The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is one of the best ways to see stunning fall foliage in the Midwest. The scenic train ride has vintage and dome cars with views of vibrant autumn leaves and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Fall is right around the corner, and one of the most underrated spots to soak in the season’s colors can be found in the Midwest.
In Cleveland, Ohio, visitors can stroll through tree-lined downtown streets, explore the more than 25,000 23,000 acres of Cleveland Metroparks’ wooded trails, lakes, and hills, or take a short 30-minute drive to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a classic leaf-peeping adventure. But the real showstopper this time of year is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers a breathtaking ride through some of the area’s most spectacular fall scenery.
Consistently ranked among the top fall foliage train rides in the U.S., the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad winds through the Cuyahoga River Valley. In mid-October, when the colors reach their peak, the landscape transforms into a canvas of vivid hues. Maple and oak leaves blaze in brilliant yellows, fiery reds, and deep oranges, set against the lush green of the forest floor.
From the comfort of a vintage railcar or the elevated vantage point of a dome car, passengers can witness panoramic vistas of autumn foliage that rival more famous destinations. The ride also doubles as the perfect introduction to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, tracing roughly 26 miles of scenic parkland, where riders with coach seats can hop off at stations to stroll the Towpath Trail, hike to Brandywine Falls, or pause to enjoy the stillness of the forest.
Trains depart from Independence, Peninsula, or Akron, with options for a two-hour ride or a more leisurely three-and-a-half-hour journey. Travelers can choose from standard coach seating, upgrade to first class, or secure a sought-after upper dome seat for the best views. Tickets typically range from $20 to $38, depending on the seating option. For added flexibility, many passengers opt for the Explorer Program, which lets riders bike, hike, run, or paddle around Cuyahoga Valley National Park with the convenience of a one-way train ride back.
After the ride, passengers disembark in the heart of Cleveland, where the fall scene promises plenty of good eats, seasonal brews, and autumn festivals to keep the spirit going. Fidelity Hotel, which opened in January 2025 in downtown Cleveland, makes a great base to explore the region. This historic boutique hotel has 97 rooms and suites, with Gilded Age-inspired design, and bespoke art created by more than 20 local artists.
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