There’s something about traversing the state by rail that really lets you appreciate the space outside. Maybe it’s being able to look out the window instead of at the road while en route or maybe it’s stepping off the train and not having to labyrinth through the liminal airport version of your destination city. Either way, if you’re looking to spend more time outside this year, Amtrak is your friend—and here are some great ways to do just that along Amtrak’s New York, Canadian and western Vermont Routes.
Music Festivals
Summertime means there’s music in the air—literally. When else can we experience the blissful combination of concert crowds and fresh air? In these necks of the woods, outdoor concerts abound as everyone is more than willing to bask in the glory of good weather and great music.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
This acoustically ideal amphitheater offers sheltered seating for 5,200 people and a sloping lawn hosts an additional 20,000, with a wide range of annual events such as the Saratoga Jazz Festival, New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Orchestra as well as Live Nation concerts with artists such as Cake (June 1) and Primus (June 12). 2.5 miles from Saratoga Springs Station spac.org
All Things Go Toronto
JUNE 6-7, 2026
Catch Kesha and Lorde headlining the stages at this rapidly growing two-day festival with an indie-focused lineup at the RBC Amphitheatre, just 2.3 miles from the Toronto station. 2.3 miles from Toronto Station allthingsgofestival.com/toronto
Rochester International Jazz Festival
JUNE 19-27, 2026
This globally renowned jazz festival is less than a mile away from the Rochester station and offers free outdoor concerts at several stages. If you want more of the action, tickets get you access to various venues in Rochester’s East End Cultural and Entertainment and Midtown Districts, showcasing some of the world’s best jazz musicians. 0.9 miles from Rochester Station rochesterjazz.com
OSHEAGA
JULY 31-AUGUST 2, 2026
Just a subway ride across the St. Lawrence River from the Montréal station in Parc Jean-Drapeau, is a major celebration dedicated to music and visual arts, attracting more than 140,000 music fans from around the world each year. 4.7 miles from Montréal Station osheaga.com
Tanglewood
LATE JUNE-LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Take advantage of seasonal weekend service on the Berkshire Flyer to Pittsfield, MA, 8.3 miles from the famed summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where you can experience a first-rate lineup of mellifluous classical artists and beyond against a backdrop of the Berkshire mountains. 8.3 miles from Pittsfield stop on the Berkshire Flyer bso.org/tanglewood/tanglewood-2026
SummerStage
JUNE-OCTOBER
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of New York City’s premier performing arts festival, where free concerts grace the stage in Central Park just 2.4 miles from the New York City station. 2.4 miles from NYC Moynihan Hall Station cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Pavilion Stage
MAY-SEPTEMBER
This nonprofit arts organization at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival hosts concerts in its openair Pavilion amphitheater typically from May to September, this year welcoming the likes of Paul Simon (July 3), Jason Aldean (July 18) and Alabama Shakes (September 4). 65.6 miles from Poughkeepsie Station bethelwoodscenter.org
Empire State Trail
There are many legs of the 750- mile Empire State Trail that are just perfect for the simple joys of being outside, whether you’re on foot or bike. The trail between NYC and Albany has dedicated bike trails, whereas some of the other pieces share the road with cars or go offroad, making for a more arduous and fraught adventure. The good news is you can take your bike on Amtrak with carry-on bicycle service. Check the Amtrak website for the requirements, fee information and to find out if your train offers checked bicycle service. And whether you’re planning to bike the entire trail or not, here are some detours that’ll make for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.
Ride Across Two Iconic Bridges
Disembark Amtrak at Poughkeepsie station and immediately cross the Hudson River on the stunning Walkway Over The Hudson, a steel cantilever bridge suspended about 250 feet above water. Cycling enthusiasts can continue onto the Empire State Trail for about 16 miles to reach the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, where the Rosendale Trestle spans verdant Rondout Creek. Head back to make it a 32.5-mile round trip. 32.5-mile round trip from Poughkeepsie Station
Search For Diamonds At Herkimer Diamond Mine
This could make for an epic biking adventure from Utica station down the Erie Canalway Trail if you can handle hammering diamonds out of the rock at this above ground mine on top of a 33-mile round trip. Or you could bike along the Erie Canalway section (about four miles) and call a car from there. 33-mile round trip from Utica Station
Lake George Steamboat Company Sightseeing Cruise
You’ll have to go off-trail for this excursion as well, but biking there from Fort Edward station can be done: follow the Champlain Canalway Trail north into Glens Falls, then connect to the Warren County Bikeway (a total of 16.8 miles). Choose from a wide selection of themed cruises—Elvis, Bigfoot, Pirate—or a less camp, more straightforward lakefront cruise. 33.6-mile round trip from Fort Edward- Glens Falls Station
Swim At Point Au Roche State Park
All this talk of biking making you want to take a dip in some cool water? Earn it with a nine-mile bike ride to Point Au Roche State Park from Plattsburgh Station—entry is free if you arrive via bicycle and the park offers a swimming beach and picnic facilities, plus a nature center and hiking trails if you’ve still got energy to burn. 18-mile round trip from Plattsburgh Station
Winter
Winter is a trickster. It’ll try to convince you you’re a hibernating creature. But you’re not. There’s still much fun to be had outdoors if you’re ready to go all-in on winter vibes.
