Rail Explorers locations - the best rail bike experiences

The Elk River Division

NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN!!
Join us for an unforgettable journey on the historic Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad, where magnificent steam engines once ran. You’ll take a 12 mile round trip steeped in history, where the lush woods of Clay County are reflected in the crystal clear water of Buffalo Creek. Pedal past a wrecked train car, waterfalls, and high cliffs before reaching the creekside turnaround picnic area.

You'll ride the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad which opened in 1904. The rails serviced the Elk River Coal and Lumber Company until 1965, hauling thousands of tonnes of coal from the mine at Widen, and millions of feet of lumber from the sawmill at Swandale. Bring a drink and snack to enjoy at the turnaround area on the bank of Buffalo Creek.
All Explorers are fitted with the 'REX Propulsion System' - custom built electric motors that make the 12 mile round trip journey truly effortless.

Elk River Tour Pricing (12 mile round trip with electric pedal assist):

  • Tandem Explorer: from $80 (two riders @ $40.00pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $160 (up to four riders @ $40.00pp)
  • ask about the locals' discount days for residents of Clay County
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

Book Now!

Parking and check in for all tours: 874 Buffalo Creek Rd, Clay, WV 25043

The Amador Division

The breathtaking Amador Central Railroad traces the contours of rolling hills revealing panoramic views from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains all the way to the Coastal Ranges. Just 45 minutes south of Sacramento, surrounded by gold rush towns steeped in history, wineries, and warmed by the northern California sun. This is Gold Country - the Heart of the Mother Lode.

You'll ride the Amador Central Railroad, originally called the Ione and Eastern built in 1904. Imagine the hills crowded with miners hoping to strike it rich during the gold rush of the 1800's. Bring a drink and snack to enjoy at the turnaround area above the old Newton Copper Mine, built in 1863.
All Explorers are fitted with the 'REX Propulsion System' - custom built electric motors that make the 8 mile round trip journey truly effortless.

Gold Country Express Tour Pricing (8 mile round trip with electric pedal assist):

  • Tandem Explorer: from $90 (two riders @ $45.00pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $175 (up to four riders @ $43.75pp)
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

Book Now!

Parking and check in for all tours: 702 Hunter Lane, Ione CA 95640

The Bluegrass, Kentucky Division

The Bluegrass Division brings the 5 Star Rail Explorers Experience to the gorgeous countryside of Lexington Kentucky, the horse capital of the world (it's the heart of Bourbon country too!). The new location is just 20 minutes from downtown Lexington, and only one hour from Louisville.
Rail Explorers is working in partnership with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad & Museum, founded in 1976 and tours run on the Louisville Southern Railroad built in the 1880s.

On this 10 mile round trip you will pass thoroughbred horse farms where you may see mares and foals in the fields before descending into deep cuts through the limestone hills.
Bring a drink and snack to enjoy at the turnaround area on the cliffs above the Kentucky River gorge. Enjoy the view of the Wild Turkey Distillery and the 1,659 ft long Young's High Bridge soaring 283 ft above the river.
All Explorers are fitted with the 'REX Propulsion System' - custom built electric motors that make the journey truly effortless.

Kentucky River Rambler Tour Pricing (10 mile round trip with electric pedal assist):

  • Tandem Explorer: from $99 (two riders @ $49.50pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $160 (up to four riders @ $40pp)
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

Parking and check in for all tours: 175 Beasley Rd, Versailles, KY 40383

The Boone, Iowa Division

Rail Explorers have partnered with the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad to bring the first Rail Explorers Experience to the Midwest. Riders can enjoy beautiful views of the Des Moines River Valley, where is it is not uncommon to see a convocation of bald eagles along the riverbank. The ride’s showstopper is the 750’ long, 156’ high “Bass Point Creek High Trestle”. Riders crossing this bridge have panoramic views of the valley and experience the thrill of soaring high above the creek below.

This 12.5 mile round trip will take you from open farmland to the Des Moines River. On the way you'll cross the Bass Creek High Trestle & the Des Moines River Bridge. Bring a snack & a drink to enjoy at Rose's Landing Turnaround. All Explorers feature the REX Propulsion System - an electric motor which makes the journey truly effortless.

