Pennsylvania's Historic Train Takes You On A Scenic Ride Through The Pocono Mountains

It's hard to imagine a cozier mountain range than the Poconos of Pennsylvania. The "mountains" are more like rolling hills; the highest peak is Mt. Ararat, at a modest 2,654 feet above sea level. This region is home to 150 lakes, most of them small, as are nearly all of its towns. The closest parts of the Pocono Mountains are a two-hour drive from Philadelphia — and a reasonable distance from other northeastern cities as well — but they're far enough away to feel quiet and secluded. There are lots of exciting things to do around here, from adventure parks to ATV rides, but plenty of folks drop in for quiet pastimes: hiking, tent camping, and paddling canoes. The Poconos are pretty laidback; they're not a place for high-risk mountaineering or wilderness survival.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Poconos is the Stourbridge Line, an antique passenger train that chugs 25 miles along the Lackawaxen River. This historic setting is widely considered the birthplace of commercial railroads in the United States, and the preserved old cars recall the golden age of passenger trains. You can take in the Poconos' dynamic scenery on a wide range of themed "excursions." Each season offers spectacular landscapes, from the rich greenery of summer to the flaming leaves of autumn to snowy blankets in winter, and you could easily add the Stourbridge Line to a list of the most scenic train rides in the U.S.

There are many historic train lines in the U.S. designed for tourists, including several in the Poconos alone: The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, the Steamtown National Historic Site, and the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad all operate nearby. Yet the little town of Honesdale has a peculiar claim to fame; in 1829, engineer Horatio Allen personally tested the first steam engine locomotive in the United States. The Stourbridge Lion was manufactured in Great Britain and shipped to Honesdale, where Allen oversaw the construction of three miles of track. Onlookers were so skeptical of the strange-looking machine that Allen had to operate it on his own; its successful maiden voyage down the wooden rails helped launch the Age of Steam — and literally accelerated the Industrial Revolution.

The trains that now run on the Stourbridge Line are quite a bit more comfortable than the smoke-spewing Lion, and each excursion caters to different interests. The classic option is the Pocono Express, a 90-minute journey that takes you to the end of the track and back, which you can enjoy for a reasonable $25 (or $20 for children). The trips only get more elaborate from there; you can eat your way through the Dinner Train ($75), a mobile fine dining experience, or get social on the Party Train ($30), a BYOB lunch complete with live band and a free pint glass to take home. Seasonal rides include the family-favorite Pumpkin Patch Express and Santa Christmas Tree Express (both $30). No matter what time of year you ride, this East Coast region is a must-visit for outdoor adventures.

Honesdale is within day-trip distance of Philadelphia and New York City, but just barely: A drive from Philly's Center City will take you about three hours, and after an additional two-plus-hour visit, you'll probably want to stay the night. The drive is actually shorter from Manhattan (two-and-a-half hours), and New York City also provides a little-known alternative, the ShortLine Hudson. This bus is part of the Coach USA family, the same transportation company that owns Megabus. Board the bus at the Port Authority Terminal in Manhattan, and you'll arrive in Honesdale three hours later. This is a great option for New Yorkers who don't drive, and it's in keeping with Stourbridge's legacy of mass transit.

Presuming you'd like to stay over, Honesdale is an adorable town of about 4,400 residents. Here you'll find brick storefronts, a decent dining scene, and enough outdoors activities to fill a weeklong stay. The town only has three hotels that cost an average of $100 per night. Road trippers will find a wider range across Wayne County, as long as you don't mind driving a bit. In a state where many communities have endured economic hard times, Honesdale remains vibrant and active, a favorite getaway for nature lovers and railroad enthusiasts alike. You could easily add it to a list of 50 underrated small towns in America worth visiting.