Linda Ellison, operations manager at the Adirondack Scenic Railroad in Thendara, reported that the railroad had a good summer—and so far, a good fall—with plenty of passengers riding the rails from Utica Station or enjoying one of their many scenic specialty trips.
She said the “Paddle Down the Moose River” trips held in partnership with Tickner’s Moose River Canoes in the summer and fall, have been a top ticket seller.
“We’ve been doing it for years, and it’s one of our strongest train trips. Where else can you canoe down the river and come back by train?” Ellison said.
“We start getting phone calls in the winter for reservations for the canoe and kayak trips,” she added.
The Fall Foliage trips always draw a lot of passengers, she said, with three trips daily on Wednesday through Sunday.
Al Heywood of Remsen, an Adirondack Scenic Railroad board member who also serves as conductor for the Utica and Thendara runs, agreed that the season is going well.
“We’re approaching 300 passengers on some of the fall foliage trains, so I would definitely say that fall ridership from Utica to Thendara is up,” Heywood said.
The Pumpkin Train, a special event train which made its debut last year, will run from Thendara Station to Carter Station and back, over the weekends of October 15 & 16, and 22 & 23.
Ellison said that passengers dress in costume and upon return to Thendara Station, are invited to the Thendara Town Hall across the road for cider, treats, and a costume judging contest.
More information on train trips is available by calling (315) 369-6290 or (800) 819-2291, or at: www.adirondackRR.com.
