The Adirondack Mountain Railroad Offers Some of the Most Breathtaking Views in New York

Road trips through the mountains are a ton of fun, but sometimes it's nice to shake things up with a more old-school way of seeing upstate New York in all its glory. If you've never taken a scenic train ride through one of the most gorgeous areas of the Northeast, now might be the time to grab a ticket on the Adirondack Railroad in New York, a beautiful route that stretches around 50 miles from Utica to Old Forge.

Why the Adirondack Railroad Is One of the Most Beautiful Train Rides in New York

This scenic train ride through the Adirondacks is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in upstate New York, and you can't beat the charm of viewing the mountains through the window of a train car. These picturesque scenes will stun you as you wind through this mountain wonderland, from Utica to Therenda.

What Riders Can Expect Along the Journey

There are four main hubs along New York’s Adirondack Railroad: Utica’s Union Station, Thendara Station, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Depending on the time of year, there are many different train schedules and events for you to experience. For example, you can celebrate July 4 along the Adirondack Fireworks Train or attend a tea party while on a round-trip train ride.

The trains are handicapped and wheelchair accessible. When booking your tickets, you will want to ensure you make note of any needed assistance to receive priority boarding. Tickets are best purchased online or by calling a customer service representative. Walk-up tickets at a station are limited and may not be available, especially for some of the most popular excursions.

Adirondack Railbike Experience

Looking for a more outdoor experience so you can take in the mountain air? The Adirondack Railroad in New York also offers railbike experiences that give you a chance to tour magnificent mountain forests. Railbike tours are only available at certain stations, including Thendara and Tupper Lake. Up to four individuals can ride together and experience the beauty of the area in a quiet, peaceful setting. By the end of the ride, you'll be glad you got a little exercise in this scenic region. It's a great way to experience the sights and sounds of the Adirondacks up close!

Best Times of Year To Ride the Adirondack Scenic Railroad

A relaxing train ride is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondack region, and it's a great way to see some new upstate towns you've never explored! There truly is no bad time to take an Adirondack train ride, but some excursions are much busier than others. For example, the fall foliage train rides can quickly sell out, as this is one of the most memorable ways to admire autumn’s colors. Families also love many of the holiday trains, including the Santa Train and the Polar Express Train, which we strongly recommend you place on your holiday bucket list and purchase tickets in advance.

To find out more about the Adirondack Railroad, including available train rides and departure schedules, visit the Adirondack Railroad website. We also recommend following the Adirondack Railroad on Facebook for news, upcoming event information, and more. And if you are looking for even more travel inspiration in New York State, make sure to check out some of our favorite road trip itineraries and ideas. You may also want to consider some of our favorite tourist destinations in New York for your bucket list.