Massachusetts Scenic Railroad Route Makes 'Most Magnificent' List

MASSACHUSETTS — One Bay State route made the list of "The Most Magnificent Train Rides in the U.S." The rankings come from Thrillist and include 15 train rides from a Gold Rush-Era trip in Alaska to a journey through the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

Thrillist notes that while U.S. rail travel doesn't have the bullet speed of Asia, these trips offer exactly the opposite: an opportunity to make the journey the focus. You may end up in a spectacular destination like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, "but the true highlights are the towns and parks you'll (slowly) chug through along the way."

The Cape Cod Central Railroad made the list for Massachusetts. The 27-mile trip runs from Hyannis to Buzzards Bay.

Here's some of what Thrillist had to say about the Cape Cod Central Railroad:

"Take in the charm of this seaside community with a ride on this railroad through salt marshes, oceanfront trails, and cranberry bogs, complete with an audio explainer on how cranberries are harvested, should you wish. You’ll also pass through picturesque towns like Sandwich, founded in 1637 and though named by its founders for its British counterpart, leans into the culinary side of its name with its annual June Sandwich Fest."

The trip includes an option for a gourmet, five-course meal served at a white linen-clad table, as well as an option for a narrated sightseeing tour.

Check out the full list at Thrillist.

More information on the Cape Cod Central Railroad is available here.

See Also:

• 5 MA Road Trips: History — Proud and Notorious — Meets Scenic Beauty