This 10-Hour Train Ride Through Upstate NY’s Adirondacks Region Is One of The Most Scenic Train Rides in the U.S.

Looking for a way to escape the city and immerse yourself in fall’s vibrant colors? We might have found just the journey for you! Amtrak’s Adirondack route has officially earned the title of one of the most scenic train rides in America , according to Visit USA Parks. And trust us—it lives up to the hype. Stretching 380 miles from New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall all the way to Montreal , this 10-hour journey winds past some of the Northeast’s most breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, the train hugs the Hudson River, skirts Lake Champlain, and threads through the heart of the Adirondacks , making it the ultimate leaf-peeping adventure . Stop-by-stop fall foliage highlights ------------------------------------ Servicing 19 different stations along its fairytale foliage route , there’s tons of surprises waiting in Upstate NY —from charming towns to jaw-dropping hiking spots . Here’s a little itinerary of what you could expect: * New York, NY (beginning of the route): Depart the Big Apple’s concrete facades as you start following the Hudson River and view the city’s natural gems like Riverside Park . * Yonkers & Croton-Harmon, NY: As the train leaves NYC, it hugs the Hudson River, passing historic estates like the Lyndhurst Mansion , surrounded by early fall foliage. Plus, the waterfront Croton Point Park offers sweeping views of tree-lined riverbanks, red and yellow rocky bluffs, and tons of foliage. * Poughkeepsie & Rhinecliff, NY: The Walkway Over the Hudson State Park comes into view as you cross the river—the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world with iconic panoramas of Dutchess County’s rolling red and golden hills blanketed in vibrant maples and oaks. * Hudson, NY: This antique-laden town isn’t just about shopping—its riverside foliage framed by the Catskills is spectacular. Hop off for a walk along Hudson’s Riverside Park, explore Olana State Historic Site (Frederic Church’s Persian-inspired estate), or check out a local weekend farmers’ markets for seasonal treats while you soak in the scenery. * Albany-Rensselaer, NY: The state capital’s foliage isn’t just along the river—Washington Park is a local favorite for a mid-train coffee stop or stroll through vibrant autumn trees. For a hidden angle, head up the Corning Tower Observation Deck for panoramic treetop views of the Hudson River and surrounding hills. * **[Schenectady](https://secretnyc.co/hardest-town-to-pronounce-in-new-york-schenectady-ny/) & [Saratoga Springs, NY](https://secretnyc.co/saratoga-springs-new-york-named-top-college-town-2025/): Schenectady’s Union College campus is a surprise leaf-peeping gem, with historic architecture set against vibrant maple trees. In Saratoga Springs, hit Congress Park or take a detour to the Saratoga Spa State Park for trails lined with fiery foliage. Don’t miss seasonal events like the Saratoga Harvest Festival** for apple cider, craft vendors, and local music. * Fort Edward & Whitehall, NY: Look for Champlain Canal locks and riverside trails where forests turn deep amber and gold. Whitehall’s old dockside warehouses peek through the trees, creating a photogenic contrast of industrial history and autumn nature. * [Ticonderoga, NY](https://secretnyc.co/revolutionary-war-town-ticonderoga-new-york-best-places-to-visit-in-2025/): Beyond the famed Fort Ticonderoga , explore the Mount Defiance trails, which offer panoramic views over Lake Champlain framed in brilliant fall foliage. * Port Henry, Westport & Port Kent, NY: This stretch is straight out of a postcard. Port Kent Lighthouse and the cliffs above Lake Champlain make for a jaw-dropping reflection of fiery forests. In Westport, the Adirondack History Museum and Keene Valley’s hidden hiking paths offer insider stops off the main route. * Plattsburgh & Rouses Point, NY: Wide-open farmland and the last bursts of sugar maple and birch color stretch toward the Canadian border. Plattsburgh’s shoreline sparkles against the distant Green Mountains of Vermont, offering one last natural spectacle. * St-Lambert → Montreal, QC (end of the route): Crossing rural Quebec farms, the journey culminates in Montreal, where city parks continue the parade of color. Take a stroll through Mount Royal Park or Old Montreal to see autumn in a cosmopolitan setting before ending your adventure. Up the ante with Amtrak’s Adirondack Fall Foliage Rail Experience ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you’re looking to extend the experience, Amtrak’s Adirondack Fall Foliage Rail Experience offers a multi-day adventure with hotel stays in NYC and Montreal . You’ll hop aboard the same scenic train while enjoying guided city tours, culinary hotspots, and, of course, all the fall colors you can handle . Tickets start at $739 per person, but seeing the leaves from a train car window? Priceless. Insider tip: The best time to ride for peak foliage is now through mid-October . Book early, because seats on this iconic route fill up fast. 🍂 For more information on Amtrak’s Adirondack Fall Foliage Rail Experience. 🍁 See the full list of the most scenic train rides from NYC, according to Visit USA Parks. Source: https://secretnyc.co/most-scenic-train-ride-in-america-2025-amtrak-adirondack-visit-usa-parks/