This Is Maine’s Most Underrated Train Ride

A number of the most scenic train rides in the US are offered by Amtrak. Nonetheless, Amtrak is not the only ticket in town when it comes to trains that provide affordable scenery. There are many short and scenic train rides throughout the US that smaller corporations run as effectively.

Many of those non-Amtrak operators present a number of the most scenic train rides on the West Coast, whereas others provide beautiful train rides that show off the best fall foliage in New England. One such prepare within the Acadia Nationwide Park space would possibly even give Amtrak a run for its cash; it’s Maine’s most underrated prepare trip, giving all of the views at only a fraction of the price of an Amtrak journey.

Certain, Amtrak’s Portland to Acadia is without doubt one of the firm’s hottest routes. Nonetheless, with a number of days spent in a single day and out of doors the prepare, the precise prepare trip itself will not be exceptionally lengthy. The prepare additionally doesn’t go instantly into Acadia National Park; a rental automobile is supplied to get passengers there.

Because of this the Downeast Scenic Railroad, which is run by volunteers, is a good and underrated various to Amtrak’s path to Acadia. The route runs on the outskirts of Acadia Nationwide Park, is a fraction of the worth, and has a number of the most unimaginable views for passengers to take a seat again and luxuriate in alongside their practically two-hour prepare trip in Maine.

The Downeast Scenic Railroad Is Maine’s Most Underrated Prepare Experience

A historic prepare on an outdated rail line that takes passengers by way of lovely surroundings on the outskirts of Acadia Nationwide Park is what makes the Downeast Scenic Railroad a really particular prepare trip

The Downeast Scenic Railroad has been in business since 2010. The prepare route was established as a option to not solely protect trains from the previous but in addition carry passengers on board to expertise what journey by prepare was like a long time in the past.

The final time {that a} passenger prepare was on the tracks that the Downeast Scenic Railroad runs alongside was 1960. From that time ahead, the railroad traces had been used for freight till the mid-Eighties after which left to deteriorate. However after some rehabilitation on the traces that had been initially inbuilt 1884, they had been prepared once more for passenger trains.

With extra trains from bygone eras being scrapped for steel, there are usually not many who stay right now. People who do, like those used on the tour on the Downeast Scenic Railroad, give passengers the chance to take pleasure in journey the best way it as soon as was earlier than cars and planes had been the extra chosen mode of transportation.

Passengers have the choice to trip in passenger coaches constructed wherever from 1904 to 1917 or an open-air automobile inbuilt 1964. That is one thing that Amtrak will not be in a position to boast about. Each of the seating choices are comfy for passengers whereas having fun with the trip on the tracks to and from Hancock, Maine.

Moreover, whereas on the prepare, a volunteer factors out sights and provides a historical past of the Downeast Scenic Railroad. With all of those perks, it’s simple to see how Downeast Scenic Railroad may give Amtrak some competitors.

When Passengers Can Experience The Downeast Scenic Railroad

As a lot as passengers wish to trip the Downeast Scenic Railroad year-round, the train is only available seasonally. Because of this when the opening day of the prepare comes, there are passengers who’ve been ready by way of the winter for a trip by way of the wilderness.

The dates that the Downeast Scenic Railroad is in service embrace:

Whereas tickets can be found for day-of rides, it’s all the time really helpful to e book upfront in order that the day passengers need to trip the Downeast Scenic Railroad is obtainable.

Sights To See On The Downeast Scenic Railroad

Whereas driving the Downeast Scenic Railroad, passengers can anticipate to see quite a lot of animals and waterways in the course of the practically two-hour journey

Whereas boarding the prepare on the Washington Junction rail yard, passengers know that they are going to be handled with a feast for his or her eyes whereas on the Downeast Scenic Railroad prepare tour. Nonetheless, passengers could not know simply what awaits them as they take off from Hancock, Maine, and begin their 12-mile round-trip journey.

After the prepare departs, passengers will journey over the historic Maine Shore Line tracks. As they journey on the rail traces, passengers will see the Card Brook wetlands. The wetlands are the beginning of the brook that flows downstream till it will definitely empties into the Union River.

On the midway level of the trip, passengers will see Ellsworth Falls. The attractive cascading falls at one time had as many as 37 mills using the falls’ energy to generate electricity. Whereas these mills are now not there, plaques mark the place they as soon as stood.

This surroundings is seen because the prepare rolls over bridges and passes by colleges, historic buildings and houses, smaller creeks, and our bodies of water.

It’s when passing by way of these locations that there are various alternatives to see wildlife along the track. A number of the wildlife that may be seen whereas driving the prepare embrace:

• Bears
• Beavers
• Moose
• Deer
• Snapping turtles
• Bald Eagles
• Blue Heron

There are different animals to see alongside the best way, too. The perfect factor to do is to maintain your eyes broad and keep observant of the surroundings passing by on the prepare to probably seize a photograph of a lifetime whereas driving beneath a cover of lush timber within the course of.

Particular Occasions Hosted By The Downeast Scenic Railroad

There are three totally different particular occasions held by the Downeast Scenic Railroad yearly

Throughout the 12 months, the Downeast Scenic Railroad hosts a number of particular occasions and rides for many who need to make their prepare trip on the outskirts of Acadia Nationwide Park simply that rather more memorable.

For individuals who do select to take part in one in all these occasions, it is strongly recommended to e book tickets early as they promote out annually.

Contact A Prepare Day

On Touch a Train Day, passengers stand up shut and private with the within of the locomotives. The occasion is ideal for passengers of all ages who love trains and need to see extra about how they function.

Those that attend the occasion then have the choice to take a prepare trip by way of Acadia Nationwide Park at a reduced charge.

Autumn Gold Prepare Experience

When the autumn leaves start to show their lovely reds, yellows, and oranges, Downeast Scenic Railroad makes a weekend out of it throughout peak leaf-peeping season. Whereas on the prepare, it’s inspired to take images of the foliage whereas having fun with the views and a beverage or snack.

The Autumn Gold Train Ride is a family-friendly occasion, and as much as two youngsters per paying grownup trip free.

Pumpkin Trains

For households who need a totally different method to choosing a pumpkin for Halloween, the Pumpkin Trains provide simply that.

The prepare trip is barely shorter than the everyday one-hour and 45-minute tour. At only one hour lengthy, the prepare stops at a pumpkin patch midway by way of the trip and passengers get off to decide on their pumpkins.

As soon as the proper pumpkin is chosen, the trip begins off again to the depot the place passengers will depart with their soon-to-be Jack-O-Lanterns.

Whereas these occasions have ended for the season, it’s by no means too early to begin planning to trip Maine’s most underrated and, fairly probably, essentially the most scenic prepare trip as effectively.