What is rail biking? Discover the history and excitement of this eco-friendly adventure.
Rail Biking: From History to Modern Adventure
“What is rail biking?” We get that question a lot.
Imagine exploring the outdoors in a way that combines history, sustainability, and just the right amount of adventure.
Rail biking is precisely that. With roots in early railroad innovation and a modern-day movement toward eco-friendly travel, rail biking is a fun activity that connects people to nature and history and provides an accessible adventure for all ages and abilities.
The Origins of Rail Biking: From Utility to Recreation
Photo: BikingBis.com
Photo: TheCabe.com
The origins of rail biking take us back to the early 1900s when railways were the backbone of transportation and commerce. Railroad workers needed a way to inspect and maintain tracks without walking for miles or waiting for trains. The solution came in the form of rail bikes designed to travel efficiently along the rails.
The earliest rail bikes, also known as handcars, often featured a standing platform and pump mechanism. These devices required workers to exert significant physical effort while balancing on the narrow tracks. While ingenious for their time, they were not without risks.
Rail biking was not the leisurely, scenic adventure it is today. For many, it was a necessity—a daring means of commuting from remote homes to towns or work sites. Early rail bikers shared the tracks with active trains, creating a constant need for vigilance. At the first sound of a whistle or the vibration of an approaching locomotive, riders had to quickly dismount and remove the entire rail bike from the tracks to avoid being struck.
This was no easy feat. Early rail bikes were heavy and cumbersome, requiring significant strength and coordination to lift off the rails quickly. Unfortunately, there are accounts of individuals who did not move fast enough, resulting in serious accidents or fatalities. It’s a stark reminder of how much rail biking has evolved.
Today’s rail biking experience is entirely different. Revolution Rail operates on repurposed and often rehabilitated tracks, ensuring a safe and stress-free environment for riders. No longer a perilous commute, modern rail biking is designed for leisure, comfort, fun, and accessibility, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes without worry.
As the 20th century progressed, the railroad industry experienced significant shifts. The rise of automobiles and the expansion of road networks led to a decline in rail travel and freight transportation. Economic struggles, changes in industrial demand, and the high cost of maintaining aging infrastructure caused many rail lines to become obsolete.
One such example is one of Revolution Rail’s tours: the North Bridge Run in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. In 1826, iron was discovered along the Hudson River, leading to the creation of the Adirondac mining village.
Photo credit: NOAA John Hayford Album (public domain)
However, the village faced challenges from the start. The high cost of transporting heavy ore over long distances and competition from more accessible mines in other regions strained its economic viability. By 1858, these transportation and economic struggles had become insurmountable, leading to the town’s abandonment.
In 1876, the site was re-established as Tahawus, revitalized by the discovery of titanium ore, a material with increasing industrial importance. The new village thrived for a time, and its rail connections became central to shipping this valuable resource. Tahawus even earned its place in history on September 14, 1901, when Vice President Theodore Roosevelt embarked from the area’s rail station in the middle of the night to assume the presidency after the death of President William McKinley. Despite this moment of historical significance, the town’s fortunes declined again by the mid-20th century. The tracks became largely unused, and their industrial purpose was no longer viable. These once-critical routes, like many others across the U.S., were left to nature—overgrown and forgotten. Today, this same rail serves as the flagship Revolution Rail location with multiple tours anchored from the historic North Creek Rail Complex.
While the decline of active railways marked the end of an era, it also paved the way for new opportunities.
By the mid-20th century, unused railway lines across the globe began transforming into rail trails—linear parks and paths for hiking, cycling, and other activities. These recreational trails preserved the scenic beauty and historical significance of old railways while making them accessible to a broader audience.
Alongside this movement, rail biking emerged anew as another way to repurpose tracks, allowing adventurers to pedal directly on the rails. Countries like France and Japan were early adopters of rail biking, embracing this unique way to explore scenic landscapes, turning it into a popular adventure. Today, rail biking is becoming a global phenomenon, and Revolution Rail proudly offers these experiences across iconic locations in the United States.
Why Rail Biking is Thriving Today
Rail biking has found its stride in recent years—and for good reason. It’s an activity that checks all the boxes for today’s savvy traveler.
Eco-Friendly Exploration
Rail biking is inherently sustainable.
By utilizing existing rail infrastructure, rail biking avoids disrupting natural environments. It is pedal-powered, which means zero emissions and a minimal ecological footprint. Revolution Rail is proud to offer adventures that align with eco-conscious values, preserving the landscapes we love for future generations.
2. Accessibility for All Ages
One of the best things about rail biking is how inclusive it is.
Revolution Rail railbikes are designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities. They are easy to pedal and operate, even for beginners. Tracks feature gentle, gradual slopes, allowing riders to enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey without strenuous effort.
Rev Rail railbikes are designed with comfort and ease, making them perfect for kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.
3. Connecting History with Adventure
Every rail biking route tells a story.
By riding on historic railways, you immerse yourself in a tapestry of history around you while enjoying the views of Mother Nature. At Rev Rail, we honor these routes by offering curated adventures that feature history talks blending nostalgia with modern-day exploration.
4. An Adventure for All Occasions…
… and all sizes.
Whether planning a romantic outing, a family-friendly day trip, a girls' weekend away, or a solo retreat, rail biking offers something for everyone. It’s a unique option for team-building activities and large group getaways like family reunions, combining adventure and connection in a way few activities can.
Rail Biking Around the World: A Global Adventure
Rail biking is gaining momentum in the United States, but it’s been popular in other parts of the world for decades.
Photo from Live Japan
In France, “vélorail” routes wind through charming villages and rolling countryside.
Ireland has recently introduced rail biking experiences, such as the Velorail in Kiltimagh, allowing visitors to pedal along historic rail lines.
Japan offers scenic railbike tours along coastal tracks, showcasing the country’s unique railway heritage.
Canada features rail biking adventures in stunning mountain landscapes like British Columbia.
Global destinations highlight the universal appeal of rail biking as a way to blend recreation, history, and sustainability. Revolution Rail is proud to lead this movement stateside with adventures across New York, New Jersey, and Maine all the way out to Colorado.
Why Revolution Rail is Your U.S. Rail Biking Destination
At Revolution Rail, we’re redefining outdoor adventure by offering rail biking experiences that are fun, accessible, and rooted in history. As a federally regulated railroad company, safety is at the core of everything we do. You can feel confident knowing that every detail of your rail biking adventure has been carefully designed.
Our routes showcase the unique character of each region:
🌲 Adirondacks, NY Pedal through pristine mountain landscapes, crossing rivers and forests that feel untouched by time.
🌊 Cape May, NJ Ride out to the historic and fascinating Cape May Canal, built during World War II, and back through scenic birding trails, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
🦞 Kennebunkport, ME Immerse yourself in the history of electric trolleys and natural beauty. When you’re done learning about the fascinating local seashore trolley history and your Rev Rail tour, treat yourself to fresh lobster in downtown Kennebunkport!
⛰️ South Fork, CO Explore southern Colorado’s high country, surrounded by untamed wilderness and majestic mountain views along the Rio Grande.
Ready to Ride? Here’s How to Get Started
Explore Revolution Rail’s routes and plan your next outdoor adventure.
There’s a rail biking experience waiting for you! Join us on the tracks and experience the magic for yourself.
So, to recap, now you know what rail biking is! It’s more than just an activity—it’s a way to connect with the world around you, honor the history of the rails, and create memories together. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a new way to explore, rail biking is an adventure that belongs on your bucket list.
At Revolution Rail, we make it easy to get started with tours tailored for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned adventurers.