New Upstate NY fall foliage, pet friendly rail bike adventures announced

Aug 12, 2023

Rail Explorers Cooperstown is open seven days a week until October 31, 2023. It also now offers pet friendly trips and fall foliage adventure packages. Rail Explorers USA | Provided photo

Pedal-power your way through some of the most beautiful months of Upstate New York with Rail Explorers Cooperstown. The rail bike company has recently announced an expanded schedule and two new types of adventures to experience the natural beauty the region has to offer.

Rail biking is an eco-friendly activity riding a two or four-seat manpowered machine along railroad tracks that have no train traffic. Their origins date back to at least the 1850s, used by railway workers to move along the tracks.

Rail Explorers Cooperstown first opened in 2021 and is now operating seven days a week until October 31. Riders can choose from two track options to explore the countryside.

The Milford Track is a 12-mile roundtrip that heads north through farmlands and forests along the Susquehanna River. For a shorter trek, choose the Charlotte Valley Express, an 8-mile roundtrip that travels south along the river and over the majestic 200-foot long Portlandville Trestle.

Riders can also choose a campfire or lantern adventure for a nighttime activity. Group, private and educational tours are also available.

New for the dog days of summer is a pet-friendly offering for the month of August. From the first to the 31st, canine companions will receive a complimentary dog biscuit, bandana, and dog mat for use during the ride. Rail Explorers Cooperstown has reported a variety of previous pet guests from dogs and cats to lizards, parrots, and even ducks.

Pets ride for free and are limited to one pet per bike with some weight restrictions.

Looking ahead to prime leaf peeping season, the rail bike company is collaborating with the Otesaga Resort Hotel’s for a new Rail Explorers Fall Foliage Package which includes overnight accommodation for two, two tickets for the rail bike experience, shirts and snack packs for each rider.

The fall experience package is available from September 1 through October 31, 2023. Booking the foliage tour can be done at the Otesaga Resort Hotel website or by calling 607-353-6906.

Rail Explorers Cooperstown is one of five Rail Explorers USA locations, located at 136 E. Main St., Milford, NY 13807. Other locations include Rail Explorers Catskills, Kentucky, Iowa, and Rhode Island.

Rail Explorer bikes have a custom built electric assist motor to help riders glide along, even up the steepest inclines and is used on the Milford and Charlotte Valley journeys. Both Cooperstown tracks also include a 15-20 break while staff turn the bikes around for the return trip.

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