green mountain railroad

This train was what it was, a nice ride on the former Rutland between Bellows Falls and Chester Vermont. I can see how other people who aren't die hard railfans would get bored but I sure didn't, for me it was a nice way to spend an afternoon.

The Green Mountain RR offers a taste of what it was like to ride the old Rutland RR between Bellows Falls and Chester-Ludlow-Rutland. The other aspect of the operation of White River Junction to Thetford has perhaps less appeal as it runs along a somewhat rickety and slow former Boston & Maine line that connected with the Canadian Pacific further north. However, both rides offer scenic river views (The Thetford run for many miles), Vermont foliage in season, and rocky gorges on the better maintained line to Rutland. Probably best to go earlier in the foliage season as the foliage can be disappointing later on; and heat can be problematical in the old cars. In past decades, the railroad ran popular round trips from Bellows Falls to Chester- a distance of approximately 10 miles one way. It would be nice to see a return to this shorter format.

The Bellows Falls to Rutland on Oct. 12, 2013 was mediocre. The foliage was past peak, the train left late, and the average speed was only 13 miles per hour. There was not enough time in Rutland to enjoy a nice lunch or browse the farmer's market.

Saw the ad for this in the Vermont tourism magazine and bought ticket online. Fairly disappointed in the trip. It wasn't all that scenic and the views were poor to average. The stop at Cedar Circle Farm was boring. Would have rather spent our time in Woodstock as it looked like a great little village.

We decided to try the trip this afternoon, after seeing the train on a number of occasions and all the local ads. The train is quite comfortable, the views of the CT River and the foliage were really nice, there were entertainment and snacks on board (although only in the one dining car), and the staff were pleasant, informative, and accommodating. Foliage was past peak, but the CT River valley still had lots of golds and some remaining reds tucked among the evergreens. The trip is nominally an hour up to Thetford (just under 15 miles, so you have lots of time to watch the scenery go by, take pictures, etc...bikes on RT 5 and boats on the river passed us), a scant half hour at the farm, and an hour ride back down the river to White River Junction. Good so far.Not so great were the logistics, mostly due to the tour buses. We sat around for quite a while after the scheduled departure, as the staff tried to load two buses full of tourists traveling on foliage tours. That started us off quite late. We then wound up sitting for a similar time again while they struggled to unload most of those (who had a one way ticket as part of their bus tour) up in Thetford at the Pompanoosuc Mills parking lot, where they had to re-load onto their buses. Then we did a half hour stop at the Cedar Circle Farms, which is a nice facility, quite interesting, and run by extremely nice people. Unfortunately they definitely aren't set up for a couple of hundred people in 30 minutes. There were lines for the port-a-potties, lines for the coffee, and lines for the farm stand...if you wanted to do all three you were out of luck. I dread to think what it would have been like if the train was still full. Between the train schedule and the limited resources at the farm, better planning is needed.

We rode the Green Mountain Railroad from White River Junction to Thetford, VT on a 2 1/2 hour trip that was one of the most relaxing and scenic trips by rail we've ever taken. Traveling along the Connecticut River, the foliage was just beginning to peak. It was warm enough to open the windows and enjoy the sunny, early Fall weather. Sit on the right side ( looking at New Hampshire across the river) of your coach when you leave for Thetford, VT - that's the "river side". What scenic views! Traveling at 25 MPH gives you enough time to see everything and take photos. We stopped at the Cedar Circle Farm for about 20 minutes and please treat yourselves to the ginger cookies, coffee and cider you can purchase there - another real Vermont moment!The Engineer, Conductor, Trainmen and Car Hosts were the best - friendly and informative. This was a fun 2 1/2 hour adventure in the beautiful State of Vermont! If you're lucky you can watch AMTRAK's "Vermonter" pull into the station a White River Junction!Check out the railroad's Gift Shop at WRJ - lot's of neat railroad collectables!

Went from WRJ to Cedar Circle Farm in Thetford Vt and back. We stopped for 1 /2 h at CCF and bought coffee and a chocolate cookie which both were fantastic. Highly recommend sitting on the right to CCF and the left side on the way back. No views on the VT side. Nice CT river views on the NH side. My wife and I enjoyed it but wouldn't do it again.

Boarding at the Bellows Falls station (do check out the nearby canal one of the first built in the country) the vintage train heads north along the CT river and then heads off to the village of Chester. You'll pass over the Brockway Mills Gorge where the Williams river plummets down into a deep chasm. The train slows so you can get to get a good peek. Each car of the train is of a different vintage so wander about. The Chester station has been fully restored to how it looked in its glory days. If you are a rail fan, you'll love this one, especially for the scenery.

We are Local and have taken the train ride many times over the years it is always fun and we enjoy ourselves.

We took the "Flyer" in Aug. for the 2 hr. ride.It was steaming hot that day and the ride along the Colorado river was surely "refreshing"Lots of green along the way.Super friendly personell on board.We were seated in the Dining car very comfortable .If taking childeren do bring something to keep "em busy as at times it seems a long ride.Too bad the train does not stop at detination but turns right around for the ride back. It does stop at a museum to get on or off.All in all a pleasant experience.

it was a bit of a rainy day but still was a nice train ride. the conductor seemed to be well versed in the area's history and was very interesting. the trip is only 2 hours round trip and there is much foliage blocking the view at many parts along the way but that is to be expected along a railroad track. only one stop for anyone who wanted to visit the hands on science museum. the motion of the train is relaxing. we saw someone rocked to sleep! enjoyable train ride. they also have a little store to buy souvenirs.

Our group (of 29 people) made arrangements to go on this train ride months ago. We were doing a train related tour of Vermont and this was to be one of the highlights. Imagine our disappointment when the Green Mountain Railroad CANCELLED us two days before our scheduled trip! We had a written contract and Green Mountain Railroad doesn't seem to care about that.

Old fashioned green Mtn. RR cars. Check out the website. be sure to Plan the afternoon/return trip. I have gone on the rideseveral times. Buy tickets @ the hardware store in Chester for the scenic ride. http://www.rails-vt.com/green-mountain-flyer

A special journey to take with your family, as you wind through the green mountains to Chester, VT

I have taken a "Mothers Day" train ride through the Green Mountain RR and besides the fact that it was slighly pricey, it was a nice trip that I will always remember,