Imagine gliding along historic railroad tracks through scenic landscapes, pedaling at your own pace while soaking in views that most people never get to see. Railbiking has become one of America’s most exciting family adventures, combining gentle exercise with stunning scenery and fascinating history. These pedal-powered adventures take you on abandoned or heritage railway lines, offering a unique perspective on the countryside that’s perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Most railbikes resemble comfortable recumbent bicycles and sit securely on railroad tracks, requiring no steering and minimal pedaling effort. Here is a list of 20 fantastic heritage railbike adventures across the United States that promise unforgettable family memories.
Rail Explorers – Cooperstown, New York
The Home Run tour takes families on a 12-mile journey through farmlands and forests alongside the Susquehanna River, passing the famous Cooperstown Dreams Park. This electric-assisted adventure glides past magnificent woodlands and historic trestle bridges, making it feel like you’re traveling through a postcard.
The shorter Southpaw Slider option covers 8 miles and crosses the majestic 200-foot Portlandville Trestle, giving riders spectacular views of the valley below.
Colorado Railbike Adventures – Erie, Colorado
Rolling through the Front Range on Colorado’s second-oldest railroad tracks, this 4.2-mile adventure passes an old mine and crosses the Coal Creek trestle. The ride offers stunning views of Longs Peak and the Flatirons, with seasonal options including sunset departures and spooky Halloween rides.
Families love the depot’s turf area and games, which are perfect for relaxing before or after the ride with snacks and drinks.
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American Rail Bike Adventures – Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania
This Pennsylvania adventure takes you through various tunnels, farmland, and forests along tracks that date back to the 1800s. The highlight is riding through the historic Howard Tunnel, where the cool air and echoing sounds create an unforgettable experience.
The gentle terrain makes it perfect for families, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Tracks and Yaks – Frostburg, Maryland
This Maryland adventure follows a 10-mile route along the ridgeline next to the Great Allegheny Passage. It offers spectacular mountain views and regional history. The ride includes two tour options: an out-and-back journey or a one-way trip to Cash Valley Crossing with a trolley shuttle return.
Families appreciate the combination of exercise and education as guides share stories about the area’s railroad heritage.
Pennsylvania Rail Bike – Hawley, Pennsylvania
Set in the scenic Pocono Mountains, this electric pedal-assist adventure covers approximately 10 miles along the Lackawaxen River. The custom-made railbikes accommodate families of all ages, and the Feel the Power tour includes a stop at a historic hydroelectric power station.
The gentle breeze and rushing water alongside the tracks create a truly peaceful family experience.
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Andrews Valley Rail Tours – Andrews, North Carolina
North Carolina’s first railbike tour features an incredible 8.5-mile journey through the valley to the historic hand-carved Valley River Tunnel. This woman-owned business offers electric pedal-assisted railbikes that make the adventure accessible for everyone, with opportunities to spot cattle, turkeys, and trout along the scenic route.
The tunnel stop includes time to explore by the river and learn about the area’s railroad history.
Adirondack Railbike Adventures – Thendara, New York
The forest canopy surrounds riders as they pedal 6 miles through the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains alongside flowing rivers. This adventure takes families into remote areas of the Adirondack Park that are otherwise difficult to access.
The round-trip journey includes a break at the halfway point where guides turn the bikes around while families stretch their legs and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Nickel Plate Railbikes – Noblesville, Indiana
The Forest Park Rail Adventure covers 7 miles through scenic Northern Hamilton County, offering families beautiful views of nature on historic Nickel Plate rails. Evening twilight rides provide a magical experience as families pedal through the peaceful countryside listening to the sounds of dusk.
The White River Family Cruise is perfect for younger children, featuring a short 15-20 minute ride with a one-hour layover in downtown Noblesville.
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Scenic Railriders – Concord, New Hampshire
This 6.4-mile adventure takes families through woodlands, farmlands, and alongside the Merrimack River on the historic Northern Railroad. Two- and four-seat railbikes can be linked together for larger families, making it perfect for multi-generational outings.
The route showcases New Hampshire’s natural beauty while providing an easy, enjoyable ride that doesn’t require any special skills or extensive physical conditioning.
Revolution Rail – North Creek, New York
The Adirondack adventure follows abandoned railroad tracks alongside the Hudson River, passing through some of the most beautiful wilderness in the Northeast. Families can choose from multiple tour lengths ranging from 3.5 to 14 miles, with seasonal options that include river tubing combinations and pumpkin picking excursions.
