If you're looking for a memorable little getaway, head to the town of Charlottesville, Virginia. It's there where you can hop aboard the Amtrak Cardinal for a scenic ride through the mountains as the train heads west. This mountain train ride in Virginia can take you all the way to West Virginia and beyond! Whether you're riding for a few quick stops or taking a lengthier trip, you’re sure to remember this beautiful train ride through the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Here's what's in store aboard this mountain train in Virginia:

The Cardinal is a long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak that runs between New York’s Penn Station and Chicago’s Union Station. Conveniently, one of the most scenic stretches occurs in the mountains of Virginia.

Passengers can start their journey in the lovely town of Charlottesville. Scheduled vary, but the Cardinal generally leaves the station in the early afternoon, so be sure to grab something to eat for lunch while you’re in town.

If you're wondering where to go for a quick and delicious lunch while you're in Charlottesville, click here.

Once you've settled into your seat, you can relax and begin to admire the views as the train heads westward and straight for the mountains. As the train climbs over Afton Mountain, be sure to take in the exquisite mountain views.

The Cardinal will pass through the scenic town of Crozet and you may catch a glimpse of a few Virginia vineyards along the way.

The next stop is the historic town of Staunton. Resting at an altitude of 1,400 feet, this mountain town in Virginia is known for its colorful buildings and historic architecture.

Anyone who wishes to hop off the train here can do so, as Staunton makes for a wonderful place for dinner or an overnight stay.

If you're looking for a delicious place to eat while you're in Staunton, click here.

For passengers who wish to continue onward, there's even more spectacular scenery that awaits. Clifton Forge is the next station serviced by the Cardinal. It's here where many stop to visit the town of Hot Springs, Virginia, and its famous Homestead Resort.

As the train continues onward along its tracks, sweeping views of the Allegheny Mountains and unique rock faces of western Virginia become apparent.

Before you know it, you'll have reached the state border between Virginia and West Virginia, a tunnel carved right through the mountain.

On the other side awaits our gorgeous neighbor to the west, and a continuity of the gorgeous mountain range.

White Sulphur Springs is the next stop along the route, and a convenient ending point for those who don't wish to travel too far out of state.

Nearby is the famous Greenbrier Hotel, a winsome overnight accommodation just a few miles away from Virginia's border.

The route aboard this mountain train in Virginia runs from Charlottesville to White Sulphur Springs, and will take approximately 3 1/2 hours, depending on the train's schedule. For ticketing information and to learn more about the Amtrak-Cardinal route as it extends beyond Virginia, visit Amtrak.com.

If you're into railroad excursions, you'll definitely want to check out these five train day trips in Virginia. All aboard!