Photo by Erik Rank
The Journey Begins Trainman Glenn Havelock is one of the many faces passengers see as they board the Great Pumpkin Train in the station at Phillipsburg.
Photo by Erik Rank
Run by the Delaware River Railroad Excursions, the train—with its vintage-style steam locomotive and five former Long Island Railroad cars from the 1950s—travels 16 miles round trip to its destination in Riegelsville and back.
Photo by Erik Rank
Along the way, passengers get to see a hidden countryside, historic lime kilns and sharp cliffs as the train hugs the Delaware River.
Photo by Erik Rank
Engineer Don Chaudruc (in window) and student fireman Keegan Forke direct passengers on and off the train as it stops in Carpentersville, where passengers can stretch their legs at the pumpkin patch.
Photo by Erik Rank
At this stop, riders can stay awhile and explore a 13-acre corn maze—cut in the shape of an old prospector and mine cart—or go mining for gems ($5 extra per person for each activity).
Photo by Erik Rank
The excursion is perfect for people of all ages, says Chris Cotty, vice president and general manager of the nonprofit. Along the journey, passengers like Nataly and Anthony Taylor of Maryland listen to a public address system, keyed by GPS, that describes sights and local history as the train passes.
Photo by Erik Rank
Picking out a free pumpkin is part of the experience, as demonstrated by passengers Jeff and Amy Hawrylo of Milford with their children Gavin and Paige.
Photo by Erik Rank
“The first time you see a youngster see a train like this, their eyes open completely and their mouth sits agape and then you understand why we do this,” Cotty says. “It’s a fun day.”
The Great Pumpkin Train: Weekends in October, train leaves 11 AM, noon, 2 PM and 3:30 PM. $11 per child, $17 pr adult. 99 Elizabeth Street, Phillipsburg.