When you think of the Catskills, it’s easy to picture misty mornings by the lake, the scent of pine through an open cabin window, and evenings wrapped in a blanket of stars. But located just a scenic drive from many of our cabins lies a lesser-known thrill that blends quiet countryside charm with a touch of unexpected adventure. It’s called Rail Explorers in Cooperstown, NY.
Here, you won’t just observe nature; you’ll literally glide through it on pedal-powered rail bikes along vintage train tracks that once moved cargo and people through these very hills. With history as its heartbeat, it’s an outing that appeals to the curious, the nostalgic, and the plain outdoorsy.
What is Rail Explorers?
Rail Explorers reimagines retired rail lines as peaceful thoroughfares for exploration. Instead of trains, these tracks now feature custom-built pedal cars (two-seaters or quads) that roll along steel rails. Think of it as cycling without the hills or the hassle. No balance is needed, and no steering is required. Just hop in, pedal at your own pace, and let the track guide you.
Whether you’re stopping for a photo op, enjoying a slow pedal while chatting, or taking in the rhythm of the wheels on the rails, the experience is delightfully unhurried. A support vehicle shadows the group to handle logistics and safety, so all you need to focus on is the view and how good it feels to be outside.
Pedaling Through Time and Trees
The route follows the historic Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad, winding through a variety of meadows, forest groves, and hills. Deer occasionally wander near the tracks, birds often fly overhead, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a fox skimming the underbrush. The sights change with each bend, but the feeling stays the same: you’re part of the landscape, not just passing through it.
And there’s something about that steady, almost hypnotic rhythm of rail on wheel that quiets the mind. It’s not just a ride. It’s a reset.
For the Whole Crew — or Just the Two of You
One of the best parts? Rail Explorers is refreshingly inclusive. Kids love the novelty. Parents appreciate the simplicity. Grandparents can join without worrying about overexertion. There’s no steep learning curve, just instant fun. Even small dogs are welcome on select rides — just be sure to check ahead.
You don’t have to be athletically included, just willing to pedal a bit. The rail cars are designed to be accessible, with gentle terrain and an assistive design that makes the experience feel easygoing rather than exerting.
From Cozy Cabin to Open Tracks
What makes Rail Explorers even more appealing is how seamlessly it fits into a Catskills cabin stay. Your day might start slowly with coffee steaming on the porch and fog burning off the mountains, but once the mood strikes, it’s just a short drive to Cooperstown and the rails that await.
Afterward, make a day of it. Grab lunch in the quaint village center, stroll along Otsego Lake, or swing by the Farmers’ Museum or Baseball Hall of Fame. Then retreat to your cabin oasis for a grilled dinner, a warm fire, and some well-earned rest. It’s the kind of day that leaves you content and recharged.
Planning the Details
Here’s what you’ll want to know:
Location: Rail Explorers Cooperstown Division — Milford, NY
Ride Time: Expect a round-trip of 1.5 to 2 hours.
What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, layers, sunscreen, and water.
Booking: Reservations can be made via Rail Explorers USA.
A Must-Do when Staying in the Catskills
Sure, the Catskills offer plenty of hikes, lakes, and fishing holes, but Rail Explorers adds a unique flavor. It’s an experience that doesn’t demand too much and yet delivers so much in return.
For families, it’s a shared memory that sticks. For couples, it’s a twist on the typical weekend plan. And for anyone feeling a bit screen-weary, it’s a gentle reminder of the joys of fresh air and old tracks.
Back to the Cabin
Afterward, your Catskills cabin greets you with warmth, peace, and perfect stillness. With a fire crackling, the stars peeking through, and maybe your favorite beverage in hand, you’ll think back on the day and smile.
That’s what a Catskills getaway is about. And Rail Explorers? It’s the unexpected chapter that makes the story unforgettable.
Book your stay now and start planning a getaway with a little more magic.
