Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

6 Ways to See Georgia by Train this Fall

In addition to riding the trains, you can explore the history of trains at museums throughout the state. Here are the best ways to see Georgia's fall foliage in all its splendor via rail.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Photo by @brooklynbdavis

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Photo by @brooklynbdavis

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Late September through early November, you can ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway on a 26-mile journey alongside the Toccoa River. Cars are either climate controlled or open-air, allowing you to pick the view and style you prefer for your ride. There is a two-hour layover in McCaysville, on the Georgia state line, where you can shop and eat lunch.

Visit Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Okefenokee Swamp Park Train in Waycross, Georgia. Photo by @tolgy75

Okefenokee Swamp Park Train in Waycross, Georgia. Photo by @tolgy75

Okefenokee Swamp Park

Discover South Georgia’s autumn scenery via the Okefenokee Swamp Park Railroad. The Swamp Park train leaves the station in Waycross and takes riders on an hours-long journey, complete with a stop at history-rich Pioneer Island.

Visit Okefenokee Swamp Park

Pine Mountain Gold Museum and Scenic Railroad

Pine Mountain Gold Museum and Scenic Railroad in Villa Rica, Georgia

Pine Mountain Gold Museum & Scenic Railroad

Kids of all ages will enjoy a scenic trek around the mountain on the Pine Mountain Gold Museum's Golden Nugget engine. After your ride, learn about the 1826 gold rush in West Georgia, pan for gold and gemstones, see the farm animal exhibit and explore miles of trails within the 27-acre park in Villa Rica.

Visit Pine Mountain Gold Museum

SAM Shortline Railroad in Plains, Georgia

SAM Shortline Railroad in Plains, Georgia

SAM Shortline Railroad

Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage cars, you'll enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today's South. The Historic SAM Shortline Railroad stops in Cordele, Americus and Plains, small towns filled with fun attractions, restaurants and shopping.

Visit Historic SAM Shortline Railroad

Train at Southeastern Railway Museum

Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia

Southeastern Railway Museum

The Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth exhibits 90 pieces of railway history, including locomotives and Pullman cars. Throughout the year, museum visitors are invited to ride trains, including during a Christmas-themed program each holiday season.

Visit Southeastern Railway Museum

Train at Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park train in Stone Mountain, Georgia

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is home to a short railway that travels along the base of the giant landform. Great for kids, riding on the railway is included with your Adventure Pass purchase, as is Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf. Your sub-one-hour journey will take you through the wooded areas of the park.

Visit Stone Mountain Park

Published: July 2022
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