The phrase is planes, trains and automobiles.But sometimes it feels like we forget all about the train altogether, favoring a carsconvenience or the speed of a flight. But trains are a great way to travel: Youll never hit traffic and its much less hassle than you find at the airport. And best of all, certain American train routes bring you much closer to this countrys natural beauty, history and wonder than a car or plane ever could.Take a look at some of the most scenic train rides in the U.S. below. Book a ticket, then sit back and watch it all roll by.EAST COAST1.Cape Cod Central RailroadRoute: Ride east from Bourne to Hyannis, MassachusettsDuration: 2 hoursThis coastal excursions run on approximately 27 miles of track from May through October. Traveling from the Cape to the Cape Cod Canal, you can expect to see sand dunes, woodlands, cranberry bogs and salt marshes along the way.2. Amtraks Ethan Allen ExpressRoute:North from New York City to Rutland, VermontDuration:5 hours, 30 minutesThis daily route is named for Ethan Allen, the revolutionary war patriot who settled in Vermont. Upstate New York and Vermont both host vast wildernesses, skiing territories, lakes and mountain landscapes. See all of it go by from the first few stops in the Hudson Valley, up through the Catskills, Albany and Saratoga Springs. Stop along the way or ride all the way to the end ' Rutland, Vermont is the states second largest city and home to charming B&Bs and inns and several summer festivals.WEST COAST3. Amtraks Coast StarlightRoute:Ride north from Los Angeles through Portland to SeattleDuration:35 hoursThe Coast Starlight is easily one of the most beautiful train rides in North America. Ride along stretches of the Pacific ocean, up through San Francisco and past lush forests and snow-covered Mount Shasta. This train runs every day.4. Amtraks Pacific SurflinerRoute: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San DiegoDuration:5 hours,45 minutesCruise along the Southern California coast as you travel south from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Amtrak says that to be any closer to the water, youd need to be on a surfboard. Jump off the train when it stops in Anaheim for a fun day at Disneyland. The train is easy to catch, with multiple departures a day.5. Napa Valley Wine Train Route:Napa Valley to St. Helena and backDuration:3 hoursRide 36 miles roundtrip through pure California wine country beauty in antique Pullman cars. The route itself is more than 150 years old, and youll see some of the most expensive and well-known agricultural real estate in the U.S. The trip will also help you get a better understanding of why the geography and climate of Napa make it so conducive to cultivating vineyards. The journey is guided, and riders can choose between wine tours, dining tours or special day packages such as Mothers Day or Fathers Day tours. The train runs throughout the year.6. Grand Canyon RailwayRoute:Williams, Arizona north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National ParkDuration:2 hours, 15 minutes each wayTheres just nothing quite like the Grand Canyon, and seeing it by train means youll likely see even more of it. Watch plant life change as you leave Flagstaff behind and keep your eyes peeled for elk, mountain lions, mule deer and ravens flying overhead. The train runs daily.Train crew members provide stories, history, music and entertainment along the way.7. Royal Gorge RailroadRoute: Roundtrip from Canon City, Colorado,through the Royal GorgeDuration: 2-2.5 hoursTake in the breathtaking scenery of Colorados Royal Gorge on a short guided tour. The area is steeped in American history, including when steel miners descended on the land in the 1870s. Tours include food, drink and storytelling, providing context to the scenery thatll take the experience to the next level.ALASKA8. Alaskas Coastal Classic TrainRoute: Anchorage to Seward, AlaskaDuration:4 hoursTo see the Alaskan wilderness up close while you travel, go by train instead of car. Youll spot bald eagles, beluga whales, glacial backdrops and alpine meadows as the train passes through the Kenai Mountains, which are rich with wildlife. Trains run every day.SOUTH9. Great Smoky Mountains RailroadRoute:Bryson City to Nantahala Gorge, North CarolinaDuration:3.5 hours to a full day, depending on the excursionThere is significant beauty to be seen and fun to be had on this route, which makes long stops along the Nantahala River and in Dillsboro, a small historic town. Jump aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to see the Carolina mountains and more than 125 varieties of trees and plant life. Country inns, lodges, historic sites and quaint shops line this route along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region. Trains run throughout year, but schedules vary by season.MIDWEST10. Amtraks California ZephyrRoute:Cross-country from Chicagothrough Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno to San FranciscoDuration:51 hours, 20 minutesPeople who dream of driving cross country but dont actually want to drive should consider the California Zephyr. Scenic highlights include the Rocky Mountains, Nebraska plains, Sierra Nevadas, Moffat Tunnel, Colorados Gore, Byers and Glenwood Canyons, Truckee River and the San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait. The train runs every day.11. Amtraks Empire BuilderRoute:Chicago through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho to either Portland or SeattleDuration:46 hoursHistory buffs and fans of the Wild West will get a kick out of this speedy train which travels daily along the Pacific Northwest and much of the Lewis And Clark trail. Expect views of true American splendor: Vast North Dakota plains, Big Sky country in Montana and incredible views of the Mississippi River.Theres so much to see, isnt there' -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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