TRAVEL
These Are The Top Ten Best Scenic Train Rides For 2021
Source: Durango Train
If getting away from it all and exploring the great USofA via train sounds like the perfect antidote for the craziness that was 2020, USA Today has revealed the top ten best scenic train rides courtesy of their readers.
The train rides were handpicked by a panel of experts, who partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees. The top ten winners were determined by popular vote by USA Today readers.
According to USA Today, these are the best scenic train rides in North America:
1. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway
The 7-hour round trip journey from Durango takes passengers through some of Colorado’s most scenic backdrops and even offers the chance to stop and explore a historic mining town.
2. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
According to USA Today, passengers hop aboard one of the most authentic steam railroads in existence to experience a trip that travels 64 miles from New Mexico to Colorado. Passengers can view the San Juan Mountains and the scenic Conejos Valley along the way.
3. Colebrookdale Railroad
This two-hour journey takes passengers deep into Pennsylvania’s secret valley aboard a century-old railcar.
4. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
This train trip offers passengers the best way to see Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park, reports USA Today. In addition to its regular route, the service also offers specialty murder mystery train rides and evening excursions such as “Cocktails on Rails.”
5. Cass Scenic Railroad
USA Today readers voted the Cass Scenic Railroad at number five, with the trip allowing passengers to step back in time as they traverse the scenic mountains of West Virginia. The steam-driven locomotive offers two different trips – a 2 hour ride to Whittaker Station, or a longer 4.5 hour trip to Bald Knob.
6. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Famous for being the highest railway in America, the 9-mile journey takes passengers 14,115 feet above sea level on a trip that winds its way along the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado.
7. Mount Washington Cog Railway
This New Hampshire train ride offers passengers the chance to enjoy the beauty of Mount Washington on a 3-hour tour.
8. Roaring Camp Railroads
According to USA Today, Roaring Camp Railroads offers two different experiences aboard 19th-century steam trains. The Redwood Forest Steam Train takes passengers on a 75 minute trip through California’s infamous redwood groves to the summit of Bear Mountain. The Santa Cruz Beach Train takes beach-loving passengers through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
9. Wilmington and Western Railroad
Hop aboard Delaware’s Wilmington and Western Railroad to travel through Delaware’s Red Clay Valley.
10. Strasburg Rail Road
Step back in time with USA Today’s 10th pick, the Strasburg Rail Road which winds its way through Pennsylvania’s historic Lancaster County. Although it was founded in 1832, the route didn’t open to tourists until 1958.
