Lonely PlanetJul 31, 2026
3 Train Routes to See Virginia's Fall Foliage
These three train journeys capitalize on views of Virginia
25 things in this story
- Norfolk & Western Class J 611PlaceStreamlined, bullet-nosed powerhouse; sole survivor of its class.
- George Washington & Jefferson National ForestsSightRoute stretches through these forests to Staunton.
- Victoria StationSightGoshen Volunteer Fire Department serves burgers and snacks here.
- Elsewhere
- American Shakespeare CenterSightStaunton, United StatesCozy theater recreating London's famed Blackfriars Theatre.
- Blue Ridge TunnelSightStaunton, United StatesSay yes to lights off for soul-rattling darkness inside.
- Blue Ridge FlyerPlaceStaunton, United States3-hour round-trip from Staunton past small towns and pastures.
- Virginia Scenic RailwayPlaceStaunton, United StatesBegan offering rides in 2022; runs murder mystery and wine excursions.
- Little Rock TunnelSightStaunton, United StatesHistoric rock-cuts squeeze the tracks; circus train wrecked here.
- Three Notch'd Mango WheatRestaurantStaunton, United StatesVirginia-made beer recommended on the train.
- Hotel 24 SouthHotelStaunton, United StatesStately hotel for quick access to the train station.
- Maude & the BearRestaurantStaunton, United StatesMulti-course dinner by James Beard nominee Ian Boden.
- Blue Ridge ParkwaySightStaunton, United StatesDrive for high elevation views of fall colors.
- Blue Ridge Tunnel TrailTrailStaunton, United StatesEerie walk inside the first of the area's two Blue Ridge Tunnels.
- Virginia Museum of TransportationMuseumRoanoke, United StatesThe 611 spent recent decades here before returning to tracks.
- Washington & Lee UniversitySightLexington, United StatesWashington and Lee University is a small liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of Virginia’s Shenandoah…
- Virginia Military InstituteSightLexington, United StatesIt was founded in 1839 as America's first state-sponsored and -supported military college and is the oldest public…
- SeasonsBakeryLexington, United StatesBakery drawing crowds for bread and breakfast.
- Hampton Inn Col AltoHotelLexington, United StatesHistoric lodging option in Lexington.
- The GeorgesHotelLexington, United StatesPosh digs in Lexington.
- AmtrakPlaceCharlottesville, United StatesLow-stress ride from DC to Charlottesville on Northeast Regional/Cardinal.
- Union StationTrain stationWashington, United StatesAdmire the enormous Main Hall and its five curved bays.
- Journey through Hallowed Ground National Heritage AreaSightManassas, United StatesTrains travel through this area near Founding Fathers' homes.
- GraduateHotelCharlottesville, United StatesHotel on Main St in Charlottesville, short walk from station.
- PumpkinseedsPlaceLexington, United States
- Sugar Maple TradingPlaceLexington, United States