8 railroad rides to enjoy this fall

ULSTER COUNTY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- As the leaves begin to change and families start to look for fall activities, the Hudson Valley region is offering a variety of unique railroad trips for families to emerge themselves into the fall foliage and season.

On Sept. 12, the first fall foliage report from New York's tourism website was released. Currently, the Hudson Valley has a 15% color change, with leaves beginning to change from green to yellow and red.

As many pumpkin patches and Halloween attractions begin opening for the season, or families embark on light walks and hikes, rides along the changing leaves are also available. Both the Catskill Mountain Railroad and the Catskills Division of Rail Explorers are offering a variety of train and pedal trips along the Esopus Creek and Catskill Mountains for fall enthusiasts.

Catskill Mountain Railroad

Beginning this weekend until the end of October, the Catskill Mountain Railroad is hosting different train ride adventures for the whole family. From a Fall Foliage Train to the Pumpkin Express, these family friendly rides allow guests to see all of the colors the eastern Catskills and upper Hudson Valley have to offer. Each train ride will depart from and return to Westbrook Station in Kingston, 55 Kingston Plaza Road, and will travel about 8 miles round trip.

Fall Foliage Trains:

• Dates: Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29 & Oct. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14
• Times: 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
• Price: $18 for adults, $12 for ages 2 to 12, $17 for military and seniors, toddlers under 2 are free

Pumpkin Express Trains:

• Dates: Oct. 19, 20, 26, 27
• Times: 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
• Price: $23 for adults, $17 for ages 2 to 12, $21 for military and seniors, toddlers under 2 are free
• Details: Passengers will be able to select their own pumpkin to take home and decorate. Pumpkins will be spread out on the flat cars for passengers to select their favorite to take home.

Rail Explorers

Each Thursday through Monday, from the end of September to the beginning of November, Rail Explorers, 70 Lower High Street, Phoenicia, have a variety of rail experiences for guests to embark on. These family friendly pedal cars give an experience like none other, whether it's during the day or at night.

Guests can choose an 8-mile trip or a 4-mile trip on a tandem cart or a quad cart. Prices and availability are determined by the amount of people and which day the rides the guests would like to ride.

The River Run & Weekend River Run:

• Details: Experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek through the beautiful woods of the Catskill Mountains.
  • Bring a snack and a drink to enjoy at our creek-side turnaround.
• Duration: 8-mile round trip with electric pedal assistance; 2.5 hours.

The River Run Golden Hour & Weekend Golden Hour:

• Details: Ride 'The River Run' under a canopy of trees alongside the Esopus Creek as the sun sets in the Catskill Mountains. Pedal the Ulster & Delaware Railroad on our fleet of Explorers fitted with the REX Propulsion System, a custom-built electric motor that makes the journey truly effortless.
  • Bring a small picnic or beverage of choice to enjoy at the creekside turnaround.
• Duration: 8-mile round trip with electric pedal assistance; 2.5 hours.

The Mount Tremper Express:

• Details: Experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek to the refurbished Mount Tremper Station.
  • The Mount Tremper Express is scheduled in the evenings.
  • Bring a snack and a drink to enjoy at the Mt Tremper Station turnaround.
• Duration: 4-mile round trip with electric pedal assistance; 90 minutes.

The Mount Tremper Lantern Ride:

• Details: Experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek to the refurbished Mount Tremper Station.
  • The Mount Tremper Lantern Ride is scheduled in the evenings.
  • Lanterns on each Explorer and lights along the way make this a magical experience.
  • Bring a snack and a drink to enjoy at the Mt Tremper Station turnaround.
• Duration: 4-mile round trip with electric pedal assistance; 90 minutes.

For more information on the train ride, including to purchase tickets, visit the Catskill Mountain Railroad's website. For more information on the Rail Explorers fall experience, visit the Catskill Division Rail Explorer's website.