Rail Explorers

Highly recommend this trip in the fall time when Catskill is at peak, all the yellow red and orange leaf are just so beautiful. The trip/ride was 2.5 hours plus. We did the golden hour tour, although the mountains were still beautiful we did not see the sunset. So if you come with kids it’s better to do the earlier tour because it’s really cold on the way back. It’s dark but you do get to star glaze. It also gave us some extra time in the morning to visit the kaatersfall which is 30 mins away. The staff here was so friendly and the facility /equipment were clean. They let you off at this pretty lake mid trip to turn the rail bikes around, they only link the bikes a few times during the trip to cross the highway. Although this is a guided trip , you have plenty of solidarity alone time, because the bikes were told to keep a far distance. We highly recommend and would go again!!! Dogs are allowed. :)

The Rail Explorers in Phoenicia was our first organized tour since Coronavirus and it was a fun time. We booked our tour on line way in advance. Their weekend tours are always full so you gotta book them early on. We got there about 15 minutes early. Check in was quick and easy. Left us with ample time to use the bathrooms in the mobile trailer. The helpful staff explained the day and what to do and helped us get acclimated to our little steel pedal powered contraptions. The whole experience was safe, not strenuous at all and scenic. The tour is on unused rails that run in the greenery of upstate NY, alongside the river and state route in some parts and through the backwoods behind some residential areas in others. The whole trip is about 2 hours, 4 miles to the end and 4 miles back. The first half is mostly easy, going ever so slightly downhill the first 2 miles so not needing much pedal power. The next 2 miles require a little fun peddling to the end where you get off and they turn the vehicles around. They even put down the railroad crossing stops for us so we could peddle across the state route. 3 staff members accompany the tour so you are safe and sound. We would recommend this tour, very family friendly.

I purchased tickets late and ended up paying for two four seaters for 5 people. Expensive yes, but worth the experience to view the Catskills in this unique way. When we arrived they were able to swap us into a four seater and two seater, so we didn’t have to carry extra weight with us but I wish they had advertised this option so I could have paid less - oh well!

In our group were my elderly parents, my husband and I, and my toddler. I was worried that we would be carrying the weight, but it was so easy - and this was with my toddler and father not pedaling at all. We were primarily down hill and when going back up hill they had a motorized accelerator that did work for us. The only time we really needed to make effort was when we had to stop at a crossing and start back up again. They also attached our two carts so we could ride together.

I would absolutely recommend rail explorers at any city they are established in that you might be visiting. The staff are AMAZING! Kind fun and so hardworking to make your experience a unique one.

My adult daughter and I booked a 1:30 weekday ride. We grew up in the area, so the scenery wasn't new to us, but it certainly is a beautiful ride and area. The staff is very professional and prompt. The equipment is reliable. It was a very nice experience. I recommend arriving a few minutes early. Love the online reservation process. I also recommend bringing a snack and something to drink. You are peddling for most of the ride, but it's not really that strenuous. There is plenty of room on your "cart" with a basket to put stuff and an umbrella just in case. I believe we went 4 miles in one direction when we actually have to get off so they can turn the cars around. It's a great spot with benches and chairs. Some people even wandered down to the water. But it is a quick stop. Maybe 10 mins, then you're back on in the other direction. The track starts in the middle of a train museum, so you are surrounded by old trains. I thought it was a little pricey, but otherwise a great experience that I recommend, especially to out of towners.

The staff and people were all extremely friendly. The experience itself was definitely anti-climatic. You ride along the highway for a big part of it, and then cross it into the woods behind residential houses and kind of abruptly stop to turn around with no real views or interesting scenery. You're also confined to the car and stuck between the other passengers in front and behind you. I had the impression you could go at your own pace, step out to take photos, or snack /picnic, but this was not the case. I would have loved to at least learn a little bit about the rail or region with some history facts along the way or something more like a tour, since you're in a group. Nonetheless, this is a great thing to do if you're not able to go on a hike, but I regret not going on a hike instead.

My friends and I had a great experience! It rained right before we showed up but they quickly wiped the rail vehicles down and got us all going in no time, which we all appreciated. I feel like other places in a similar circumstance would have had some major delays. You can really get going fast on these pedal powered rail vehicles which is a ton of fun! We did not even get the pedal assist but myself and 3 friends gained some major speed! One of my friends in the group has some serious leg power. The scenery is stunning as the rail follows the river and goes into some charming wooded areas. You do have to stop multiple times for a rail crossing - once on the way out and once on the way back. You can get stuck behind others who are not going as fast as you, so that can be a bummer, but otherwise this is a really cool and unique experience! Highly recommend checking it out on a trip to the Catskills. Might have to try the one in Rhode Island next!

I went for my birthday gift with my family on Opening Day, 05.01.2021 and also as early Mothers Day as well. :). I want to extend my gratitude to the Stellar Customer Service from every single employee working there at Phoenicia from Mary Joy, Sparky, Pauli, shoutout to my midwest hometown Helly and everyone else who I was not able to get their names.. Their level of expertise, professionalism and customer service to make sure we were all safe and aware of the Sunset Tour. WE LOVED IT! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone do this with their families or loved ones. Great outdoor activity, low impact exercise, get to appreciate the surroundings of the area such as Catskills..Make memories to remember during these precious times.. :)

Because NY is pretty much on lockdown from the rest of the country, we have been searching for “backyard adventures”. We live about 2 hours from the location in The Catskills so we thought we would check it out.

The trip out was pretty easy and must have been on a slight downgrade. Coming back was tougher but the cars had small motors to give a little boost if you got too tired.

Staff was friendly and took safety seriously. They also disinfected the cars and everyone was wearing masks in the “reception” area.

My kids loved this. My husband and I thought it was great outdoor (and COVID safe) fun!!

They canceled our reservation 20 mins before when it took us almost 2 hours travel to get to the area. We called multiple times earlier in the day to ensure it was happening due to the rain and they assured us that they wouldn't cancel. Complete waste of time!! 4 hours wasted and customer service is lacking. We called right before we left to avoid traveling here for no reason. Would give 0 stars if I could I cannot believe this business can operate like this. Terrible experience!

What an amazing experience! The ride is beautiful, traveling along the base of the mountains and by streams! You ride about an hours to an end station where you are able to get off the railcars and stretch your legs. The ride there is slightly down hill, so sit back and enjoys the views! The ride back is slightly uphill so they engage a pedal assist to help you, but you definitely work a bit hard riding back. The staff was super friendly and helpful, always smiling. Every railcar was cleaned between each use, and they provide huge umbrellas if it happens to rain (it thankfully didn’t the day I went). I absolutely recommend doing this!!!