure to the Colorado Rockies? Book a seat for you and your best friend on Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad to experience colorful fall foliage as you wind through the Arkansas River Valley in Pike-San Isabel National Forest. On the two-and-a-half-hour tour, passengers get a glimpse of two of Colorado’s highest peaks - Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert - while the conductor gives a rundown of the history of Leadville.
Tiny House Oscar is about the same size as a train carriage, but a lot more comfortable. This unique stay has hardwood floors and is conveniently located close to downtown Leadville.
Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Embark on an unforgettable dog-friendly adventure with Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns, KY. BSF Scenic Railway gives visitors a chance to see one of the last and best-preserved “company” towns of the Kentucky coalfields. This 14-mile round trip train ride through the Appalachian backcountry and into Big South Fork Gorge shows off epic mountain scenery sprinkled with vibrant leafage along the way.
If you still want to explore the area, paddle the Big South Fork River with your pup in the kayaks provided at The Bear Paw, a comfortable cabin with hardwood floors throughout, and a nice fenced space outside.
Delaware and Ulster Railroad
The Catskill Mountains in New York are covered in a blanket of maples, birches and other hardwoods that turn an array of beautiful colors during the fall season. Open your eyes to yellows, oranges and reds on a relaxing journey through the region with the Delaware and Ulster Railroad. This historic gem welcomes dogs to join their owners on the Excursion Train. Fido will receive his very own ticket, which he can get punched upon entry. The two-hour trip spans 24 miles of relatively flat land between the historic towns of Arkville and Roxbury. It passes through tunnels of trees that display an array of vivid colors with the silhouette of the Catskill Mountains in the distance.
Paws for prayer at Looking for a Heavenly Getaway, a converted church near the railroad. This unique property has a grassy area outside for dogs to use and hardwood floors inside for easy cleanup.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Did you know that pumpkin is a great source of nutrients and fiber for dogs? If you want to make Fido some healthy and delicious treats this fall, join in the fun of the Harvest Faire with Roaring Camp Railroads. Climb aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain, where you and your pooch can pick your favorite pumpkin from the town pumpkin patch. Setting off from Felton, one of California’s best places to view fall foliage, the open-top carriages offer visitors a great view of the colorful trees along the way. This fun steam train journey takes roughly 75 minutes to complete.
Carry your pup’s pumpkin back to Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley, where he’ll receive a treat at check-in and can explore the pet relief area outside before bedtime.
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