Each autumn, nature paints the U.S. with a fantastic riot of colors, and one of the best places to take it all in is on a leisurely train trip. Instead of falling into disrepair, many older railroads have transformed themselves into scenic journeys that can go where most cars or hikers don't. No need to worry about difficult roads or uncertain navigation — all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show.
1. In the Northeast, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad travels through upstate New York in open-air cars, with a variety of seasonal events and a sunset wine-tasting excursion.
2. Further south, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a four-hour excursion through the Chattahoochee National Forest in open or enclosed cars.
3. Leaf watchers in the Midwest can jump on Amtrak's Empire Builder route in Chicago and see changing leaves and vast wilderness across the Mississippi River, through the plains of North Dakota, and into the breathtaking vistas of Montana's Big Sky Country.
4. In the Southwest, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad carries passengers on an old-fashioned steam train across the Colorado-New Mexico border. Lunch is included, and the open-air gondola car is a great place to take pictures.
5. Thinking internationally? The Bernina Express begins in Switzerland and winds through the Alps to Turin, Italy, offering spectacular Alpine views through high mountain passes.