The company also offers unique after-dark rides, including full moon adventures that create truly magical family memories.
Skunk Train Railbikes – Fort Bragg, California
These electric-powered railbikes take families along the world-famous Redwood Route through ancient Mendocino County forests. The journey crosses majestic wooden trestle bridges and follows scenic Pudding Creek, where families can spot blue herons, osprey, river otters, and even bears during berry season.
The 50-minute layover at Glen Blair Junction includes picnic tables and a redwood loop trail perfect for family exploration.
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Sunburst Railbikes – Santa Paula, California
This 2-hour Southern California adventure guides families through citrus and avocado groves in Ventura County on tracks that have carried California’s agricultural heritage for over a century. The tour includes a stop at Prancer’s Farm, where children can pick fresh produce and meet friendly animals.
Electric-assist motors make the pedaling effortless while families enjoy the sweet scents of citrus blossoms and fresh mountain air.
Secret Valley Explorers – Boyertown, Pennsylvania
The 5-mile route takes families over creeks and through dense forests, showcasing rocks and terrain that had historical impacts on both George Washington and Thomas Edison. This unique adventure combines natural beauty with fascinating American history, making it both educational and entertaining for children.
The one-way journey concludes with a trolley car ride back to the starting point, adding an extra element of old-fashioned transportation fun.
Soarin’ Eagle Rail Tours – Hawley, Pennsylvania
Located in the scenic Pocono Mountains, this 6-mile adventure follows the Lackawaxen River through some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful countryside. Families pedal along tracks that once carried freight and passengers through these mountain valleys, with guides sharing stories about the area’s logging and railroad heritage.
The gentle terrain and stunning water views make this an ideal introduction to railbiking for families with young children.
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Wheels On Rails – Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan’s first railbike tour offers a 6-mile excursion through Northern Michigan’s beautiful countryside, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and railroad history. This family-friendly adventure has been in high demand since opening, providing an excellent way to explore areas that are typically inaccessible by car.
The moderate distance makes it perfect for families looking for an active but not overly strenuous outdoor adventure.
Essex Steam Train Railbike Adventures – Haddam, Connecticut
This 8-mile route follows the Connecticut River and passes through The Preserve, a 963-acre forest situated between Boston and New York. Families can combine their railbike adventure with the famous Essex Steam Train experience, creating a full day of vintage transportation fun.
The scenic riverside route showcases New England’s natural beauty while providing insights into the area’s important role in American railroad development.
Rail Bike Adventures – Laconia, New Hampshire
Starting from the historic train depot in Laconia, this 5-mile adventure follows the shoreline of Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire’s fourth-largest lake. Families can choose between daytime rides or magical sunset tours that showcase the lake’s shimmering waters as the sun disappears behind the mountains.
The route travels to Belmont, a rail town incorporated nearly 300 years ago, providing plenty of historical context for curious young minds.
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Carson Canyon Railbike Tours – Carson City, Nevada
This 90-minute motor-assisted adventure follows the historic Virginia & Truckee train tracks into the beautiful Carson River Canyon. Families visit the Halfway House Stage Stop, learning about railroad and stagecoach history in the American West.
The desert scenery provides a completely different rail biking experience, with stunning mountain vistas and unique geological formations that fascinate children and adults alike.
Joseph Branch Railriders – Oregon
The Pacific Northwest adventure takes families along inactive sections of the Joseph Branch Railway through forests, farmland, creeks, and marshes with the stunning Wallowa Mountains as a backdrop. Multiple tour options include a unique nighttime railbike adventure that provides a completely different perspective on the landscape. The 12-mile basic tour offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife while learning about Oregon’s logging and railroad heritage.
Vance Creek Railriders – Washington
Located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, this adventure follows the historic Simpson Logging Company Railway through some of the most pristine wilderness in the Pacific Northwest. Families pedal through old-growth forests while learning about the area’s logging history and environmental conservation efforts.
The combination of towering trees, rushing streams, and mountain views creates an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.
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Rolling Into Tomorrow
These heritage railbike adventures represent more than just family fun; they’re preserving important pieces of American transportation history while creating new memories for the next generation. Once used to carry freight, passengers, and the hopes of growing towns, these rails now carry families seeking connection—with both nature and the past.
As more abandoned rail lines find new life as recreational trails, these unique adventures ensure that the romance and importance of America’s railroad heritage continues to inspire wonder in children and adults alike.
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