Amtrak's Great Dome Car Returns to the Adirondacks for Fall Foliage Runs

Photo credit: Albany Times Union File Photo
Photo credit: Albany Times Union File Photo

From Country Living

Autumn is almost here, which means it's the perfect time to plan a leaf peeping trip. While you could venture through the Adirondack Mountains-one of the country's most scenic places to take in the fall foliage-by foot or car, a ride in Amtrak's Great Dome Car is definitely the most relaxing way to experience all the beautiful colors.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Amtrak/Kevin Burkholder
Photo credit: Courtesy of Amtrak/Kevin Burkholder

Every year, train enthusiasts get the chance to spot some of the best autumnal nature views the Northeast has to offer by hopping aboard the historic Great Dome Car on Amtrak's Adirondack route. While the scenic route departs daily from New York City's Penn Station, the Dome Car is attached to the train at the Albany, New York stop, before journeying through the dense forests and picturesque mountains of upstate New York, and ending in Montreal, Canada. The best part? One-way tickets from Albany to Montreal start at just $53.

This is a "for a limited-time only" type of deal, however, since the window-covered car is typically only available to travelers on this route for a few weeks starting in late September. This year, you can catch the carriage heading north on the Adirondack route Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, or going southbound on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, starting September 27 through November 2 (the dome car isn't attached to the train on Wednesdays).

First built in 1955, Amtrak's Great Dome Car has been used on routes across the country ever since, and is the only dome car still in service. On the train car's upper level, windows cover all sides and the ceiling, ensuring passengers will be fully immersed in all of the incredible panoramic views. Take note, though, that sitting in the Dome Car is strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Photo credit: Albany Times Union File Photo
Photo credit: Albany Times Union File Photo

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Photo credit: Courtesy of Amtrak
Photo credit: Courtesy of Amtrak

There's certainly no shortage of stunning vistas on the full 10-hour journey, from the native trees and rivers of the Catskills and the Adirondacks to the shores of Lake Champlain. Just figure out when your area's fall foliage will be at its peak with this handy map, and book your ride ASAP!

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