Mohonk Mountain House
A half-hour car ride (17.7 miles) from the Poughkeepsie station, Mohonk Mountain House offers a winter wonderland getaway in Upstate New York near the snowy mountain forest of Mohonk Preserve. Choose from activities such as snow tubing, ice skating or just walking the grounds dusted with snow and contemplating the peaceful silence of the frozen lake. 17.7 miles from Poughkeepsie Station
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 9.2 miles from the Saratoga Springs station, offers plenty of trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing—plus rentals of all the needed gear for toddlers to adults. 9.2 miles from Saratoga Springs Station
Lake George Winter Carnival
This annual carnival—now more than a half-century old—celebrates all sorts of winter activities in the Adirondacks, 16.5 miles from Fort Edward-Glens Falls station. With special events like cook-off competitions, a hot chocolate topping bar, glacier golf, outhouse races, pond hockey and a polar plunge, this all-volunteer-run event exemplifies the magic of winter for five weekends, in February-March. 16.5 miles from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Station
Esplanade Tranquille
When winter hits, this public square transforms into a large, refrigerated skating rink for the whole family. C’est cool, ça! 0.9 miles from Montréal- Centrale Station
Killington Resort
In the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, the so-called “Beast Of The East” offers the most expansive snowmaking and lift system in Eastern North America, with more than 150 trails and 70 miles of snow terrain. In addition to the slopes, the resort offers scenic gondola rides, tubing, spa treatments and plays host to events such as the Audi FIS Ski World Cup and Subaru WinterFest. 16.6 miles from Rutland Station killington.com
Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain boasts a stateof- the-art learning center designed for the ideal beginner experience and offers incredible views as far as Massachusetts’ Berkshires and Vermont’s Green Mountains, plus 1,600 feet of skiable vertical drop. Aprés ski also offers free live music as well as several drinking and dining options. 26.6 miles from Hudson Station huntermtn.com
Tobogganing At Chestnut Ridge Park
Weekends and holidays from 10am to 4pm, this park has structured toboggan chutes in a scenic winter wonderland. This wholesome family friendly spot lets you zoom down the 20-foot chutes and down the sledding hill to your heart’s content—then you can warm up in the on-site “casino” (not a gambling facility) with some cocoa by the fireplace. Now that’s the perfect snow day. 17.4 miles from Buffalo Exchange Street Station www3.erie.gov/parks/chestnut-ridge
Hiking
There’s no adventure quite like the one you take on foot, entering a wilder space, with as few belongings as possible. Want to see how far your feet can take you? The trails are waiting—and Amtrak can help you get there.
Black Mountain
If Lake George is the Queen of American Lakes, Black Mountain is the King of the Queen of American Lakes. The tallest mountain in the Lake George area clocking in at 2,665 feet, Black boasts sweeping views of the northern end of one of the clearest lakes in the US. Hike it as an out-andback (2.5 miles each way) or make it a loop, which’ll add about a mile and a half to your jaunt but will bring you around a picturesque pond that looks straight out of a painting. At the peak? A wind turbine that powers the communications station on the summit, and a fire tower that’s closed to public access. Afterwards, cool off at the nearby Huletts Park beach. 10.9 miles from Whitehall Station
Albany Pine Bush
If your idea of “hiking” involves less elevation and more exploration, this one’s for you. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is one of the best and last remaining examples of an inland pine barrens—an ecosystem distinguished by rolling sand dunes, sparse forest, and fire-dependent plants. A relic of the last Ice Age, the Pine Bush is also home to extraordinary biodiversity, including the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly, a species that takes to the skies every May and July. Within the 3,400-acre preserve are more than 20 miles of marked trails that span sandy expanses and grassy woodlands. Start at the Discovery Center, a mini museum, and branch out from there. 12 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Station
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Despite its metropolitan reputation, the Downstate area is filled with plenty of pocket parks and preserves—if you know where to look. Worth a visit is the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, located where the Long Island Sound and Manursing Lake meet. Recognized as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon society, the sanctuary is a year-round hotbed of avian activity; seasoned birders have been known to spot upwards of 50 species, from Great Blue Herons to Peregrine Falcons, in just a couple of hours—in December, no less. Three miles of trails offer views of the lake, the sound, and an osprey nesting platform. 9.4 miles from New Rochelle Station
Eternal Flame Falls
Orchard Park isn’t just for football (go Bills!)—the southeastern suburb of Buffalo is also home to a mysterious flame whose light never gets extinguished. We’re talking about the Eternal Flame, a flickering, eight-inchtall flame that burns nonstop behind a 35-foot waterfall. Long thought to be the product of gas pockets rising from the bedrock, scientists now aren’t so sure—the shale under the waterfall isn’t hot enough to produce enough gas to keep the flame lit. The natural mystery is located in Shale Creek Preserve and is accessible via a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail that’s known to be slippery…So wear the right shoes! 19 miles from Buffalo- Exchange Street Station
