The Adirondack Railroad offers excursions behind classic diesel locomotives over 69 miles of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division from Utica to Big Moose.
Choices
The Adirondack Railroad offers day-long excursions all the way from Utica to Big Moose, with a stop at Thendara, up to four times a week from mid-July through mid-October. Roughly half allow layover time in Thendara to visit the resort town of Old Forge (reached by a shuttle bus), where possibilities include a 2-hour cruise on the Fulton Chain of Lakes and a visit to the Goodsell Museum. Shorter round trips, either south to Otter Lake or north to Big Moose, run from Thendara from June through mid-October.
When to go
The brilliant foliage of fall makes that season a fine time to ride.
Good to know
The railroad offers a smorgasbord of themed trains throughout the year. It’s also possible to paddle down the Moose River and ride the Otter Lake train back from Whitewater to Thendara, with canoes or kayaks transported in the baggage car. The railroad now offers an “Adirondack Scenic Railbike Adventure,” a 6-mile pedal in either direction between Thendara and Carter Station on four-person bikes, with a train ride in the opposite direction.
Worth doing
Thendara and Big Moose are deep in the Adirondacks, replete with natural beauty. The region’s history is beautifully presented at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. Adirondack Park offers 2,000 miles of hiking trails and hundreds of miles of kayaking routes.
Don’t miss
The Adirondack Railroad shares Utica’s grand 1914 Union Station with Amtrak, making it among the few excursion railroads with national rail connections. Take time to look through this historic station.
Getting there
Served by multiple Amtrak trains each day, Utica also has excellent highway access, being located right on the New York State Thruway (I-90).
Location: 321 Main Street, Utica, NY
Phone: 800-819-2291
Website: adirondackrr.com
E-mail: info@adirondackrr.com
