Train Mountain Tails is a children’s book series set in a hidden woodland world tucked beneath the towering trees of Train Mountain in Southern Oregon.

While visitors ride miniature trains through forests, tunnels, and winding mountain landscapes, another world quietly exists alongside them. Beneath roots, among wildflowers, and beside the rails live chipmunks, mice, squirrels, foxes, and other woodland creatures whose lives are filled with friendship, curiosity, adventure, and discovery.

Train Mountain Tails invites readers to step into that hidden world and experience the mountain through the eyes of its smallest residents.

Inspired by a Real Place

Train Mountain Tails is inspired by the real Train Mountain Railroad in Southern Oregon, the world’s largest miniature railroad, featuring more than 35 miles of track winding through approximately 2,200 acres of forests, meadows, and mountain landscapes.

Owned and operated by the nonprofit Train Mountain Institute (TMI), Train Mountain is a unique destination where railroading, nature, education, and family experiences come together. Visitors from around the world travel to Train Mountain to ride trains, explore the property, volunteer, attend events, and experience one of Southern Oregon’s best-kept secrets.

The stories draw inspiration from the beauty, wonder, and spirit of this remarkable place. While the characters and adventures are fictional, many of the locations, landmarks, railroad features, and natural settings found throughout the series are inspired by places that can be found at the real Train Mountain. We are proud to support and celebrate the mission of the Train Mountain Institute and to help introduce new generations of families to the magic of Train Mountain.

Stories About More Than Trains

Although miniature railroads provide the backdrop, Train Mountain Tails is ultimately a series about:

Each story encourages children to explore, learn, help others, and discover the value of working together.

Meet the Hidden Residents

At the heart of the series are Goldie and Mitch, two young chipmunks whose adventures often lead them far beyond the safety of Brightseed Burrow. Along the way they are joined by friends, family, and fellow explorers as they uncover mysteries, solve problems, and learn important lessons beneath the trees and along the rails.

Every trail holds a story.
Every discovery reveals something new.
And every adventure begins with a single step outside the burrow.

About Auntie Ann

Train Mountain Tails was created by author AE Morgan, known to readers as Auntie Ann.

Inspired by her love of nature, storytelling, family traditions, and the real Train Mountain Railroad, Auntie Ann created Train Mountain Tails to celebrate imagination, kindness, and the simple joy of discovering the world around us.

Her hope is that these stories encourage children and families to slow down, spend time together, explore the outdoors, and never stop wondering what might be waiting just beyond the next bend in the track.

Join the Adventure

Whether you’re reading the books, visiting Train Mountain, exploring the website, or following along with new adventures, you’re invited to become part of the Train Mountain Tails family.

Beneath the trees… along the rails… a hidden world awaits.