All aboard for pedal-power in 2022! Cycling has turned old tracks into railbike paths at US and Canadian railways. Railbiking combines rail travel and bicycling for recreation… relaxation… and fun! Railbikers pedal specially outfitted vehicles along disused stretches of historic rail lines that have no traffic. So a railbike ride offers the perfect combination of fresh air, sightseeing, exercise, and wide open spaces.
On-track experiences vary. They range from guided tours of multiple parties following in sequence along designated routes to independent ‘pedalers’ who explore abandoned trackways at their own pace with little or no interaction with fellow bikers. Usually, tandem (two-seat) and quad (four-seat) railbikes are available for multi-hour rental. Available extras may range from souvenir caps and tees to meal and snack options. Night sky, sunset, and brunch themed tours are offered.
New England
Rail Explorers, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Five railbike tours depart Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad: choose Northern Ramble along Narragansett Bay, or Southern Circuit Bay View, Brunch, Fireside, or Saturday Sunset Tours.
Scenic Rail Riders, Concord, New Hampshire
This family-owned operator hosts rides on a scenic stretch of abandoned railroad tracks through woodlands, farmlands, and along the Merrimack River.
Rail Bike Adventures, Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, Laconia, New Hampshire
Enjoy the beauty and history of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region as you pedal state-of-the-art rail bikes over a trestle bridge crossing the Winnipesaukee River and along the shore of Lake Winnisquam – New Hampshire’s 4th largest lake!
Essex Steam train Railbike Adventures, Haddam, Connecticut
This 8-mile adventure follows an even-terrain route along the scenic Connecticut River.
B&ML Railcyclers, Unity, Maine
Experience riding the rails from a unique perspective while enjoying the scenery and wildlife along the Belfast and Moosehead Lake railroad tracks.
Mid Atlantic USA
Tracks & Yaks, Frostburg, Maryland
From its Frostburg trailhead, experience rail history as you pedal along a 10-mile ridge of the Great Allegheny Passage in view of striking mountain vistas. Highlights include a tunnel, horseshoe bend, and a trolley ride return to the depot.
Revolution Rail Company, The Seashore Lines, Cape May, New Jersey
Experience a 4-mile round trip through a wildflower meadow preserve along the Jersey Shore in sight of migrating songbirds, raptors, and pollinators like bumblebees and monarch butterflies.
Revolution Rail, North Creek, New York
The tour takes riders through the beautiful Adirondack forest along the banks of the Hudson River, and then over the Hudson on a spectacular trestle bridge.
Rail Explorers, Catskills (Phoenicia), New York
Railbike tours depart Ulster & Delaware Railroad on River Runs alongside the Esopus Creek and through the beautiful woods of the Catskill Mountains.
Rail Explorers, Cooperstown, New York
The home of the Baseball Hall of Fame is also home to spectacular 12-mile Charlotte Valley Express journeys alongside the Susquehanna River. Brunch and Fireside options are offered.
Adirondack Rail Bikes, Thendara, New York
Enjoy the natural serenity and awesome wildlife of Adirondack mountain forests at a leisurely pace as you pedal your railbike on woodland and riverside runs north of the station.
Soarin’ Eagle Railbike Tours, Hawley, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains’ first and only railbiking adventure follows a scenic 6-mile route along the Lackawaxen River in the charming town of Hawley, PA.
Secret Valley Explorers, Colebrookdale Railroad, Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Cross bridges and chase creeks through the tall forests of the Secret Valley on this railbike adventure. Wildlife to watch for includes white tailed deer, great blue heron, and bald eagles!
Western USA
Skunk Train, Fort Bragg, California
‘Sit back, breathe deep, and discover an entirely new way to explore California aboard our custom-built, two-person electric railbikes.
River Fox Railbikes, West Sacramento, California
Gold Country farmlands and vineyards form the backdrop for this easy-rolling 10-mile railbike cruise along the Sacramento River and through the Northern California countryside.
Carson Canyon Railbike Tours, V&T Railway, Carson City, Nevada
Along the historic Virginia & Truckee train route, your journey takes you into beautiful Carson River Canyon along an exciting, curved, and gradual 2% grade track system to the historic Eureka Mill rest area.
Rail Explorers, Las Vegas, Nevada
Three railbike tours depart the Nevada State Railroad Museum: choose Southwest Ramble, Sunset Tour, Evening Lantern Ride.
Oregon Coast Rail Riders, Bay City and Wheeler, Oregon
Closed temporarily; relocation planned.
Joseph Branch Rail Riders, Joseph, Oregon
Choose Valley Sights to the base of the Wallowa Mountains, River Escape to the Grand Ronde, Canyon Twist along the Wallowa River, or Mountains Edge valley ride. Nighttime Adventures also offered.
Vance Creek Railriders, Shelton, Washington
Nature enthusiasts, birders, cyclists, and rail fans are sure to relish the peace and tranquility of pedaling along this former stretch of the Olympic Peninsula’s historic Simpson Logging Company Railway.
Canada
Vélorails de Beaulac-Garthby, Beaulac-Garthby, Quebec
A popular spot for outdoor adventures n Quebec’s Chaudière-Appalaches Region, Parc Bellerive Park (Bellerive Park) is the starting point for vélorail (railbike) treks amid the small woods, fields and marshes along the Lac Aylmer shore.
While rail attractions have worked hard to get back on track, some limits and restrictions may still be in place. In particular, access to museum exhibit, gift shop, and food service areas may be impacted. Anti-covid social practices may still be required or advised. For another fresh-air rail experience, check out our Open-air Rides feature. For complete listings of scenic and heritage train rides in the U.S. and Canada have a look at the Train Traveling guide to Train Rides.
