1 / 3Delaware & Ulster Railroad
📍 Arkville, NY
A 45-60 minute scenic train journey through the beautiful Catskills, offering family-friendly rides with pram access and pet-friendly options. Especially stunning during fall foliage season.
A Timeless Ride Through the Heart of the Catskills I recently had the pleasure of riding the Delaware & Ulster Railroad’s scenic Fall Foliage train, and it was nothing short of magical. From the moment we boarded the historic open-air car, we were transported into a world of vibrant colors, crisp mountain air, and nostalgic charm. The ride itself was the perfect length—about 45 minutes—and offered stunning views of the East Branch of the Delaware River, framed by a tapestry of red, orange, and gold leaves. Wildlife sightings added to the experience (we spotted a heron and a few deer!), and the gentle pace allowed us to soak in every detail without feeling rushed. The staff were warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about preserving the legacy of this beautiful railroad. The Arkville depot had a lovely exhibit showcasing the history of the region, and the gift shop was a great place to pick up a unique souvenir. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this ride is a must. I’ll definitely be back—and next time, I’m bringing friends. Highly recommended for all ages!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
This is an excellent family outing suitable for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, with wheelchair accessibility and pet-friendly options. The 45-60 minute scenic ride through the Catskills offers beautiful views and a relaxed pace perfect for families seeking a peaceful escape. Best during fall foliage season, though some may find the route shorter and slower than expected.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →303 Google reviews
Andre Jackson
6 months ago
“A Timeless Ride Through the Heart of the Catskills I recently had the pleasure of riding the Delaware & Ulster Railroad’s scenic Fall Foliage train, and it was nothing short of magical. From the moment we boarded the historic open-air car, we were transported into a world of vibrant colors, crisp mountain air, and nostalgic charm. The ride itself was the perfect length—about 45 minutes—and offered stunning views of the East Branch of the Delaware River, framed by a tapestry of red, orange, and gold leaves. Wildlife sightings added to the experience (we spotted a heron and a few deer!), and the gentle pace allowed us to soak in every detail without feeling rushed. The staff were warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about preserving the legacy of this beautiful railroad. The Arkville depot had a lovely exhibit showcasing the history of the region, and the gift shop was a great place to pick up a unique souvenir. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, this ride is a must. I’ll definitely be back—and next time, I’m bringing friends. Highly recommended for all ages!”
Arden Simon
7 months ago
“We had tickets for the dining car. The train ride was so fun, such a great and novel experience. The train was pristine and the food was delightful. We so enjoyed the outdoor car after our meal. Truly an incredible experience and a must for the Catskills for locals and visitors alike.”
mike galvin jr
6 months ago
“Found by chance driving through the area. Stopped right before one of the trains departed. Was able to get on an open car and enjoy a nice train ride! Total time was about an hour. Friendly staff!”
A S
7 months ago
“I debated on my stars for this railroad. We've been on various kinds of rails, tourist, commuter, cross-country, and international, so I think our expectations were a little higher than they should have been. We were expecting higher speeds, a longer route, and views of the valley area or better views of the mountains. HOWEVER, I think this is a GREAT little railroad ride for families, people with dogs, young and old alike. It was a very sweet and enjoyable ride. My party just wanted a bit more out of it. We were in the open-air car. We got there early to get on the train, the line and clump of people is long and large, but once everyone got on the train there was plenty of room for people. They start to board about 5-10 minutes before departure. We were spread out in the open-air car; we did not go inside the dining and "first class" cars because of our pets and tickets. We bought tickets online the day of driving to it about 2 hours before departure. I do believe you can walk up and buy tickets as long as there is availability. Staff was friendly, and the conductors run the gift shop/learning center inside. Accessibility note: yes, there is a ramp to the shop and train. I did not measure but I believe ADA compliant. There is also a ramp from the open-air cars to the dining and first class cars, but it did not seem to be 36 inches wide, however, I did not measure. (Now I want to start bringing a measuring tape.)”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Delaware & Ulster Railroad offers scenic train rides through the Catskills countryside, departing from Arkville station. The railway features wheelchair accessibility, welcomes pets, and provides a relaxed pace perfect for families with children of all ages. The experience includes beautiful mountain views along what will become the designated Catskill Scenic Highway.