We’re deep into winter here in NYC, and some days it feels like it might never end. Winter in our city is truly magical—but every now and then, it takes a weekend reset to remember just how much beauty this season holds. When the frozen snow piles start to resemble mountains and the slush along the sidewalks begins to dull your days, it may be time to trade the 4 train for something a little more…transparent.
Just two hours from NYC, there’s a winter escape that feels less like a commute and more like a scene from a nature documentary. We’re talking about a vintage train ride that carves through the frozen Delaware River Valley, offering unobstructed of the wild.
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🚂 What To Know: Delaware & Ulster Railroad
Operated by the Catskill Revitalization Corporation, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad is a heritage rail line that runs through the heart of the Delaware River Valley. During winter months, select departures feature a vintage domed car with stunning windows—a rare find on the East Coast—designed to give riders panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
The round-trip journey runs approximately 2.5 hours and travels between Arkville and Roxbury, tracing a historic rail corridor that dates back to the 19th century. Heated interiors make it cozy even on the coldest days, while large, curved windows keep the Catskills fully in frame. The railroad offers various seasonal rides throughout the year, with a unique option to charter group rides on the iconic Rip Van Winkle Flyer, which offers the rare Vista Dome views.
Reservations for current seasonal rides are to be announced, but the experience is surely worth the wait. Keep an eye on the official calendar for the latest updates. And for riders who want to experience the scenic views with a group of friends, the railroad offers private group charters that provide an exclusive and memorable way to travel through the Western Catskills.
☃️ The Rip Van Winkle Flyer
Dating all the way back to 1948, this iconic steam train captures the golden age of American rail travel, when streamlined cars and scenic excursions offered passengers both comfort and adventure. Lovingly preserved and operated through the Western Catskills, it continues to provide guests with an authentic glimpse into mid-20th-century railroad history while traveling along the beautiful East Branch of the Delaware River.
The railroad offers the opportunity to schedule private charters and customized group excursions for special occasions, corporate outings, school trips, and family celebrations. To learn more about booking the flyer, see their official website.
🗻 What You’ll See
Forget the flickering fluorescent lights of the MTA. On this journey, your “tunnel vision” is replaced by:
- The Frozen Delaware River: Watch the ice floes drift by as the train hugs the riverbank.
- Bald Eagle Sightings: The Delaware River Valley is a renowned wintering habitat for Bald Eagles. Keep your eyes peeled for them nesting in the hemlocks.
- The High Peaks: Dramatic views of the snow-capped Catskill Mountains that aren’t blocked by skyscrapers.
🦅 Bald Eagles and Frozen Falls: Nature at 10 MPH
The luxury here is the slow-roll pace, perfect for spotting wildlife through the bare winter trees. Since the train hugs the riverbanks and cuts through protected forest, you’ll see parts of the Catskills inaccessible by car.
- The Eagle Corridor: The Upper Delaware is a premier winter habitat for Bald Eagles. Look for their massive stick nests in white pines or spot them hunting for fish among the river’s ice floes.
- The “Ice Wall” Phenomenon: Keep an eye out for 20-foot “ice curtains”—towering, blue-tinted frozen waterfalls clinging to the shale rock faces as you pass through narrow mountain cuts.
- Resident Sightings: It’s common to see white-tailed deer and wild turkeys foraging against the deep white powder of the Catskill Forest Preserve.
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📋 Our Tips And Tricks
- Golden Hour is Real: Aim for a late afternoon departure. The “blue hour” over the frozen Catskills provides the kind of lighting that makes filters unnecessary.
- Dress in Layers: Even with the heat on, the glass dome can get chilly if it’s a gray day, or surprisingly warm if the sun is hitting it directly.
- Check the Schedule: Winter runs are often limited to specific weekends or holiday events (like the “Twilight Specials”). Always check their official calendar before heading out.
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🚙 How To Get There From NYC
- Location: 3510 State Hwy 28, Arkville, NY 12406
- By Car: A straightforward shot up the NYS Thruway (I-87 North) to Exit 19 (Kingston), then follow Route 28 West through some of the most scenic driving in the state.
- By Bus: If you want to skip the driving, take the Trailways NY bus from Port Authority directly to Margaretville/Arkville. It’s a comfortable ride that lets you start the sightseeing early.
- Nearby Gem: After the ride, stop by the Union Grove Distillery in Arkville for a “Vly Creek” vodka cocktail to warm up.
May this weekend reset or scenic day trip remind us all to sit back and let the scenery unfold around us. ❄️