Some of the most scenic train rides in the US are offered by Amtrak. However, Amtrak is not the only ticket in town when it comes to trains that provide affordable scenery. There are plenty of short and scenic train rides throughout the US that smaller companies run as well.
✕ Remove Ads
Many of these non-Amtrak operators provide some of the most scenic train rides on the West Coast, while others offer gorgeous train rides that show off the best fall foliage in New England. One such train in the Acadia National Park area might even give Amtrak a run for its money; it is Maine's most underrated train ride, giving all the views at just a fraction of the cost of an Amtrak trip.
Sure, Amtrak's Portland to Acadia is one of the company's most popular routes. However, with several days spent overnight and outside the train, the actual train ride itself is not exceptionally long. The train also does not go directly into Acadia National Park; a rental car is provided to get passengers there.
This is why the Downeast Scenic Railroad, which is run by volunteers, is a great and underrated alternative to Amtrak's route to Acadia. The route runs on the outskirts of Acadia National Park, is a fraction of the price, and has some of the most incredible views for passengers to sit back and enjoy along their nearly two-hour train ride in Maine.
✕ Remove Ads
Related
10 Sleeper Train Journeys Around The U.S. That Are Equally Scenic
Traverse the Pacific coast, deep West, deserts, canyons, forests, National Parks, big cities, & small towns on these 10 scenic sleeper train journeys.
The Downeast Scenic Railroad Is Maine's Most Underrated Train Ride
A historic train on an old rail line that takes passengers through beautiful scenery on the outskirts of Acadia National Park is what makes the Downeast Scenic Railroad a truly special train ride
The Downeast Scenic Railroad has been in business since 2010. The train route was established as a way to not only preserve trains from the past but also bring passengers on board to experience what travel by train was like decades ago.
The last time that a passenger train was on the tracks that the Downeast Scenic Railroad runs along was 1960. From that point forward, the railroad lines were used for freight until the mid-1980s and then left to deteriorate. But after some rehabilitation on the lines that were originally built in 1884, they were ready again for passenger trains.
✕ Remove Ads
With more trains from bygone eras being scrapped for metal, there are not many that remain today. Those that do, like the ones used on the tour on the Downeast Scenic Railroad, give passengers the opportunity to enjoy travel the way it once was before automobiles and planes were the more chosen mode of transportation.
Passengers have the option to ride in passenger coaches built anywhere from 1904 to 1917 or an open-air car built in 1964. This is something that Amtrak is not able to boast about. Both of the seating options are comfortable for passengers while enjoying the ride on the tracks to and from Hancock, Maine.
✕ Remove Ads
Additionally, while on the train, a volunteer points out sights and gives a history of the Downeast Scenic Railroad. With all of these perks, it is easy to see how Downeast Scenic Railroad could give Amtrak some competition.
When Passengers Can Ride The Downeast Scenic Railroad
As much as passengers would like to ride the Downeast Scenic Railroad year-round, the train is only available seasonally. This means that when the opening day of the train comes, there are passengers who have been waiting through the winter for a ride through the wilderness.
The dates that the Downeast Scenic Railroad is in service include:
Opening Day
Memorial Day Weekend
Peak Season
June through August
Closing Weekend
Mid-October
While tickets are available for day-of rides, it is always recommended to book in advance so that the day passengers want to ride the Downeast Scenic Railroad is available.
Related
10 Scenic Train Rides Throughout New England With The Best Views
Embark on a journey through New England's most scenic train rides offering the finest views on the East Coast.
✕ Remove Ads
Sights To See On The Downeast Scenic Railroad
While riding the Downeast Scenic Railroad, passengers can expect to see a variety of animals and waterways during the nearly two-hour adventure
While boarding the train at the Washington Junction rail yard, passengers know that they will be treated with a feast for their eyes while on the Downeast Scenic Railroad train tour. However, passengers may not know just what awaits them as they take off from Hancock, Maine, and start their 12-mile round-trip adventure.
After the train departs, passengers will travel over the historic Maine Shore Line tracks. As they travel on the rail lines, passengers will see the Card Brook wetlands. The wetlands are the beginning of the brook that flows downstream until it eventually empties into the Union River.
✕ Remove Ads
At the halfway point of the ride, passengers will see Ellsworth Falls. The beautiful cascading falls at one time had as many as 37 mills using the falls' energy to generate electricity. While those mills are no longer there, plaques mark where they once stood.
This scenery is seen as the train rolls over bridges and passes by schools, historic buildings and homes, smaller creeks, and bodies of water.
It is when passing through these places that there are many opportunities to see wildlife along the track. Some of the wildlife that can be seen while riding the train include:
Bears Beavers Moose Deer Snapping turtles Bald Eagles Blue Heron
✕ Remove Ads
There are other animals to see along the way, too. The best thing to do is to keep your eyes wide and stay observant of the scenery passing by on the train to potentially capture a photo of a lifetime while riding under a canopy of lush trees in the process.
Related
10 Scenic Train Trips In The US That Cost $100 (Or Less)
Explore the beauty of the United States on a budget with these affordable scenic train rides that cost $100 or less!
Special Events Hosted By The Downeast Scenic Railroad
There are three different special events held by the Downeast Scenic Railroad every year
During the year, the Downeast Scenic Railroad hosts a few special events and rides for those who want to make their train ride on the outskirts of Acadia National Park just that much more memorable.
For those who do choose to participate in one of these events, it is recommended to book tickets early as they sell out each year.
Touch A Train Day
On Touch a Train Day, passengers get up close and personal with the inside of the locomotives. The event is perfect for passengers of all ages who love trains and want to see more about how they operate.
✕ Remove Ads
Those who attend the event then have the option to take a train ride through Acadia National Park at a discounted rate.
Date
August 17
Time
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost
$23.00 per person
Train Ticket Discount
$2.00
Autumn Gold Train Ride
When the fall leaves begin to turn their beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges, Downeast Scenic Railroad makes a weekend out of it during peak leaf-peeping season. While on the train, it is encouraged to take photos of the foliage while enjoying the views and a beverage or snack.
The Autumn Gold Train Ride is a family-friendly event, and up to two children per paying adult ride free.
✕ Remove Ads
Date
September 28 and 29
Time
10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Cost
$25.00 per person
Pumpkin Trains
For families who want a different approach to picking a pumpkin for Halloween, the Pumpkin Trains offer just that.
The train ride is slightly shorter than the typical one-hour and 45-minute excursion. At just one hour long, the train stops at a pumpkin patch halfway through the ride and passengers get off to choose their pumpkins.
Once the perfect pumpkin is chosen, the ride starts off back to the depot where passengers will depart with their soon-to-be Jack-O-Lanterns.
Date
October 19 and 20
Time
10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
Cost
$25.00 per person
✕ Remove Ads
While these events have ended for the season, it is never too early to start planning to ride Maine's most underrated and, quite possibly, the most scenic train ride as well.