UTICA SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Through Forests and Over Streams: The Utica→Thendara Railway That Drops You in Old Forge
A full-day scenic run on the Adirondack Railroad from Union Station, Utica, to Thendara (Old Forge), with a 4.5-hour afternoon layover to explore the village and surrounding outdoors.
Through Forests and Over Streams: The Utica→Thendara Railway That Drops You in Old Forge.
Let the Adirondack Railroad carry you from Union Station in Utica into the heart of the Adirondacks on a single-day round trip to Thendara (Old Forge). The outing pairs a scenic rail journey—through forests and over rivers and streams—with a long midday layover in Old Forge, time to stretch legs, visit shops, and return by train the same evening.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Scenic Run Through the Adirondacks
The route carries passengers through forested terrain and over rivers and streams, offering continuous landscape viewing from the train en route to Thendara.
A Long Afternoon in Old Forge
The itinerary includes a 4.5-hour layover in Old Forge (Thendara), giving riders a substantial afternoon to explore outdoor activities, local shops and restaurants before the return trip.
Café Car Service on the Train
While aboard, passengers can visit the café car for light and hearty fare, allowing riders to dine on the move as they travel the Adirondack route.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Board in Utica and settle in for a relaxed morning as the train moves through wooded valleys and across waterways. Arrive in Thendara before noon, step off for a long afternoon in Old Forge—ample time for outdoor activity or browsing—and then re-board for an evening return to Utica.
THE LANDSCAPE
A Scenic Run Through the Adirondacks
The route carries passengers through forested terrain and over rivers and streams, offering continuous landscape viewing from the train en route to Thendara.
THE LAYOVER
A Long Afternoon in Old Forge
The itinerary includes a 4.5-hour layover in Old Forge (Thendara), giving riders a substantial afternoon to explore outdoor activities, local shops and restaurants before the return trip.
THE ROUTE SERVICE
Café Car Service on the Train
While aboard, passengers can visit the café car for light and hearty fare, allowing riders to dine on the move as they travel the Adirondack route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and what to consider before you book.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total outing time is approximately 9 hours. The train departs Utica at 9:30 am, arrives Thendara at 11:45 am, departs Thendara at 4:30 pm and returns to Utica at 6:30 pm.
Board at Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica, NY.
Wheelchair access is available for standard-size chairs; the maximum door opening is 26 inches. Restrooms on the train are not wheelchair accessible, but accessible restrooms exist at stations. Call the operator toll-free to reserve wheelchair seating or with questions.
A café car is available on the Adirondack Railroad offering light and hearty fare during the trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do I board the train in Utica?
The train meets passengers at Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica, NY.
How long is the entire trip?
The full round trip is approximately 9 hours.
What are the departure and arrival times?
The train departs Utica at 9:30 am, arrives Thendara at 11:45 am, departs Thendara at 4:30 pm, and returns to Utica at 6:30 pm.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The trip is wheelchair accessible for standard-size chairs; the maximum door opening width is 26 inches. Measure your wheelchair before booking and call the operator to reserve wheelchair seating.
Are restrooms accessible on the train?
Restrooms on the train are not wheelchair accessible; wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available at the stations.
Will food be available on board?
Yes—there is a café car on the Adirondack Railroad serving light and hearty fare during the journey.