Delaware’s Most Scenic Fall Train Ride Is Back With an Open-air Hay Wagon—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 in Delaware, there’s an iconic new rail option.

After a nine-month closure for maintenance and restoration, the Wilmington & Western Railroad in Wilmington, Delaware, is once again welcoming passengers aboard. This historic line offers a journey through the Red Clay Valley Scenic Byway, a 27-mile stretch of rolling countryside that draws leaf peepers every autumn. If you hurry, you can still catch the show—Delaware’s peak color typically arrives between late October and early November.

For a festive seasonal experience, hop aboard the Hayride Express, a 40-minute evening trip that costs $18–$20. Departing from Greenbank Station in Wilmington, this ride trades traditional passenger cars for flatbed railcars lined with hay bales, giving travelers the feel of an open-air hay wagon. The Hayride Express departs daily through Nov. 2, with trips at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. Since autumn evenings can get chilly, passengers are encouraged to bring a blanket and settle in for a cozy ride under the stars.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad first began service in 1867, carrying both freight and passengers through northern Delaware. While the original line was built for industry, pleasure 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 holiday-themed rides later in the year. The Holiday Lights Express takes passengers through neighborhoods glowing with festive decorations, while the Santa Claus Express features an onboard visit from Santa himself, complete with treats for children. There’s also a Veterans Day Ride on Nov. 8, with four afternoon departures—perfect timing to catch any lingering autumn color.

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

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