by Donald Wood
Last updated: 4:00 AM ET, Tue September 22, 2015
Photo via YouTube
The changing leaves of the fall can make for a beautiful backdrop during a train ride, and Amtrak has announced that it will bring back the Great Dome rail car to make the experience even more memorable.
During a six-week stretch from Sept. 24 through Nov. 3, the New York State Department of Transportation and the National Park Service Trails and Rails program will be teaming up to give passengers who use Amtrak's Adirondack service access to the only remaining dome car along one of the most scenic train routes in the world.
The Great Dome rail car is a standard Amtrak car with a twist. This car has a second floor with windows on all sides that offer passengers panoramic views of Upstate New York's fall foliage, including views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains between Albany and Montreal.
Amtrak Deputy General Manager Kevin Chittenden released a statement, saying, "The Great Dome car is one of the best and most unique ways to experience the magnificent scenery along the route of the Adirondack. The car is a passenger favorite every year and helps contribute to the ridership and revenue growth that make this service so successful."
The Great Dome rail car will operate northbound from Albany to Montreal on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays and returns south from Montreal on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, throughout the six-weeks of availability.
The seats in the upper level of the dome car are available at no extra cost, but they are unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis. On certain rides, National Park Service volunteers will offer historical commentary during the trip.
All Aboard Productions serves up an appetizer of the views available from the dome:
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