About The Oldest Rail Bike In America
Rail Explorers operations first began on July 3, 2015 in New York’s Adirondacks
This is by far our newest, oldest, attraction. Rail Explorers, established on July 3, 2015, is the oldest rail bike system in America. A rail bike is a pedal powered vehicle that rides on railroad tracks with no train traffic. They have 4 steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each seat, and are comfortable, fun and easy to ride.
Although rail bikes require pedaling, the magic of steel wheels on steel rails makes the experience very different from riding a regular bicycle. There is no need to carefully watch the road ahead, there is no need to steer and riding is hands free - making it easy to take photographs and video as you roll along. Pedal powered rail vehicles date back to at least the 1850’s, when maintenance workers used hand-cars and ‘rail bikes’ to travel along the tracks.
Rail Explorers introduced a fleet of rail bikes to the United States in 2015. This was the first time these rail bikes had been seen anywhere in the world outside of South Korea. Rail Explorers operations began in 2015 at New York’s Adirondacks and eventually moved the operation to it's current Catskills, NY location. It is the first, and therefore, oldest rail bike in America.
Due to its high demand, Rail Explorers, which is governed by the Federal Rail Authority, went from being open five days a week to seven days the first month and they extended the seasons.
Experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek through the beautiful woods of the Catskill Mountains. There have since been several Rail Explorers new locations added across America including Iowa and Rhode Island.
The Rail Explorers experience typically starts at a designated departure point, where visitors receive a brief orientation and safety instructions before embarking on their rail bike adventure. The guided tours often traverse sections of historic railroad tracks, offering breathtaking views of forests, mountains, and rivers along the way.
Visitors interested in participating in the Rail Explorers Rail Bike experience in the Catskills should check the company's website or contact them directly for more information on available routes, tour schedules, and booking options.
The Rail Explorers experience provides a blend of outdoor adventure, physical activity, and sightseeing. It offers a fun and memorable way to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings while pedaling along historic railroad tracks.
Whether you're looking for a family outing, a unique date idea, or a group activity, Rail Explorers offers an enjoyable and distinctive experience for those seeking a novel way to explore the outdoors.
Today different rail bikes companies are appearing all over the country from east coast to west coast. These bikes are specifically designed to be pedaled along unused orphan railroad tracks.
Rail bike tours are new and expanding all over the world, making use of defunct rail lines that traverse scenic natural areas. It's a memorable outdoor adventure suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.