There are plenty of amazing leaf-peeping opportunities in the US. A romantic road trip to see the covered bridges of New England is one, taking an air balloon ride to see the foliage from above is another. But the most relaxed and nostalgic way to experience fall in all its glory is by train. There are multiple vintage railroads in the United States that will transport you back in time while you admire the fall colors, but few do it as well as the East Broad Top railroad.
Photo: Matthew Malkiewicz / East Broad Top RR
This Historic Pennsylvania Train Ride Showcases the 'Holy Grail of Fall Foliage'
The trains on the East Broad Top railroad are pulled by coal-fired steam locomotives. Photo: Dak Dillon / East Broad Top RR
The East Broad Top railroad was built in 1847 and transported coal until it ceased operation in 1956. The historic railroad, a National Historic Landmark since the mid-1960s, was saved from destruction, restored, and started running again as a tourist attraction in 2021. Since then, you can ride the railroad’s coal-fired steam-engine trains from May until October every year.
Photo: Mark Turkovich / East Broad Top RR
For the fall season (from September 1 to October 27 in 2024), the East Broad Top railroad operates multiple times per day every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The extremely scenic rides last one hour and cover nine miles; starting from the Orbisonia Stations to Colgate Grove, and back. Although it’s a short journey, passengers get treated to what the railroad calls “the Holy Grail of Fall Foliage” while traveling though farmland and along beautiful Aughwick Creek.
Photo: Matthew Malkiewicz / East Broad Top RR
Travelers keen to ride the East Broad Top railroad this fall can choose their own experience. There are three classes of services on board, including open-air cars, enclosed cars, and cabooses, the comfiest way to ride. Traveling in one of the open cars or the enclosed cars costs the same ($22 for adults and $16 for children), but it’s $3 extra to ride in the caboose.
The enclosed cars and the open-air cars on the East Broad Top railroad. Photos: Matthew Malkiewicz / East Broad Top RR
Those with small children may consider booking a ticket for the PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express which takes plane during three weekends in October. The experience last 2.5 hours and includes a scenic train ride to the Sincere Pumpkin Patch where children will meet Snoopy and Charlie Brown, pick their pumpkins and decorate them, play games, and more. The special event costs between $30 and $35 for adults and between $24 and $29 for children, depending on the class of service you opt for. 
Peanuts: The Great Pumpkin Patch Express event at East Broad Top railroad. Photos: Matthew Malkiewicz / East Broad Top RR