NEW FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Steam and Scarlet: One Hour Through York County’s Fall Canopy aboard No. 17
A one-hour round trip from New Freedom to Glen Rock aboard the William H. Simpson No. 17, following the original Northern Central Railroad route through the Heritage Rail Trail and showcasing autumn color.
Steam and Scarlet: One Hour Through York County’s Fall Canopy aboard No. 17.
Leaves flare into rust and gold as a replica steam locomotive threads a century-old railbed; for sixty minutes the William H. Simpson No. 17 pulls passengers from New Freedom along the Heritage Rail Trail to Glen Rock and back, tracing the route of the original Northern Central Railroad while interiors of vintage coaches frame the view.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
William H. Simpson No. 17 — a living steam replica
The ride is powered by the William H. Simpson No. 17, a replica steam locomotive that leads this hour-long autumn excursion along a historic Pennsylvania rail corridor.
Heritage Rail Trail through York County’s fall foliage
The train follows the original Northern Central Railroad alignment through the scenic Heritage Rail Trail County Park, offering concentrated views of small towns, rolling hills and seasonal color on a compact, one‑hour round trip to Glen Rock.
Choices of vintage coaches from combine to open-air gondola
Passengers choose from distinct cars—the D. Reed Anderson combine, 19th‑century–styled Abraham Lincoln and New Freedom coaches, the open-air South Branch, or the standing-only Gondola—each offering a different way to experience the line and its scenery.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
Boarding at the New Freedom station, you settle into vintage seats as the whistle sounds and the locomotive eases onto the former Pennsylvania Railroad mainline. The outward leg to Glen Rock moves deliberately through parkland and village edges; interpreters and signage illuminate local history, then the train reverses course for the return, the season’s color mirrored in operable windows or wide open spaces of the open‑air cars.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who should consider this trip and when it may not be ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The excursion is a one‑hour round trip timed for fall foliage; plan visits during peak autumn color for the most vivid views.
Arrive prepared for variable weather and for boarding 30 minutes before departure—check in at the New Freedom Gift Shop to receive your boarding pass.
Beverage service is available (wine, beer, mixed drinks and soft drinks). Select from a variety of historic coaches when booking; the D. Reed Anderson combine includes restrooms and accessibility features.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Fall Foliage Glen Rock Express?
The excursion is a one‑hour round trip to Glen Rock and back.
Where do I check in for the train?
Check in at the New Freedom Gift Shop to receive your boarding pass prior to boarding.
When should I arrive before departure?
Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding.
Is there onboard beverage service?
Yes; beverage service is available and includes wine, beer, mixed drinks and soft drinks.
Are restrooms and accessible seating available?
The D. Reed Anderson combine car houses two restrooms and is described as handicapped accessible.
What kinds of passenger cars can I ride in?
Options include the D. Reed Anderson combine, Abraham Lincoln and New Freedom coaches, the open‑air South Branch coach, and a standing‑only Gondola car.