For the first time since 2019, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad is reversing course.
While the historic mountain railway made headlines last year when it finally reopened after a multi-year hiatus, the scenic train is flipping directions for the 2026 fall season.
Excursions departing from the Arkville Depot are once again heading west toward Halcottsville—a beloved route that served as the railroad’s signature attraction for decades before going dormant seven years ago.
Whether you missed out on tickets last year or want to experience the newly restored western track, here is everything you need to know about riding the Catskills’ ultimate foliage train this fall.
🍂 From “The Only All-Rail Route” to Modern Leaf-Peeping
Long before it was ferrying autumn tourists, this stretch of track was the backbone of the region.
Founded in 1866 as the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, it was proudly advertised as “The Only All-Rail Route To the Catskill Mountains.”
At its peak in 1913, the railway carried over 676,000 passengers. But it wasn’t just built for city dwellers heading to grand mountain hotels.
The railway was the lifeblood of the local economy, hauling dairy from Delaware County creameries down to New York City and rushing Catskills bluestone to pave Manhattan’s iconic sidewalks.
After commercial passenger service ended in 1954 and freight in 1976, the tracks faced abandonment. Today, thanks to the Catskill Revitalization Corp, the rails have been saved.
Nearly 10,000 new wooden ties have been laid to successfully reopen the highly anticipated western Halcottsville route for 2026.
😍 A Front-Row Seat to Peak Catskills Colors
The 45-minute round-trip excursion offers an immersive glide through the western Catskills’ fall transformation.
Hugging the riverbanks along the NY-28 corridor, the vintage train glides past dense hardwood forests, rolling farmland, and dramatic mountain ridges as the canopy turns shades of crimson, amber, and gold.
Unlike crowded highway foliage drives, the railway provides a quiet window into the valley’s booming autumn ecosystem. Keep your eyes on the tree line and riverbeds—riders frequently spot:
- Soaring Bald Eagles fishing along the East Branch
- White-Tailed Deer grazing in the valley meadows
- Black Bears emerging near the woodland edges
🚂 Choose Your Vintage Train Experience
Passengers can tailor their journey across multiple historic seating options, each offering a distinct way to take in the foliage:
- Open-Air Cars: The undisputed fan favorite for foliage season. Outfitted with wooden benches on open flatbed cars, these offer completely unobstructed views and crisp mountain air
- Historic Coach Cars: A classic, sheltered heritage ride with wide windows—ideal for families and cooler autumn mornings
- Premium & First-Class Vintage Cars: Upgrade your ticket for access to restored Premium Coaches, First-Class Lounges, or Parlor Cars featuring elegant mid-century interiors and cushioned seating
🍁 2026 Fall Schedule & Event Details at a Glance
Because the railroad is operating on a base pattern of Saturdays only through October 31, 2026, peak foliage departures are expected to sell out quickly.
- 2026 Schedule: Trains depart four times every Saturday at 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, 2 pm, and 3:45 pm
- Ticket Prices: Standard Open-Air & Coach seats start at $23 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $18 for children. Premium and First-Class upgrades range from $25 to $30
- Boarding Location: Arkville Station (43510 NY Route 28, Arkville, NY). Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes prior to departure for easy station parking
Pro Tip for Leaf-Peepers: Western Catskills foliage typically peaks between late September and mid-October. Pair your train ride with a scenic leaf drive through Margaretville or lunch in nearby Roxbury to turn your ride into a full autumn day trip.
🎟️ Advance reservations are strongly recommended to secure your preferred car class and departure time. Book your tickets and view the updated 2026 schedule online via the Delaware & Ulster Railroad website.