Scenic RailRiders
4.8(742)google
4.9(15)yelp
FamilyYouth-FriendlyOutdoorInteractiveHands-OnSportsRiver
Overview
Located along the historic railroad tracks in the town of Woodstock, Scenic RailRiders provides an incredibly unique, active outdoor recreational experience that allows visitors to pedal along custom-engineered rail bikes. Utilizing a decommissioned segment of the historic Boston and Maine Railroad, participants can choose two-person or four-person vehicles to glide effortlessly over the steel rails. The guided tour meanders alongside the beautiful riverbanks, passes through dense pine forests, and crosses sweeping trestle bridges, providing a historic perspective of the rugged New England countryside.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
WedClosed
Thu10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeOperates from late May to mid-October, with early October foliage rides being the most sought-after slots (Note: These guided custom railbike excursions sell out instantly; you must pre-book your specific multi-person pedal car seat online months in advance). Opt strictly for the morning's first 8:30 AM tour departure; morning mist still hangs over the historic railroad steel tracks along the Merrimack River valley under crisp foliage templates.
Getting ThereThe historic railbike tour depot is situated in Woodstock at 188 S Main Street. Accessible strictly by car: from I-93 Exit 32, immediately turn right south onto US-3 S (South Main Street) and drive south along the river curves for exactly 2 miles. The launch station shack will be highly visible on your right, backed by its own high-capacity, free paved asphalt guest parking plaza outside the main track gates.
Travel Tips
- Rail biking operates in locked convoy formations; late arrivals cannot join active flights and forfeit tickets, making check-in 30 minutes early mandatory.
- Vehicles offer zero overhead canopy seals; operating open umbrellas while pedaling is banned for safety, requiring technical rain gear or sun apparel.
- Exposed mechanical drive chains pose entanglement risks; flip-flops, flowing dresses, and long scarves are legally banned from the tracks.
Reviews
Positive
- An incredibly novel and fun outdoor experience where you pedal custom four-wheel rail-bikes along a scenic, decommissioned historic railroad track.
- Gliding through dense canopies, peaceful riverbanks, and open meadows, the natural scenery along the track is beautifully refreshing and serene.
- Top-notch service and crowd control; staff provide a humorous yet strict safety briefing before departure and guide the group for great peace of mind.
- The bikes feature easy-rolling setups that make pedaling light and effortless, equipped with cup holders, creating great value for family bonding.
Heads up
- Since the tour departs as a uniform group, your pedaling pace is restricted by the bike in front of you, with no freedom to stop and take photos.
- Ticket prices can add up heavily for large families, and due to strictly limited bike inventory, booking online weeks in advance is mandatory.
- The miles-long open-air track offers zero shade or shelter midway, making you fully vulnerable if a sudden rainstorm or extreme heat hits.
- The gravel and dirt base of the launch lot gets muddy on rainy days, and transitioning on and off the rail-bikes can be awkward for mobility-impaired guests.