Tours in The Catskills

Train Tours

The Catskill Mountain Railroad runs train tours through the northern Catskills and also shuttles tubers back to their cars after they've floated down the Esopus. On weekends and holidays from late May through October, trains depart three times daily for the 14-mi tour ($12), which passes through Phoenicia and Boiceville.

From late May through October, the Delaware & Ulster Rail Road train travels along the Catskill Scenic Trail and the East Branch of the Delaware River, providing farm, field, and mountain views. It leaves Arkville for Roxbury (1 hour and 45 minutes round-trip), home of railroad magnate Jay Gould, who created the original railway in this area. On weekends you can opt for the shorter ride to Halcottsville, which takes about an hour there and back. Special excursions include a train ride to Highmount, where you transfer to a shuttle bound for the lift ride at Belleayre Mountain (a 3½-hour outing), and a ride pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine. From mid-September through October, leaf peepers pack the trains to take in the splendid Catskills foliage. Tickets are $7-$15.

Contacts

Catskill Mountain Railroad (Route 28, Mount Pleasant. 845/688-7400. www.catskillmtrailroad.com). Delaware & Ulster Rail Road (43510 Rte. 28, Arkville. 845/586-3877 or 800/225-4132. www.durr.org).