2026 New England Fall Colors by Rail

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Overview

2026 New England Fall Colors by Rail
Portland, Maine
Oct 2 - 9, 2026
Special Interest Tours image
Special Interest Tours
$9,675
Deposit: $500

About this trip

Join this railroad adventure to spend the colorful fall season exploring the best of New England's scenic railways and museums. Enjoy incredible adventures on narrow-gauge, cog railways, steam charters and more! 8 Days, 7 Nights

What's included

Trains Magazine Rep

To Be Announced

7 Nights Hotel

2 nights at Hyatt Place Portland, 3 nights at Lake Opechee Inn and Spa, 2 nights at Hotel Bay View 17

Ground Transportation

Private cars on all trains and private coach bus 10/03-10/8. The hotel shuttle will provide transfers to and from the Portland airport and Amtrak station on 10/2 & 10/9.

All Inclusive Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner on full tour days. Dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last day.

1 Breakfast

On the morning of departure

Conway Scenic

A full day in private cars -includes the pass through the Crawford Notch

WWF Railroad

Private shop tour and steam charter with photo run-bys.

Mt Washington Cog

with steam crew meet and greet

Maine Narrow Gauge

Private steam charter with photo run-by

Seashore Trolley Museum

Private tour and trolley ride

Hobo & Winnipesaukee RR

Private car Turkey Dinner Train around Lake Winnipesaukee

Belfast & Moosehead

Private charter rail excursion with photo run-bys

Acadia National Park

Guided park trolley tour through Acadia National Park

Sunset Harbor Cruise

Enjoy sunset on the water as we explore Portland Harbor by boat.

What's not included

Pre-Tour Transportation

Transportation to/from Portland. We can help arrange flights by request.

Additional Alcohol

Personal Items

Purchases of a personal nature

Day 1 - Oct 2nd

Day 1 - Oct 2nd image

Arrive in Portland - Private Sunset Cruise & Welcome Dinner

Arrive in Portland and get settled at the hotel. The hotel has a shuttle available from the airport and railway station to the hotel.

In the evening, get acquainted with our Trains Magazine special guest as well your fellow tour guests, while we will enjoy a private sunset harbor cruise with drinks, followed by our welcome dinner back on land.

Day 2 - Oct 3rd

Day 2 - Oct 3rd image

Seashore Trolley Museum and Winnipesaukee Scenic Railway

First we’ll make our way to the world’s oldest and largest museum of mass transit vehicles, the Seashore Trolley Museum. While the main focus of the collection is trolley cars, it also includes rapid transit trains, inter-urban cars, trolley buses, and motor buses.

After a drive to New Hampshire in the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a private car excursion on the famous Turkey Dinner Train which journeys around beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. After dinner, we’ll settle into the Lake Opechee Resort for a 3-night stay.


Day 3 - Oct 4th

Day 3 - Oct 4th image

Conway Scenic

Today’s adventure features an exclusive Conway Scenic Railroad excursion in private cars, offering a truly memorable rail experience. We’ll begin with the charming Valley Train Excursion, followed by the Mountaineer, which winds through the breathtaking Crawford Notch—a dramatic mountain pass that showcases the rugged beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Day 4 - Oct 5th

Day 4 -  Oct 5th image

Mt. Washington Cog Railway

We begin the day with a thrilling journey on the world’s first cog railway, traveling by bus to the base of Mount Washington, New Hampshire’s highest peak at 6,288 feet. After a meet-and-greet with the steam crew, we’ll ascend the mountain, enjoying panoramic vistas and the breathtaking beauty of the White Mountains.

As the sun begins to set, the adventure continues aboard the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, where a delightful dinner awaits, combining scenic splendor with a truly memorable dining experience.

Day 5 - Oct 6th

Day 5 - Oct 6th image

Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway

We’ll begin our day with a visit to the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway, a faithful recreation of the rural 2-foot gauge line that originally operated from 1894 to 1933 and was lovingly revived beginning in 1989. Guests will enjoy an exclusive steam charter, complete with thrilling photo run-bys and a fascinating shop tour, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art of historic railroading.

Next, we’ll continue to the Boothbay Rail Village, a charming destination for rail enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Here, guests can explore an extensive collection of restored vintage railcars, learn about Maine’s rail history through engaging exhibits, and marvel at the intricate model railroad layout.

The day concludes with a classic lobster bake on-site, where guests can savor freshly prepared coastal cuisine while soaking in the relaxed and scenic atmosphere of the village.

Day 6 - Oct 7th

Day 6 - Oct 7th image

Bar Harbor

Today we’ll journey to Mount Desert Island for an unforgettable guided tour of Acadia National Park, one of the crown jewels of the Maine coast.

Before exploring the park, guests will have free time to wander the historic streets of Bar Harbor, a charming and lively town filled with boutiques, galleries, and scenic waterfront views, and enjoy lunch on their own at one of its inviting restaurants.

Day 7 - Oct 8th

Day 7 - Oct 8th image

Belfast & Moosehead Railroad

We’ll begin the day with an exclusive private train charter and shop tour on the Belfast & Moosehead Railway, winding through untamed forests and sparkling lakes for a truly immersive Maine rail experience.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Portland for our final train adventure—a steam charter with the Maine Narrow Gauge Railway, offering one last opportunity to experience the charm and nostalgia of historic rail travel.

After the charter, we’ll transfer to our Portland hotel, where a farewell dinner awaits to celebrate the journey’s highlights and our final night in Maine, providing the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable rail adventure.

Day 8 - Oct 9th

Day 8 - Oct 9th image

Farewell

Breakfast will be provided at the hotel and shuttles will be available for guests to transfer to the airport and Amtrak station at their leisure. Until next time, intrepid travelers!

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1. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine

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