Delaware’s most scenic fall train ride returns with an open-air hay car, and just in time for fall foliage

One of the most relaxing ways to experience fall foliage is by train. Instead of keeping your eyes on the road, you can sit back, relax, take photos, and watch the landscape unfold in a blur of crimson, gold, and amber. For those visiting or staying in Delaware, there is an iconic new rail option.

After a nine-month closure for maintenance and restoration, the Wilmington and Western Railroad in Wilmington, Delaware, welcomes passengers back on board. This historic line offers a trip through the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway, a 27-mile stretch of rolling countryside that attracts leaf peepers each fall. If you hurry, you can still see the spectacle: Delaware’s typical peak color arrives between the end of October and the beginning of November.

For a seasonal festive experience, come aboard the hayride expressa 40-minute night trip costs between $18 and $20. This ride, departing from Greenbank Station in Wilmington, swaps traditional passenger cars for flatbed cars lined with hay bales, giving travelers the feel of an open-air hay car. The Hayride Express departs daily through November 2, with trips at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. Since fall evenings can be chilly, riders are encouraged to bring a blanket and settle in for a cozy ride under the stars.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad began operation in 1867, transporting freight and passengers through northern Delaware. While the original line was built for industry, leisure excursions resumed 59 years ago, allowing visitors to experience the same scenic route at a more leisurely pace.

If you miss the fall season, the railroad offers several Christmas-themed attractions later in the year. He Christmas lights express takes passengers through neighborhoods resplendent with festive decorations, while the Santa Claus Express It features an onboard visit from Santa Claus himself, complete with treats for the kids. There is also a Veterans Day Ride on Nov. 8, with four departures in the afternoon, the perfect time to catch any lingering fall color.

And for those looking to book for larger groups or multi-generational trips, a caboose rental for 15 to 20 people starts at $325 and a saloon car rental for 20 to 40 people starts at $600. Tickets for all excursions can be purchased online at www.wwrr.com.

Whether it’s your first time aboard or an annual tradition, Wilmington & Western Railroad offers a front-row seat to Delaware’s most colorful season and a nostalgic reminder of the golden age of train travel.