Rail Explorers: Catskills Division

Carolyn Titus

Rail Explorers: Catskills Division offered such a fantastic and memorable experience for our multi-generational family for this year’s Annual Family Vacation. Every one of us, from my elderly mother with dementia, to my four year old nephew with Autism, had a blast! Even our pug enjoyed himself! The 12 of us were able to enjoy the rails on three separate vehicles, each containing 4 family members (plus one dog). Apart, but also together. Meticulous when it comes to the thought behind every element: a speech is given before the adventure starts, stating that we will be traveling through residential areas, and that we are asked to be quiet and respectful, was reiterated with signs along the track. This made me feel good about the Rail Explorers brand and ethics. What for me added legitimacy to the operation was the professionalism of the procedure for crossing a road. It was quite impressive to learn that staff had the ability to lower and raise the Railroad Crossing barriers, along with the big red flashing lights to stop traffic. Staff then hooked each individual car to each other, and together we pedaled our centipede-like craft quickly and safely across. Once on the other side of the road, we were unhooked and on our way. This ride includes an opportunity to get out, stretch, enjoy the awe-inspiring views, and chat with each other and other riders. While the riders soaked in nature, the staff worked tirelessly to manually turn each cart, since the train track we rode did not have an alternative turn-around. The vehicle itself has been crafted in a way that makes this otherwise technically physical activity a breeze for the individuals of all abilities. ALL abilities can enjoy this experience equally! Given the memorability of the experience as a whole, the fact that my ENTIRE family has made these memories together, with everyone feeling they are actively participating, smiles on every face, is a blessing. I highly recommend Rail Explorers to Literally. Every. One.

Wendy Dawkins

A beautiful experience!!! One of the coolest things I've ever done. Well organized team of professional youngsters to manage the ride and the stay with the group to ensure safe Crossings, answer questions and provide guidance. All cars are two seaters that easily connect together for larger families and groups. There's a place to sit your lunch bags and um brellas on each cart to use for sun protection and/or rain. There is no strenuous exertion with pedaling therefore you can comfortably focus on the views and having a good time. No bathroom at the turnaround so don't drink too much fluids ahead of time and go b4 take off. Kind of loud as you pedal the tracks but it didn't bother us at all.

Kimberly Quizhpi

Family friendly great staff…. I had booked for my family of 6. A quad and a two seater. My only issue was that my family was separes when we got on. Two of my members were out in the front while the rest of us in the quad were placed in the back so we couldn’t take any pictures together. But overall nice views and great ride.

Dave Lowe

Was a bit rainy but not too bad. We had fun pedaling the rail car through scenic parts of the Catskills. You ride out as a group but with distance between each vehicle. It's out about 3 miles then turn around and come back. The staff are super friendly and helpful and the scenery is amazing, especially among stretch of rail on the banks of a river. The way out is slight downhill...it's not difficult pedaling. On the way back they enact motorized assist for an even more leisurely experience. We had a lot of fun and definitely glad we did it. Would highly recoomend.