Back on the Rails Once Again: Fall Excursions on the Delaware & Ulster Railroad

Pulling Trains on the Delaware & Ulster Railroad, New York Ontario & Western Railway NW-2 class Locomotive #116. Photo by author. 

Rolling eastward toward Arkville, our engineer admires the fall scenery.  Photo by author. 

Splendid scenic view abord the D&U's open-air cars showcase the peak fall foliage.  Photo by author. 

By Maxwell Sykes

ARKVILLE — After a five-year hiatus, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad returned to active rail service in 2025. Mother’s Day weekend marked the long-awaited revival of the D&U, thrilling railfans and historians alike as the first revenue excursion train rolled down the line since 2019.

Since its inaugural opening in 1983, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad has offered scenic train rides along 19 miles of the former New York Central Railroad’s Catskill Mountain Branch between Highmount and Roxbury. In recent years, several washouts and aging infrastructure limited operations, but significant track work has since progressed, with the D&U aiming to reach Highmount once again.

A Grand Comeback for the D&U

The nonprofit Catskill Revitalization Corporation and the Delaware & Ulster Railroad LLC have worked closely in recent years to restore the right-of-way from Arkville toward Halcottsville. As repairs continue, the 2025 operating season introduced a fresh chapter for the railroad, excursions now travel east from Arkville toward Fleischmanns, and eventually to Highmount. This marks a reversal from the traditional Arkville-to-Roxbury route, giving passengers a new scenic experience, including a crossing of the Bush Kill River, stretches of woodland, and vibrant fall foliage.

Throughout 2025, the D&U has offered a variety of public excursions. Weekend departures featured narrated scenic trips, family specials, and chartered events. Summer brought the return of Scenic Summer Train Rides and Dinner Trains, while fall introduced Pumpkin Patch Trains, and this November will mark the return of the always-popular Santa’s Silver Sleigh. The railroad encourages visitors to pre-order tickets online as schedules and service availability may change while track work continues. For more information, visit the official website at durr.org.  

Fall Foliage on the D&U

October saw the return of the Delaware & Ulster’s beloved Fall Foliage Excursions. Operating Fridays through Sundays, trains departed hourly from noon to 3:00 p.m., with each round trip lasting about 45 minutes.

At the Arkville Depot, passengers checked in and explored an array of attractions, a well-stocked gift shop, a detailed model train layout, and displays of historic artifacts from local railroads and Catskill farms.

Once aboard, guests could choose between standard coach, first class, or open-air seating. The open-air car proved to be the most popular, offering unobstructed views of the mountains shaded in autumn colors. As the train slowly rolled out of Arkville, riders were treated to views of antique railroad equipment and passing automobiles along Route 28.

Heading east, the train climbed steadily toward Fleischmanns, the New York, Ontario & Western NW-2 diesel locomotive’s exhaust barking proudly as it dug into the grade. The journey crossed the tranquil Bush Kill River on a classic truss-rod bridge, a perfect spot for photos. 

At the turnaround point near Fleischmanns, the train paused while the engineer prepared for the return trip. Two long blasts of the horn signaled the descent back to Arkville. As the train rolled downgrade, the clickety-clack of the rails filled our ears, a timeless rhythm that delighted passengers young and old.

Back at the depot, visitors chatted with the friendly train crew and lingered to soak in the nostalgia of a vintage Catskill Mountain rail-experience. 

Looking Ahead

With Christmas Trains scheduled for November and December, there’s no better time to plan a visit. Bring the family, enjoy the ride, and support the ongoing revival of this beloved Catskill Mountain treasure — the Delaware & Ulster Railroad.

Source: The Schoharie News