Enjoy fall views with these 3 seasonal, Halloween rides at Wilmington & Western Railroad

Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·5 min read

Pumpkin picking and corn maze trekking are fun and all, but we bet some of you are already tuckered out from all the fall events on your agenda.

If you’re looking for a less strenuous fall vibe, where all you need to do is sit back and relax, then the Wilmington & Western Railroad’s fall itinerary is perfect for you.

What is the Wilmington & Western Railroad?

The Wilmington & Western Railroad in Prices Corner operates steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains on 10 miles of track in the Red Clay Valley between Greenbank and Hockessin from spring through Dec. 30.

In 1867, the Wilmington & Western Railroad was chartered to move goods from the mills along Red Clay Creek to the Port of Wilmington. In 1872, it officially expanded to passenger and freight service.

Although the railroad isn’t the necessity for trade and product transportation it once was, trains chugging along the Wilmington & Western Railroad have swapped goods for passengers and can be found hosting Delawareans and tourists for a day of fun.

Throughout October, the railroad has three seasonal events for passengers to enjoy.

Autumn Leaf Special

The Auburn Mill at Auburn Valley State Parks makes for a nice winter backdrop for the trees that line Red Clay Creek. Take the Yorklyn Bridge Trail to get this shot.
The Auburn Mill at Auburn Valley State Parks makes for a nice winter backdrop for the trees that line Red Clay Creek. Take the Yorklyn Bridge Trail to get this shot.

The Autumn Leaf Special offers leaf-peepers the chance to experience fall’s changing colors and stunning views through the Red Clay Valley, either on the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove or the Hockessin ride.

The Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove is a 1½-hour round-trip offered on weekends and select weekdays to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. Once there, passengers can enjoy a 30-minute layover at a secluded grove along the banks of Red Clay Creek.

Have a lunch picnic or grab a bite to eat at Greenbank station, or stay on the train if you’d like, before the journey continues further up the line to explore more autumnal views.

The Hockessin is a 2½-hour round-trip that takes passengers on the entire 17-mile length of the railroad to Hockessin, with a -hour layover in the area to do some local shopping and eating before the return trip.

Both trips will be available throughout the month on the following dates:

  • Saturday, Oct. 14: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m., Hockessin at 2:30 p.m.; diesel-powered.

  • Sunday, Oct. 15: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m., Hockessin at 2:30 p.m.; diesel-powered.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 18: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; diesel-powered.

  • Saturday, Oct. 21: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m., Hockessin at 2:30 p.m.; diesel-powered.

  • Sunday, Oct. 22: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m., Hockessin at 2:30 p.m.; diesel-powered.

  • Wednesday, Oct. 25: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; diesel-powered.

  • Saturday, Oct. 28: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m., Hockessin at 2:30 p.m.; steam-powered.

  • Saturday, Nov. 4: Mt. Cuba at 12:30 p.m., Hockessin at 2:30 p.m.; steam-powered.

Coach seating to Mt. Cuba is $18 for adults, $17 for seniors ages 60 and up and $16 for children ages 2 to 12. Children younger than 2 ride for free.

Coach seating to Hockessin is $21 for adults, $20 for seniors ages 60 and up and $19 for children ages 2 to 12. Children younger than 2 ride for free.

Reservations are recommended and seating will be assigned. Information about large group options and private cars can be found on the event page at www.wwrr.com/ride/events/autumn-leaf.aspx. 

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Hayride Express

The Wilmington & Western Railroad in Prices Corner operates steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains on 10 miles of track in the Red Clay Valley between Greenbank and Hockessin from spring through Dec. 30.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad in Prices Corner operates steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains on 10 miles of track in the Red Clay Valley between Greenbank and Hockessin from spring through Dec. 30.

The Hayride Express is a one-hour round-trip ride through the Red Clay Valley to Ashland on an original railroad flatcar converted especially for hayrides. It is powered by a historic first-generation diesel locomotive.

The train does not stop for a layover at Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove and no large group or private options are available.

Trips will be available throughout the month on the following dates:

  • Friday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

  • Friday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

  • Friday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors ages 60 and up and $15 for children ages 2 to 12. Children younger than 2 ride for free. Reservations are recommended.

Halloween Express

Wear a costume on the Halloween Express and ride for only $10!
Wear a costume on the Halloween Express and ride for only $10!

On the Halloween Express, legend has it that the friendly railroad witch visits all the children in attendance on this 1 ½-hour round-trip ride to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove. The train, powered by an antique steam locomotive, will stop for a 30-minute layover at the grove.

The Halloween Express is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 29, at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

All passengers ride for $10 if they are in costume. If you are not in costume, tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors ages 60 and up and $16 for children ages 2 to 12. Children younger than 2 always ride for free.

Reservations are recommended. Information about large group options and private cars can be found on the event page at www.wwrr.com/ride/events/halloween.aspx.

Greenbank Station: 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington; www.wwrr.com

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. 

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Halloween, fall train rides at Wilmington & Western Railroad