Noonmark Mountain
If you’re a serious hiker, chances are, the Adirondack High Peaks are on your radar. These 46 mountains clock in at 4,000-plus feet above sea level and have been drawing aspiring “46ers” (hikers who summit all of them) for more than a century. If you’re considering stepping up to the challenge but want to approach your new mission with baby steps, Noonmark Mountain is for you. At 3,556 feet, Noonmark gives firsttimers a feel for what hiking in the rugged Adirondacks is all about. It may not be an official High Peak, but don’t underestimate Noonmark: This is a steep mountain that packs a punch. Good to know: A reservation is required to park at the trailhead between May 1-October 31, and the Noonmark Diner serves up all-day breakfast just down the street. 22 miles from Westport Station
Overlook Mountain
Once upon a time, the Overlook Mountain House was poised to welcome well-to-do New Yorkers in search of an escape to the country from its perch atop—yes—Overlook Mountain. But fate had other plans. After burning down (twice), the hotel’s most recent owner sold the property to New York State in 1940…and not much has happened with it since then. The decaying Overlook now serves as the defining feature of the mountain upon which it sits. Before arriving at the 3,136-foot summit— which is accessible mainly via a gravel road and boasts a fire tower offering 360-degree views of the surrounding Catskill Mountains—hikers can explore BLACK MOUNTAIN the ruins of the Overlook and take a breather on the steps that once welcomed 19th century travelers. 20.6 miles from Rhinecliff-Kingston Station
Want To Go Even Higher?
There’s something about hikers that makes them want to hike not just a big mountain, but the biggest mountain. If you head due west from Westport Station, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the largest peaks in the state. The Adirondak Loj trailhead (50 minutes away) provides access to Mount Marcy, elevation 5,344, as well as Algonquin, the secondhighest point in New York State. Down in the Catskills, the peaks are slightly smaller but still well worth the trip. The two Catskill mountains topping 4,000 feet are Slide Mountain and Hunter Mountain (the ski resort), both of which are around an hour away from Rhinecliff-Kingston Station.
When Every Leaf Is A Work Of Art
Leaf peeping season in New York usually peaks from late September through October, when the Hudson Valley, Capital Region and Adirondacks begin to transform into an autumn wonderland and the scenery alone is worth the trip. Taking Amtrak makes it easy to soak it all in right from your train seat, but you can also step off the train and straight into some of the state’s best fall views without the long drive.
The Walkway Over The Hudson in Poughkeepsie is perfect if you want big fall views without a big hike. Only 0.6 miles from the Poughkeepsie Amtrak station, you can walk right from the train. The walkway stretches a little more than a mile long and offers wide open views of the Hudson Valley in peak color—while suspended about 200 feet above the Hudson River. In October, the hills glow red, orange and gold, and the river reflects it all back. This scenic walkway—just steps from local restaurants, waterfront parks and shops—is perfect for photos.
Just steps from the Rochester station (0.4 miles away), is the High Falls Terrace Platform, offering views of the tree-filled city perched above a serene waterfall. Similar views can be enjoyed with a flight of beer from the balcony at the nearby Genesee Brew House.
In Vermont, the Ferrisburgh- Vergennes station is only 1.8 miles from Vergennes Falls Park, an idyllic spot to enjoy fall foliage in Vermont’s oldest city. Enjoy a 1.5-mile walking trail, picnic tables, a frisbee golf course and lovely views of cascading falls that gush between the historic buildings against a palette of reds, greens and golds.
Washington Park is a perfect fall foliage stop right in downtown Albany. About 5.7 miles from the Albany- Rensselaer Amtrak station, this historic 80-plus acre park lights up in October. Stroll along the winding paths around the lake, sit on a bench and watch the leaves fall or take photos of the tree canopy above. It’s easy to reach and feels like a classic autumn escape without leaving the city. Plus, it’s steps from downtown Albany’s best restaurants and shops, so you can fill your belly after you’ve feasted your eyes.
Keen on exploring farther out from the stations? Check out Storm King, an open-air sculpture park atop rolling hills and featuring a dramatic mountain backdrop about 26 miles from the Croton-Harmon Amtrak station.
Or, for panoramic views of Upstate NY, head to Thacher State Park, a park set along limestone cliffs overlooking the Capital Region, creating a layered view exploding with color that stretches for miles, about 21 miles from the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station.
And anywhere in the Adirondacks will offer excellent leaf peeping, making it a popular train ride during this season, but Prospect Mountain is hard to top. About 20 miles from the Fort Edward- Glens Falls Amtrak station, this overlook rises above Lake George and offers stunning mountain scenery. In autumn, the surrounding peaks shift in color and surround the water with rich tones. You can hike to the summit if you’re feeling ambitious or take a car for a quicker visit. At the top, expansive lookout points give you plenty of space to take it all in.