BEST PLACES TO RAILBIKE IN NEW YORK STATE
NORTH BRIDGE RUN | North Creek, NY
Our North Bridge Run, which is our flagship, takes our riders from historic North Creek train station on a short, but colorful, bus ride north to just inside the border of Indian Lake. There riders take a 7 mile out and back trip through the forest and along some of the most storied rapids on the Hudson ( can you find the “Bus Stop Rapids” where rafting guides use the hydraulics to “surf” the rapid?) After crossing our trestle bridge 50’ over the Hudson, riders head down to view the spectacular Boreas River right before it spills into and joins the Hudson. At this turnaround, once bikes are spun, our guides take you through the history of the area and our senior guide “King of the North” Richard may even entice his pet chipmunk to do some tricks! Back on the bikes, riders cruise back down the Hudson ( see if you can see the natural spring in the rocks on your right) before boarding the bus back to North Creek. For an extra dose of adventure, inquire about our very popular Rails to River excursion on river release days.
HADLEY RUN | Hadley, NY
Our Hadley Run located off Exit 21 on the Northway is our southernmost trip in NY State. Less than an hour from Albany, this 7 mile round trip leaves from the site of the old train station in historic Hadley, NY on the border of the Adirondack Park. Formed in 1801 Hadley is situated at the mouth of the Sacandaga River and is known for its imposing railroad bridge that our riders cross over. This square truss bridge is built entirely of wood and rests on solid piers of cut stone. The span of the bridge is 200’ and it sits 90’ over the confluence of the Sacandaga and the Hudson. The bridge offers spectacular views but those wary of heights may be tad uncomfortable…..peering down from the railroad bridge our riders also see the Hadley Parabolic Bridge which is listed in the national Register of Historic places before heading into the forest canopy with glimpses of the Hudson and the beautiful 9 hole Bend of the River golf course. At our turnaround picnic area, riders enjoy learning about the history of the area before heading back for another trip over our majestic railroad bridge, have your cameras ready!
STONY CREEK RUN | Lake George, NY
Our Stony Creek Run, located minutes from Lake George Village, at the historic Thurman Train Station in Warrensburg, NY is a majestic 8 mile round trip. This run starts in the shadow of Hickory Mountain and takes riders along the mighty Hudson as it widens and fills this Adirondack valley. Pedaling through this forested canopy, riders quickly see why Thurman is the Maple Capital of Warren County. Mixed views of the forest and Hudson combine on this memorable journey until riders arrive at our turnaround at the Historic 1000 Acre Ranch in Stony Creek, NY. Here riders can stretch their legs, visit the snackbar and explore this wonderful lodging property. (Best kept secret for family lodging in the Lake George area). Back on bikes the views continue (watchout for the pair of Bald Eagles hunting the river) until our return to the Thurman Station (SANDWICH LOVERS ALERT- for over 100 years, Jacobs and Toney’s Deli and Meat Store of the North inside the Warrensburg Citgo Station has offered fresh delicious and overstuffed sandwiches to travelers and locals for over 100 years….. Don’t miss this place!) For our thirsty riders, check out our Red Dog Run which take place on our last run most Fridays and Saturdays. Riders take a 30 minute break for libations at the Red Dog Saloon inside the Ranch. Cash and credit cards accepted by the saloon.
SOUTH RIVER RUN | North Creek, NY
Our South River Run is an effortless 8 mile round trip that leaves directly from historic North Creek train station and hugs the Hudson for the duration of the trip. Shortly after leaving the station, riders cross North Creek as it empties into the Hudson and then enjoy a variety of small mammals that inhabit the rock outcroppings opposite the river. In spite of its relatively close proximity to our North Bridge Run, I am always amazed at the differences in the flora on this trip as it showcases practically every conifer found in the Adirondacks (find the Tamaracks), while the NBR is all about deciduous trees. Another interesting difference in late summer, early fall, is the proliferation of milkweed along this run and of course the Monarch butterflies that seek it out. Before reaching our turnaround, riders pedal through a dense canopy of trees, inside of which various raptors such as Redtail Hawks, Cooper Hawks and even Bald Eagles patrol overhead. After bikes are turned at our riverside viewing area, riders enjoy a mostly downhill trip while viewing majestic Moxham and Gore Mountain. After returning to our depot be sure to visit Greg Tomb’s Glassblowing Studio and on Thursdays the North Creek Farmers’ Market. For those looking to get a bit more pedaling in, ask about our Ride to Riparius Run which adds 4 miles to the South River Run and adds a majestic Beaver Meadow to the scenery.
