Riding Through Totality: A Solar Eclipse Rail Bike Adventure in North Creek, NY
✨ Over the river, under the sky.
A group of Revolution Rail Co. rail bikers experience the 2024 total solar eclipse while stopped on the historic wooden trestle North Bridge above the Hudson River in Indian River, NY.
The image captures a rare convergence of natural beauty, shared awe, and human adventure — perfectly framed by the rugged Adirondack landscape and rushing waters below.
When a total solar eclipse in 2024 aligned with the chance to try rail biking for the first time, two sisters from central Pennsylvania—Wanda Kern and Kathy Duck—decided it was the perfect time for an adventure.
Wanda Kern and Kathy Duck, residents of Pleasant Gap and Bellefonte, PA, had long been intrigued by the idea of riding with Revolution Rail. But it wasn’t until they spotted the Solar Eclipse Ride on the South River Run in North Creek, NY, that the stars—literally—aligned for a perfect match: a new experience paired with a rare celestial event.
Meet Wanda and Kathy: A Sisterly Spirit of Adventure
The Sisters Who Adventure Together.
Sisters Wanda Kern and Kathy Duck stand smiling at the Revolution Rail station in North Creek ahead of the 2024 Solar Eclipse Totality Tour. Behind them, a line of rail bikes awaits departure on the scenic South River Run.
Wanda Kern and Kathy Duck are more than just sisters; they’re each other’s adventure partners. On a previous vacation to Dewey Beach, Delaware, the pair learned about Revolution Rail and were excited to try Rev Rail’s New Jersey Cape May Tour, but the tours were completely sold out when they made the trip over.
Rather than let the disappointment linger, they kept Rev Rail in mind, determined that one day they’d hop aboard a rail bike. When they later discovered the Solar Eclipse Totality specialty tour scheduled in North Creek, they saw it as the perfect chance to finally make that dream happen—paired with an astronomical event that only comes around once every 375 years!
“We’re from Pennsylvania, near State College. After missing out on the Cape May tour, we thought the combination of the rail bike ride and the eclipse would be perfect!”
Rather than letting the initial disappointment stick, they saw the eclipse ride as a rare and timely opportunity to experience something new while checking off their goal of trying a rail bike adventure.
The quiet before the totality.
A snow-covered stretch of the South River Run rail trail in North Creek, NY, captured just before the 2024 total solar eclipse. The calm scenery of bare trees and winding tracks alongside the Hudson River sets the stage for an unforgettable rail bike ride during a rare celestial moment.
A Scenic Detour to Totality
In April 2024, the sisters hit the road a few days ahead, winding through Pennsylvania and upstate New York toward the Adirondacks. Their destination: Revolution Rail's North Creek station. Along the way, the changing scenery and anticipation made the journey part of the fun.
As eclipse day neared, every Adirondack community in the Path of Totality buzzed with energy. Visitors from Canada and nearby states to the south descended across the region to witness the rare celestial event from one of the most scenic stretches of rail trail in the Northeast.
👀 All eyes on the sky.
A once-in-a-lifetime group of Rev Rail rail bikers stand and sit along the South River Run track in North Creek, NY, wearing eclipse glasses and gazing upward as the solar eclipse inches toward the peak of totality. It is a powerful visual of community, curiosity, and connection with nature.
A Ride Worth Waiting For
What began as a missed opportunity in Cape May turned into something unforgettable. The eclipse framed their first ride with Revolution Rail—making it all the more memorable. Wanda and Kathy’s trip is a reminder that some of the best adventures come from changes in plan—a detour that turned into a story they'll be telling for years.
Plan Your Own Rail Bike Adventure
Want to try it for yourself? Revolution Rail offers scenic rides in New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and Maine. Booking is available online or by phone, and special events like the Solar Eclipse Tour can sell out quickly—so be sure to sign up for updates and check the Special Events page often.