Aboard the Trail Sisters: A 2.5‑Hour Brunch Express to Glen Rock and AleCraft Brewery

NEW FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

Aboard the Trail Sisters: A 2.5‑Hour Brunch Express to Glen Rock and AleCraft Brewery

A round‑trip, 2.5‑hour historic train outing from New Freedom to Glen Rock that includes a breakfast buffet at AleCraft Brewery and travel aboard vintage lounge and passenger cars.

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Aboard the Trail Sisters: A 2.5‑Hour Brunch Express to Glen Rock and AleCraft Brewery.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
New Freedom
Operator
Northern Central Railway
Category
Train

Adventure brief

Aboard the Trail Sisters: A 2.5‑Hour Brunch Express to Glen Rock and AleCraft Brewery

The Brunch Express runs from the Historic New Freedom Train Station to Glen Rock, PA, carrying guests aboard restored mid‑20th‑century lounge and passenger cars for a relaxed, scenic ride before a brunch buffet at AleCraft Brewery.

The Brunch Express to AleCraft Brewery is a charming and unique outdoor adventure offered by Northern Central Railway in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. This experience combines a scenic journey aboard a historic train with a delicious brunch and a visit to a local brewery, making it perfect for food lovers and history buffs alike. Travelers board vintage lounge and passenger cars that provide a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere as they travel through picturesque countryside to Glen Rock, PA. Once aboard, guests enjoy a generous breakfast buffet featuring a variety of savory and sweet dishes, paired with a complimentary drink to start the day on a high note. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore AleCraft Brewery's craft beer offerings and soak in the local craft brewing scene. The relaxed vibe of the train ride combined with the rich flavors of brunch and beer tasting makes this trip a memorable way to spend a weekend. Whether you’re looking for a casual outing with friends or a special date experience, the Brunch Express offers a refreshing blend of Pennsylvania history, scenic views, and great food.

Route Schematic

Route and Key Stops

The train makes a round trip with a scheduled stop at AleCraft Brewery in Glen Rock for brunch.

  1. Historic New Freedom Train Station (Check‑in)

    Passengers check in and receive boarding passes at the Gift Shop located at 117 North Front Street in New Freedom and should arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding.

  2. Southbound ride aboard vintage cars

    Guests travel southbound on enclosed, climate‑controlled lounge and passenger cars toward Glen Rock.

  3. AleCraft Brewery, Glen Rock — Brunch stop

    The train deboards passengers at AleCraft Brewery for the included breakfast buffet and one complimentary drink for guests 21+ before later reboarding for the return.

  4. Return to New Freedom

    After the brunch stop, passengers reboard the train for the return ride to the Historic New Freedom Train Station.

Passengers who wish to exit the train at Hanover Junction must be able to climb up and down six steps without crew assistance; a wheelchair lift is not available there. Arrival 30 minutes prior to boarding and check‑in at the gift shop are required.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CARS

Ride in vintage lounge and passenger cars

Travel in restored mid‑century equipment — including the Overland Trail lounge car and Pacific Trail passenger car — both enclosed and fully climate‑controlled for a comfortable historic rail experience.

THE FOOD

A hearty brunch buffet at AleCraft Brewery

The outing includes a breakfast buffet with breakfast meats, pastries, pancakes and more, plus one complimentary coffee or alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and over.

THE ROUTE

A short round‑trip to Glen Rock

The train carries passengers southbound to Glen Rock where it deboards riders for the brunch stop at AleCraft Brewery before reboarding for the return to New Freedom.

What the day feels like

What the outing feels like

Over roughly two and a half hours, the Brunch Express escorts guests from New Freedom to Glen Rock aboard vintage lounge and coach cars, pauses for a buffet at AleCraft Brewery, and returns riders to the Historic New Freedom Train Station — a compact, social excursion that pairs rail nostalgia with a meal destination.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits — and who should take caution.

1
Rail and history enthusiastsIdeal for travelers who appreciate restored mid‑century lounge and passenger cars and a short scenic rail ride to a local brewery.
2
Casual food‑centric groupsA good match for groups seeking a social brunch destination with a included buffet and one complimentary beverage for those 21 and over.
3
Travelers with limited mobilityNot ideal for guests who require a wheelchair lift at Hanover Junction or cannot climb six steps without assistance; consider mobility needs before booking.
4
Members and discount seekersMembership holders should call the operator to book discounted tickets via the provided phone extension.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Check‑in

Arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding and check in at the Gift Shop (117 North Front Street, New Freedom) to receive your boarding pass.

Onboard accommodations

Travel aboard enclosed, fully climate‑controlled vintage lounge and passenger cars; coach accommodation options include the Overland Trail lounge car and the Pacific Trail passenger car.

Beverages & age rules

The buffet includes one complimentary coffee or alcoholic beverage for guests over 21; additional drinks are available for purchase a la carte.

Membership booking

Membership holders should call 717‑942‑2370 ext. 102 to book discounted tickets.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where and when do I check in for the Brunch Express?

Check in at the Gift Shop at 117 North Front Street, New Freedom, and arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding.

How long is the trip?

The outing is a 2.5‑hour round trip from New Freedom to Glen Rock and back.

Is brunch included?

Yes — the ticket includes a breakfast buffet at AleCraft Brewery with a variety of items and one complimentary coffee or alcoholic beverage for guests 21 and over.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

One complimentary alcoholic beverage is included for guests over 21; additional drinks may be purchased a la carte.

Is the train accessible for wheelchair users?

A wheelchair lift is not available at Hanover Junction; passengers who wish to exit the train there must be able to climb up and down six steps without crew assistance.

How do members book discounted tickets?

Membership holders should call 717‑942‑2370 ext. 102 to book discounted tickets.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:17.939Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

Aboard the Trail Sisters: A 2.5‑Hour Brunch Express to Glen Rock and AleCraft Brewery