The Scenic Valley Trail Tour Pricing (12.5 mile round trip with electric pedal assist):

  • Tandem Explorer: from $99 (two riders @ $49.50pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $160 (up to four riders @ $40pp)
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

Parking and check in for all tours: 123 10th St, Boone, IA 50036

The Cooperstown, NY Division

Cooperstown, featuring the world famous Baseball Hall of Fame is also home to the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad.

The Home Run is a 12 mile round trip that journeys north through the farm lands and forests alongside of the Susquehanna River. You'll glide past the baseball Dreams Park, magnificent woodlands and rumble across historic trestle bridges.
All Explorers are fitted with the 'REX Propulsion System' - custom built electric motors that make the trip journey truly effortless.

Bring a light refreshment to enjoy at the 20 minute break at the the Riverside Turnaround picnic area.

The Home Run Tour Pricing (12 mile round trip with electric pedal assist):

  • Tandem Explorer: from $95 (two riders @ $47.50pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $175 (up to four riders @ $43.75pp)
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

The 8 mile round trip "The Southpaw Slider" meanders alongside the Susquehanna River, past fields and lakes and over the majestic 200 foot long Portlandville Trestle. A shorter ride than the "Home Run" this tour heads south towards Portlandville.
All Rail Explorers are fitted with the 'REX Propulsion System' - custom built electric motors that make the 8 mile round trip journey truly effortless.

Bring a light refreshment to enjoy at the 20 minute break at the Forest Glen Turnaround picnic area.

The Cooperstown Division is now closed for the winter. See you in the Spring!

Parking and check in for all tours: 136 E Main St, Milford, NY 13807

Rhode Island Division

The Rail Explorers: Rhode Island Division is presented by the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad. Enjoy an unforgettable scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and spectacular Narragansett Bay.

The Rhode Island Division offers 2 Regular tours 

  • 'The Northern Ramble' - a six mile exploration of the historic railroad between Portsmouth and the Sakonnet River. One way tour with shuttle bus.
  • 'The Southern Circuit' - a six mile round trip tour (3 miles out, 3 miles back). Bring a drink or a snack to enjoy during a 30 minute break at Bayside Station, our exclusive waterfront picnic area, before riding back to the station. 

Pricing (special event pricing may vary)

  • Tandem Explorer: from $100 (two riders @ $50pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $175 (up to four riders @ $43.75pp)
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

Parking and check in for all tours: 1 Alexander Road, Portsmouth, RI. 

Stay on the rails with the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad

Why not combine your Rail Explorers Tour with dinner on the ' Grand Bellevue' - an elegant dinner train experience. Check out the many train tours and experiences available on the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad at   www.trainsri.com

The Catskills Division

Join us in New York's Catskill Mountains to discover the rails that run alongside the Esopus Creek from the beautiful village of Phoenicia. Ride the new Rail Explorers fleet of rail bikes, now with electric pedal assistance!

'The River Run' - Experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek through the beautiful woods of the Catskill Mountains. Bring a snack and a drink to enjoy at our creekside turnaround. This is an 8 mile round trip with electric pedal assistance. Please allow 2.5 hours. Seats are limited so book early to make sure you don't miss out.

The River Run Tour Pricing (8 mile round trip with electric pedal assist):

  • Tandem Explorer: from $99 (two riders @ $49.50pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $175 (up to four riders @ $43.75pp)
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

"The Mount Tremper Lantern Ride" - Experience the magic of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad as you travel alongside the Esopus Creek to the refurbished Mount Tremper Station.
The Mount Tremper Lantern Ride is a 4 mile round trip scheduled in the evenings.
Lanterns on each Explorer and lights along the way make this a magical experience.

Bring a snack and a drink to enjoy at the Mt Tremper Station turnaround.
4 mile round trip with electric pedal assistance.

The Mount Tremper Lantern Ride Pricing (4 mile round trip with electric pedal assist):

  • Tandem Explorer: from $65 (two riders @ $37.50pp)
  • Quad Explorer: from $120 (up to four riders @ $30pp)
  • 10% discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

Parking and check in for all tours: 70 Lower High St, Phoenicia, NY