This Unique Rail Biking Experience In New York Belongs On Your Bucket List
By Christy Articola|Published July 13, 2022
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re looking for a fun, unique, outdoor experience this summer that involves some effort but not too much, then you’ll love riding a rail bike! Rail Explorers USA in Cooperstown offers several different rail tours that you and your friends or family will just love. Read on to learn more about this exciting yet relaxing activity.
Rail Explorers USA has several locations around the country. The Cooperstown location is easy to access from any direction, and a rail bike ride is a great addition to any trip to this area.
It's wise to book your rail bike trip in advance, because these adventures book up fast! If you get to the site a little early, there's a nice place to relax until your departure.
The size of your rail bike will depend on the size of your party. There are tandem bikes that seat two and quad bikes that seat four. The seats are comfortable and there's a spot to store your things. There's even room for a well-behaved dog, if you wish to bring yours along. All humans must have a seat; you can't bring a child on your lap.
Once everyone is ready, you can get on the bikes. There will be a guides at the front and back of the group, but bikers will be encouraged to spread out along the track once they get going for a more private and personal experience.
All you need to do is pedal. Since the bikes are on the railroad track, you don't need to steer. There's a brake so you can stop when you need to, but otherwise, this experience is hands-free, which will give you the opportunity to take photos along the way. The combination of the level track and custom-built electric motors will make your pedaling nearly effortless.
Rail Explorers USA's Cooperstown location has two different tracks. The Milford Track is 12 miles roundtrip and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The Charlotte Valley Express track is 8 miles long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
The Charlotte Valley Express route takes you over the 200' long Portlandville Trestle.
Depending on which package you choose, you will enjoy a snack or a picnic breakfast at the turnaround point. The Fireside Tour is in the evening and you can enjoy a campfire at the turnaround before pedaling back in the dark, with a headlight on your rail bike for safety, of course.
Rail Explorers USA in Cooperstown is a grand adventure for people of all ages. It's lovely in the spring and summer, but it's especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.
If you’re interested in trying a rail bike with this company elsewhere in New York State, Rail Explorers USA also has a location in the Catskills, too! Why not try both? Have fun!
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