Fall foliage seasonis almost here in Georgia, and there is a unique way to see the changing leaves without spendingthe day behind the wheel.
A scenic train ride through the North Georgia mountains offers passengers a chance to take in the autumn landscape from the tracks, including views along the Toccoa River and through the Blue Ridge countryside.
The state's best-known fall foliage train experience returns in September, giving travelers several weeks to plan a fall day trip.
Here's what to know.
Where can you ride a fall foliage train in Georgia?
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is the primary dedicated fall foliage train experience in Georgia.
The railway's 2026 fall rides run from Sept. 19 through Nov. 3, according to American Rails. The trips depart from the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge
and travel 26 miles round trip through the North Georgia countryside along the Toccoa River.
The railway offers two main fall options: a shorter two-hour excursion and a four-hour extended trip.
How long is the Blue Ridge fall train ride?
The 2-hour Fall Foliage Express Tour takes passengers on the 26-mile round trip without a layover.
The shorter ride gives visitors more time to explore downtown Blue Ridge before or after the train excursion.
The 4-hour Fall Foliage Extended Tour follows the same 26-mile route but includes a roughly two-hour layover in McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee.
That gives passengers time to get off the train and explore the twin towns before returning to Blue Ridge.
When is the best time to see fall colors in Georgia?
Peak fall color varies from year to year, but American Rails says the best time to see fall colors is generally October and November.
In the North Georgia mountains, peak color typically arrives toward the end of October or in early November, although leaves can begin changing earlier and remain colorful into November.
What can you see on the fall train ride?
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway route travels through the North Georgia countryside alongside the Toccoa River.
Passengers can choose from open-air coaches with large windows, enclosed coaches and, on eligible trips, a Premier Car experience for adults 18 and older.
The railroad describes its fall route as a ride through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the landscape changes into autumn colors during the fall season.
For photographers and leaf peepers, the open-air coaches provide an especially direct way to take in the scenery when weather conditions are comfortable.
When do the fall foliage train rides start?
The 2026 Blue Ridge Scenic Railway fall season begins Saturday, Sept. 19, and continues through Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The railroad warns that fall tickets can sell out quickly, particularly on weekends, so travelers interested in an October trip should check availability before making plans.
Other Georgia rail excursions may operate during the fall, but their schedules and offerings can vary. Travelers should check directly with individual operators before planning a foliage trip.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Want to see Georgia fall foliage by train? Here's when to ride
