Many people love visiting U.S. national parks, but getting there by car can be stressful. Parking lots fill quickly, entrance gates have long lines, and traffic can ruin the fun. Thankfully, train travel is becoming a popular and peaceful way to visit these parks. This helpful change is one of today’s most important Daily news highlights for travelers.
Trains carry hundreds of people on narrow tracks, easing road traffic. Train riders often don’t need a car reservation and get to enjoy beautiful views that cars can’t reach. Plus, train travel is relaxing. You can bring lots of luggage, enjoy meals in the dining car, sip coffee, and avoid driving stress. In 2024, over 32.8 million people rode Amtrak, showing that train travel is on the rise.
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
This park, full of rugged mountains and icy glaciers, is very popular in the summer. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is famous but only open a few months a year. It also requires a car reservation. Luckily, train passengers can skip this rule.
How to get there:
- Take the Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago or Seattle.
- Stop at East Glacier Park Station or West Glacier Station.
- Free shuttles connect you to visitor centers.
- The park also offers shuttle buses and guided tours.
Trains have brought people here since 1892. Today, they still offer a scenic and stress-free way to see this “Crown of the Continent.”
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited parks in the U.S., with nearly 5 million visitors yearly. Most people enter through the South Rim, which often has two-hour lines. But you can ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, and skip the traffic.
How to get there:
- Take Amtrak’s Southwest Chief to Williams.
- Or drive 45 minutes from Flagstaff to Williams.
- Board the Grand Canyon Railway for a 65-mile ride to the South Rim.
- Once there, use free shuttles to explore the rim.
This train has been running since 1901. Riders enjoy views of desert canyons and pine forests before arriving near the canyon.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite’s beautiful mountains and waterfalls attract crowds. Traffic gets worse in summer, and parking fills up early. Train travel helps you avoid this hassle.
How to get there:
- Take Amtrak San Joaquins from San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles.
- Transfer at Merced to the YARTS bus.
- Your train ticket includes bus fare and park entry.
Even though the YARTS bus has to wait at the park gates, special bus lanes inside the park make travel quicker. You can visit El Capitan or camp in Tuolumne Meadows with less stress.
4. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
This is one of the newest national parks and is known for adventure activities like hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting. There are no roads that go all the way through the park, but the train gives you great views.
How to get there:
- Ride Amtrak’s Cardinal between Chicago and Washington D.C.
- Stop at Thurmond, Hinton, or Prince stations.
- Local guides and rafting companies offer shuttle pickups.
You’ll see deep gorges and historic towns that are not reachable by road. It’s a great way to understand the park’s coal-mining past.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
This park lies between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. It may not be famous, but it’s one of the most visited parks. It has forests, rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
How to get there:
- Take Amtrak’s Floridian to Cleveland.
- Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) through the park.
- CVSR stops at eight stations and allows bikes onboard.
The train lets hikers and bikers travel between trailheads easily. You’ll enjoy nature without needing to drive or park.
6. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali is home to North America’s tallest mountain. The park allows few cars on its main road, so the Alaska Railroad is the best way to see it.
How to get there:
- Ride the Denali Star from Anchorage to Denali.
- The train runs daily from May to September.
- Inside the park, shuttles take visitors deep into the wild.
- Bonus trip: Take the Coastal Classic to Seward and visit Kenai Fjords National Park by boat.
This train trip offers dome cars for amazing views. You can even take a flight tour from Talkeetna to see Denali from the air.
Train travel is a peaceful, green, and beautiful way to visit national parks. You skip traffic, help reduce pollution, and enjoy your trip more. With trains reaching parks from Arizona to Alaska, it’s time to trade your steering wheel for a train ticket.
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