This Scenic Train In Upstate NY Is Back After 5 Years — And It’s Perfect For Fall Foliage In The Catskills

All aboard — one of Upstate New York’s most charming railroads is back on track just in time for the region’s most colorful season, and it’s a ride most New Yorkers don’t know exists. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad, which had been dormant since before the pandemic, is once again offering scenic excursions through the heart of the Catskills, complete with breathtaking fall foliage views. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad runs along a stretch of the former New York Central Catskill Mountain Branch, carrying passengers through vibrant forests, along the East Branch of the Delaware River, and past sweeping Catskill Mountain vistas. Originally established in 1983 to preserve the route, the line has now been revitalized under the Catskills Revitalization Corp. and is welcoming visitors back for the first time in years. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad closed in 2020, and lingering track damage prevented it from reopening even after pandemic restrictions lifted. In the years since, crews have replaced ties and repaired the line, making it possible for service to return. Now, for the first time in 25 years, riders can also travel east from Arkville toward Fleischmanns and eventually to Highmount, opening up even more scenic territory for leaf-peeping this fall. A news release states: > This will make for a “new” experience for those who only remember the train rides running since 2001 from Arkville to Halcottsville and Roxbury, and D&U officials are sure that riders will be amazed by the experience of riding this somewhat forgotten but breathtakingly scenic stretch of the tracks. Trips last about 45 minutes, hugging the Delaware River as the trees transform into a brilliant tapestry of red, orange, and gold. Wildlife sightings are common — don’t be surprised if you spot bald eagles, herons, or deer along the way. (Bonus: peak fall foliage dates have been revealed for every region of upstate NY.) Passengers can choose from several experiences: * Coach Cars for a classic ride * Open-Air Cars to feel the crisp mountain air * Premium Coach, First Class Lounge, or Parlor Cars for an upgraded journey with elegant vintage interiors On select weekends, the railroad also offers dinner trains, with meals catered by Café Marguerite of Margaretville and served aboard first-class streamlined coaches — including limited seats in the coveted round-end observation car. When To Ride the Delaware & Ulster Railroad This Fall ----------------------------------------------------- Foliage excursions run Thursdays through Sundays from September 18 to October 12 , and again from October 15–17 , right during peak color season in the Catskills. With limited departures and high demand, tickets are recommended in advance. Delaware & Ulster Railroad Ticket Information --------------------------------------------- * 🚂 Open Air/Coach Car: $23 adults, $20 seniors, $18 children * 🚂 Premium Coach: $25 adults, $23 seniors, $21 children * 🚂 First Class Lounge: $29 adults, $27 seniors, $26 children * 🚂 First Class Parlor: $30 adults, $28 seniors, $27 children 📍 Boarding location: Arkville Station, Arkville, NY The Delaware & Ulster isn’t just a train ride — it’s a living piece of Catskills history. Once billed as “The Only All-Rail Route To the Catskill Mountains,” the original Ulster & Delaware Railroad carried generations of visitors to the region’s grand hotels, farms, and mountain resorts. Today, it’s a nostalgic way to step back in time while experiencing one of the most beautiful autumn landscapes in New York. 🍂 Whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a romantic fall outing, or a unique way to soak in the Catskills at peak color, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad’s fall excursions are a must this season. 👉 Book tickets and see the full schedule at [delawareulster.org.](https://durr.org/events/) Source: https://secretnyc.co/delaware-ulster-railroad-catskills-fall-foliage-train-ride/