Upstate New York, Part 13: Major Attractions, Adirondack Scenic Railway

Upstate New York, Part 13: Major Attractions, Adirondack Scenic Railway

For the most amazing scenic upstate New York experience the Adirondack Scenic Railways is the place to go.

The Adirondack Scenic Railway came to be by the efforts of a small group of preservationists now known as the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society. In 1992 this group of people banded together and proposed to fix, maintain and operate a short section of the former New York Central Line that runs from Thendara south to Minnehaha, New York. With the support of local government heads, sponsors and corporate sponsorships the ARPS was able to restore a safe and comfortable railway ride that is about 70 miles long.

This train adventure offers many different scenic excursions departing from Utica’s Union Station, Thendara Station by Old Forge, Saranac Lake Union Depot and Lake Placid station and there are many what is referred to as “Special Trains.” These special trains offer more than just a scenic view they offer wonderful productions; productions such as a train robbery and murder mysteries. And of course for the young crowd or the old crowd that is young at heart a special production with Santa Clause to the North Pole.

You have the option to ride in a climate controlled coach car on the train or take in the view along with the fresh air while riding in one of their open cars. The railway trip proceeds through remote green lush forests, past sparkling rivers and streams, straight into the beautiful six million acre Adirondack Park. This train ride is an excellent way to enjoy the magnificent beauty that upstate New York has to offer and a great way to get a peek at the vast array of the animal wildlife that resides in the region.

The Adirondack Scenic Railway Departure Points

The Adirondack Scenic Railway has been described as taking a trip through time. Reliving the time when the wealthy entrepreneurs like Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan built fabulous wilderness estates in the heart of the Adirondack’s.

The Lake Placid and Saranac Lake departure points and tours offer amazing scenic views of the mountains and wildlife and its layover stop is home to the Adirondack Scenic Railway’s biggest souvenir shop.

The Thendara departure tour offers outstanding scenic views for a 1 ¼ hour long trip. On this train trip you will pass over the famous McKeever Trestle over the beautifully spectacular Moose River. Plenty of stops and plenty to see on this one of a kind train ride, don't forget your camera.

The Utica departure station is the Adirondack Scenic Railway’s longest and probably most notable tour. The Journey is about 2 hours each way a layover in Old Forge (keep reading my upstate New York blog’s to find out more about Old Forge). This train trip is a long day packed full of scenic views, shopping, dining and activities.