These scenic railroads welcome dogs on train rides.

Dog-Friendly Train Rides for Fall

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Ride a choo-choo with your Chow Chow this leaf season! Dogs and their humans are invited to sit back, relax and immerse themselves in the vibrant colors of autumn on board scenic rail lines across the country. From waterfront rides with hot cider to a steam train that stops at a pumpkin patch, these fall train rides welcome canines for free.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co.

Portland, ME
Dog rides train at Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland, ME.
Phoebe the explorer taking an old fashioned train! Photo by @phoebesfables

Each fall, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. magically turns into a pumpkin. During the last two weekends in October, people and pups who delight in the season can climb aboard The Pumpkin Train. This festive ride invites children to pick out a pumpkin to decorate, and the whole family can 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 round trip 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

Garibaldi, OR
A dog on board the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Riding the rails in Oregon. Photo by BringFido/Lisa

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

Fort Bragg, CA
A dog on the Skunk Train
All a-gourd the Pumpkin Train! Photo by @hyeyoung_lim

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

North Conway, NH
Puppy on the Conway Scenic Railroad train ride in White Mountain National Forest.
“I’m fall-ing in love.” Photo by @bean_thegolden

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

Jim Thorpe, PA
Golden Retriever on blue train ride at Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, PA.
“The views even better out here.” Photo by @visitphilly_abbystyle

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 backyard that includes an outdoor fireplace, so you can roast s’mores and tell ghost stories by a fire with Fido.

Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad

Leadville, CO
Woman and dog in a bandana on train ride at Leadville Railroad in Colorado.
“All tracks lead to Leadville.” Photo by @tanya_coloradohomefinder

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-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

Stearns, KY
Dog in the fall foliage at Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp in Kentucky.
Stop to explore the colorful surroundings. Photo by @wanderlustkentucky

Embark on an unforgettable dog-friendly adventure with Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns, KY. BSF Scenic Railway gives visitors on two and four legs 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 foliage along the way.

If you still want to explore the area, hike the Big South Fork River with your pup and then enjoy the views at Tree Top Lodge, a comfortable cabin with spacious covered decks and a fire pit.

Delaware and Ulster Railroad

Arkville, NY
Fall train ride on Delaware and Ulster Railroad in Arkville, NY.
Who’s ready for a historic excursion? Photo by Facebook.com/delawareandulsterrailroad

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 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

Felton, CA
Dog in a hat riding a scenic train at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, CA.
“Roaring on the railroad!” Photo by @fridathebasset

Ride beneath the towering redwoods in their fall splendor at Roaring Camp Railroads. Climb aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain, which sets off from Felton, one of California’s best places to view fall foliage. The steam train’s open-top carriages offer visitors a great view of the colorful trees along the journey, which takes roughly 75 minutes to complete. Roaring Camp Railroads holds fun autumnal events each year, too!

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.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Fish Camp, CA
A dog on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Choo choo! Photo by BringFido/Mlissa

Trade peak-season crowds for crisp mountain air on board the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge line near Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance. Fido can ride a vintage Shay locomotive past towering pines on a four-mile journey through Sierra National Forest. A 10- to 15-minute stop in Lewis Creek Canyon gives your curious canine time to stretch his legs among fall foliage and lap up water from dishes around the property before hopping back on board.

After your ride, steam over to the Narrow Gauge Inn, a rustic mountain retreat that provides bowls, a grassy relief area and waste bags for pets.

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