Passengers ride in a 1920’s coach or the gondola car, as the vintage train travels through the scenic Catskills. The trip offers view of Esopus Creek and the Catskills in a way that can not be appreciated by car.
The vintage train travels what used to be part of the old Ulster & Delaware Railroad. The U&D carried freight and tourist traffic to and from the Catskills. The New York Central Railroad acquired the U&D in 1932, and it became the Catskill Mountain Branch. Passenger service in 1954. Penn Central offered service on this line in the early 1970’s. In 1979 the railroad was purchased by Ulster County, to preserve the corridor for future use. The Catskill Mountain Railroad was chartered in 1983, for freight and passenger service. The railroad is operated by an all volunteer staff.
Catskill Mountain Railroad offers a regular weekend schedule from May through October. In October the schedule is extended to offers colorful tours through the majestic fall foliage. The railway offers a special charter for school groups , titled “History of the Railroad.”
Trains board in Phoenicia and Mt. Pleasant. The Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia, is a 1900 depot. The museum offers a photo exhibit, chronicling the history of the Catskill Mountain Railroad.
Attractions and RR friends near the Catskill Mountain Railroad include the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia, Trolley Museum of New York in Kingston, Delaware & Ulster Railroad in Arkville, Town Tinker Tube Rental in Phoenicia, Tremper Mountain Fire Tower and the Ulster & Delaware Railroad Historic Society
Catskill Mountain Railroad Company, P.O. Box 46, Shokan, NY 12481. 1-845-688-7400.
