Choo Choo…Riding The Rails

By Golda Turner

Once upon a time, steam locomotives huffed and puffed their way along miles of tracks carrying passengers and cargo across the country. These metal dragons were fueled by logs of wood or coal, their thick plumes of smoke announcing their approach to one and all. They were a modern invention, a great improvement over saddling a horse to get somewhere!

Over the years, transportation options have changed. It is no longer necessary to take a horse & buggy for long distance trips. In these days of cars, buses, and air travel, comfortable trains such as Amtrak speed riders cross-county along miles of electric rails. Some routes even have sleeper beds and room for your car! And of course, they are wheelchair accessible, too.

Many cities are crisscrossed by commuter train lines. I am old enough to remember the red NYC railroad cars with the wicker seats that ferried passengers on their way to work or play. As a girl, I would stand by the front window of the first car and watch in fascination as we rode through dark underground tunnels from station to station and then ascended to the elevated tracks with a view of the entire city laid out before us.

Then there are the special trains designed for touring, with glass dome windows that allow you to fully enjoy the view. I dream of someday riding the Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies, capturing the breathtaking scenery with my trusty camera…

Speaking of the unusual, there is the Cog Railway (Bretton Woods NH 603-278-2259 www.thecog.com) which climbs 3,500 feet to the summit of Mount Washington, which at 6,288  feet above sea level is the highest peak in the Eastern United States. On the way up, you pass through lush green forests that give way to stubby thickly packed rows of pines and then to an alpine zone where little vegetation can grow. The view from the peak is amazing! You feel like on top of the world. On a clear day, we have seen into numerous surrounding states, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean. But beware, Mt. Washington’s weather is unpredictable and quickly changing. Call ahead for updated conditions.

Some old locomotives and vintage cars have been lovingly restored and are still remain in use, giving us the feeling of more relaxed times not so long ago. Most are used for scenic trips, giving nature enthusiasts like me a wonderful way to relax while viewing beautiful vistas. The vintage coaches usually have narrow doorways, so we take Meir Efraim in his folding wheelchair and help him to a seat. Many companies have lifts to board the train and staff is glad to help. Some require advance notice. 

One of our favorites is the Essex Stream Train & Riverboat (Essex Ct 860-767-0103 www.essexsteamtrain.com). The antique steam train pulling vintage railcars rides through a state park and wetlands habitat on a narrated journey, which is especially interesting during the annual migrations. The passengers are then treated to an hour long ferry ride along the Connecticut River before returning by train to the station.  

Connecticut is also home to the Railroad Museum of New England (Thomaston CT 860-283-7245 www.rmne.org), which has the largest collection of preserved railroad equipment in New England. Volunteers restore antique trains which are then operated for your pleasure on the scenic Naugatuck Railroad.

Planning on visiting the Amish? The Strasburg Railroad (Strasburg PA 717-687-8421 www.strasburgrailroad.com) steams deep into the farmlands of Pennsylvania’s Dutch country where you can see Amish farmers working their fields. An audio commentary is given about the railroad and the surrounding area.

Going to New Hampshire this summer? Try the Conway Scenic Railroad (North Conway NH 603-356-5251 www.conwayscenic.com). Travel the Mountaineer train through Crawford Notch – past sheer bluff cliffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks and streams, and panoramic mountain vistas. Or take the Valley train for a more relaxed ride across rivers with mountain views. The Hobo Railroad (Lincoln NH 603-745-2135 www.hoborr.com) presents a narrated history and nature tour as it travels along the banks of the Pemigewasset River. 

New York has its share of scenic railroads, too. Wherever you plan to vacation, there is one not too far away. The Catskill Mountain Railroad (Kingston NY 845-332-4854 www.catskillmountainrailroad.com) runs from Kingston to Hurley Mountain. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad (Arkville NY 800-225-4132 www.durr.org) follows the East branch of the Delaware River in the Western Catskills. The Adirondack Scenic Railroad (Utica NY 800-819-2291 www.adirondackrr.com) rides through the popular Adirondack Mountains area. The Arcade & Attica Railroad (Arcade NY 716-948-0505 www.aarailroad.com) runs trains to specially scheduled activities.

Let’s not forget New Jersey! Delaware River Railroad Excursions (Philipsburg NJ 877-872-4674 www.877trainride.com) operates weekend scenic train rides along the beautiful Delaware River. Add-on options include stops at the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine for gemstone mining. Learn about mining operations in the old days, and use an actual sluice to ‘pan for gold’. In August, ride the train to your choice of their two corn mazes.

For you model train lovers, there are a number of attractions which will make your day!

Choo Choo Barn (Strasburg PA 717-687-7911 www.choochoobarn.com) features a 1,700 square foot train layout featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating model trains. Standard wheelchairs and single strollers can navigate the layout. Motorized wheelchairs and double strollers will have difficulty making turns.

National Toy Train Museum (Strasburg PA 717-687-8976 www.nttmuseum.org) resembles a Victorian era railroad station. It contains one of the most extensive toy train collections in the world including miniature trains, antique trains, ride on trains, and more. Visitors can operate their five train layouts, each representing a different time period with its accessories and scenery. The museum also houses a train library for researchers containing research books, instruction books, repair guides, parts lists, historical information on toy train makers, catalogs, ads, and periodicals, postcards, and more. Wheelchair accessible.

Whooooo! Whooooo! All Aboard! Let’s go for a ride.