September days become shorter, there�??s a nip in the early morning air, and yellow school buses mix into the morning commute �?? all clear signs that Mother Nature is prepping for her annual autumn display of the finest fall foliage in Northeast Pennsylvania.

One of the best ways to view this beautiful array of colors is relaxing aboard a steam or diesel passenger train traveling through beautiful fall scenery in the nearby Pocono Mountains. Steamtown National Historic Site, downtown Scranton, has planned eight fall foliage rail trips for Steam-powered excursions to Moscow will depart the Steamtown NHS boarding platform at 12:30 p.m. on October 6, 13, 14, 21, 27 and 28, with an expected return at 3:15 p.m. The Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Chapter, NRHS, which leases the former Moscow passenger station and freight house, will offer light refreshments for sale during the train�??s layover. Moscow excursion tickets are priced at $24.00 for adults 16 to 61, $22.00 for seniors
62 and older, and $17.00 for children aged 6-15. Children 5 and younger require a �??no-charge.�?�

A special diesel-powered excursion to Gouldsboro Station is planned for October 7. The Coolbaugh Township Historical Association is planning a fun-filled �??Great Gatsby�?� theme at the station, with costumed characters dressed as �??flappers,�?� Elliott Ness and Al Capone, and will feature 1920s-era music inside the former passenger station. While at the Gouldsboro Station, guests can meet the characters for photo opportunities, as well as purchase light refreshments. The station features a small museum that interprets the past life and experiences of Gouldsboro�??s development. This special excursion will also include a brief stop at the Tobyhanna Station on the return trip. Departure from the Steamtown NHS Boarding Platform is 11:00 a.m., with an expected 3:30 p.m. return. Ticket prices for the �??Great Gatsby�?� excursion are $34.00 for adults 16 to 61, $29.00 for seniors 62 and older, and $22.00 for children aged 6-15. Children 5 and younger require a �??no-charge�?� ticket.