Virginia's Historic 'Queen Of Steam' Train Offers Stunning Views Of Dreamy Fall Foliage

Celebrate autumn in style with a seasonal sightseeing journey aboard a historic train dubbed the Queen of Steam. The train in question? An old-school, steam-powered Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 operated by the Virginia Scenic Railway. The trip? A dreamy fall foliage adventure known as the Shenandoah Valley Limited. And where it all starts? The tiny town of Goshen, Virginia, not far from the incredible wildlife and stunning waterfall trails of Shenandoah National Park.

"With the combination of this steam engine, these passenger cars, the Shenandoah Valley mountain views in fall, and the mainline track speeds," Virginia Scenic Railway president Steve Powell told Travel and Leisure. "This will be a trip that people will remember for years."

Of course, before travelers can make those lasting memories, they'll have to book a ticket for one of the limited number of rides offered during the Shenandoah Valley Limited's five-week 2025 operating season. The autumnal fun begins on Friday, September 26 and runs through Sunday, October 26. Further narrowing this window of opportunity is the fact that bookings are only available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. That comes out to a total of 15 possible dates for leaf peepers to choose from, and while there are two time slots open each day, some have already filled up and only waiting list reservations are available. Curious to learn more about why people are so excited for this vibrant autumnal voyage? Here are the key details to know.

Beginning in the unassuming village of Goshen, the Virginia Scenic Railway's Shenandoah Valley Limited excursion charts a 50-mile course through George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and toward Staunton, one of the most charming small towns to visit in Virginia. During this roughly four-hour journey, passengers can marvel at picturesque countryside landscapes, peer out the window as the train chugs up North Mountain, and take copious photos of forests bursting with fall color. Oh, and if you miss the chance to get a picture of any particularly scenic sights, don't worry; the train hits reverse and takes the same route back to Goshen after stopping in Staunton. One key detail will be different on your ride back, though. While a steam train escorts you through the first half of this trip, a diesel engine comes in to handle the last leg.

Operating through all weather conditions (safety permitting), the Shenandoah Valley Limited journey runs twice a day: once at 9 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. Despite a brief stop in Staunton, this isn't a hop-on, hop-off ride, so visitors should be prepared to stay aboard until arriving back in Goshen. Thankfully, the train's cozy railcars, onboard refreshments, and serene views make it easy to kick back and enjoy the ride. And while not a thrill ride by any means, this sightseeing experience is a delightful activity that laidback solo travelers and big families alike can enjoy.

Before you book your ticket for the Virginia Scenic Railway's Shenandoah Valley Limited trip, plan carefully to ensure you'll have the best experience possible. Those traveling to Goshen from afar for this locomotive adventure should know that, as a town of under 300 people, this area doesn't offer a plethora of hotel options. That said, there are two notable properties to consider. The first, Shenandoah Retreat, is a vacation rental with lovely views, a gorgeous dining area, and enough space for up to eight guests. The second, Hummingbird Inn, is an adorable bed and breakfast with common areas like the den, a homey space where you can curl up with a book and read beside a wood-burning fireplace. Both options may be difficult to reserve as other leaf-peepers flood into Goshen for autumnal fun, but savvy travelers who act fast may be able to snag remaining availabilities.

Once you've got accommodations covered, think about which ticket type to purchase for your Shenandoah Valley train ride. Again, your options may become limited as people snap up reservations for this seasonal excursion, but here's a rundown of the offerings. Ticket prices start at around $120 for a standard coach seat and go up to roughly $300 for an upper dome seat. Wondering what exactly a dome seat is and why it comes with such a hefty price tag? Located above the more affordable lower dome lounge, the upper dome features curved windows that provide the best and most expansive views available aboard the Shenandoah Valley Limited.