Ride the Adirondack Scenic Railroad!

If you are a rail fan, or just want to take a nostalgic ride into the rail travel past, you should consider riding on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad (ASRR). It occupies the original right of way that the New York Central used for passenger service, right up to the early 1960s.

The entire road of track, however, is not open. Thus at the present time, there are three distinct segments of the Adirondack RR operation, originating out of:

1.Utica Union Station, Utica, NY; the beautifully restored Union Station is the starting point for this segment. The primary trip is to Thendara Station in Old Forge, NY, lasting over two hours each way with a layover of almost five hours in Old Forge. It's a full day trip, with beautiful scenery, historic flag stops and river crossings along the way. There are also special event trips for various occasions and groups. One of the most popular is the Polar Express train in late November - early December. Your children are encouraged to wear their pajamas as the Polar Express story is narrated on the trip to the North Pole (Holland Patent Station). Santa will be waiting for them as the train pulls into the station. It is a priceless and lasting memory for years to come, for both your children and you.

2. Thendara Station, Thendara, NY; this popular segment of the ASRR offers two different trips: one to Carter Station, and the other to Otter Lake. Both are approximately 1 ¼ hours long and offer some spectacular scenery in the Adirondack Park along the 20 mile round trips. On certain days during the summer, you can witness the Loomis Gang train robbery, and possibly be involved in this old time reenactment. The actors wear period costumes, and provide some noisy entertainment to be enjoyed by all.

3.Lake Placid Station, Lake Placid, NY: this is the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness Train adventure, a 20 mile round trip from Lake Placid Station to Saranac Lake Union Depot. Departing from either station, you can take a pleasant walk in the famous Lake Placid village or Saranac Lake. As there are multiple trips each day, you can spend the entire day at either one and then ride the train back to your starting point.

The operating equipment is a rail fan's dream, as the ASRR uses an Alco 1951 RS-3, an F9, and an Alco C425, among others. A lot of the heavyweight passenger cars are from the Canadian VIA railroad, with original seats, etc., still in use.

You might also see some equipment from the Mohawk, Adirondack and Northern (MA&N) railroad, a short line freight that operates out of the Utica yard. Speaking of Utica, you can observe CSX freights speeding through on the main track, with multiple engines lashed together to pull the lengthy freights. Or, you can also see AMTRAK service at Union Station. All of this can be comfortably viewed over the tracks from the pedestrian overpass at the station. It is completely enclosed, is climate controlled, and has large viewing windows.
Interested in more than just being a passenger? Put down your model trains and play with the real ones! The ASRR is always looking for volunteers to work in various positions. Only a few people on the ASRR are paid employees, with the overwhelming majority in the volunteer category. I am in my second year as a brakeman/switchman, and enjoy working on the ASRR immensely! I hitch and uncouple the engine and cars, throw switches, ride the engine when directing the engineer's movement, etc.

If you desire this category, you will need to attend a two-day class that provides instruction on railroad rules, worker safety, air brake handling, etc. You are tested on the material, but it's offered in a relaxed, friendly manner. Drug and alcohol testing are also required. The entire operation of the ASRR comes under the auspices and regulations of the Federal Railroad Administration.

There are also car hosts, conductors and engineers. It is only limited to what you want to be involved in and the effort put forth. Many of the volunteers are retired from their previous occupations, and include military, business people, physicians, surgeons, etc. They are a diverse, fun group to work with!

In any event, if you live near or travel to the Central New York region, add this to your must-do list.