Catskill Mountain Railroad Fall Foliage Adventure (2026): Dates & Tips

Last revised: August 3, 2026

By: Adam Burns

The Catskill Mountain Railroad turns Hudson Valley autumn into an easy family outing: the Catskill Fall Foliage Adventure from Westbrook Station at Kingston Plaza, through the Hurley Flats, and back. Flat cars with sun canopies, short round-trip mileage, and a dense September–October calendar make this one of New York’s most accessible dedicated foliage trains—especially for travelers based near the Mid-Hudson Valley or the Thruway corridor.

Catskill Mountain Railroad's historic RS1 401 leads an excursion during the fall season

The Catskill Mountain Railroad's operation over a short section of the historic New York Central's Catskill Mountain Branch is a great way to explore the fall colors in this part of the state. CSMRR photo.

About the Catskill Mountain Railroad

A heritage railroad based in Kingston, New York (operations since 1982), the Catskill Mountain Railroad runs tourist trains from the Westbrook Lane / Kingston Plaza station adjacent to uptown Kingston’s Stockade District. The fall product is distinct from summer Catskill Flyer service and from the later Pumpkin Express weekends.

Contact: 55 Kingston Plaza Road, Kingston, NY 12401 · (845) 332-4854.

Related: New York Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026) · National Fall Foliage Hub

2026 Fall Foliage Adventure — At a Glance

ItemDetail
Trip nameCatskill Fall Foliage Adventure
LocationWestbrook Station, Kingston Plaza, Kingston, New York
2026 datesSeptember 26–27 and October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 2026 (as published; confirm full calendar on Etix)
Departure times11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on operating dates
DurationAbout 1 hour 15 minutes
DistanceApproximately 8 miles round trip
RouteKingston / Westbrook Station through the Hurley Flats and return
PowerDiesel heritage power (confirm for your date)
ClassesOpen flat cars with sun canopies; family seating
FaresConfirm 2026 Etix prices (recent related fall pricing has listed adults roughly $19–$23 and children $13–$17 depending on product year)
Official sitecatskillmountainrailroad.com

Schedules and fares change. Confirm before travel. Information compiled August 2, 2026.

Related: Pumpkin Express

Pumpkin Express weekends follow or overlap the broader fall season as a family harvest product. Book the correct ticket type if you want pure foliage vs. pumpkin-themed rides.

What the Ride Is Like

This is a short, scenic, open-air-leaning trip—not a multi-hour mountain climb. Trains leave the Kingston Plaza area and run through the Hurley Flats agricultural and river-valley landscape, where Catskills foothills color frames the flats in a good October. Canopied flat cars maximize views and photos; dress for wind and sun.

Ideal for families with younger kids, first-time tourist railroad riders, and anyone stacking Kingston dining or a Hudson Valley weekend around a 75-minute train slot.

Peak Color Notes

Mid-Hudson / Catskill foothill color often peaks early-to-mid October, with late September trains catching early color in cool years. The published window through mid-October aligns well with regional peak.

What to Expect Onboard

  • Open/canopied cars—layers and sun protection
  • Family crowds on weekend afternoons
  • Easy plaza parking relative to remote mountain depots
  • Short outing: plan lunch in Kingston before or after

Tickets & Practical Information

  • Booking: Etix / railroad site; multiple daily departures on foliage dates
  • Base: Kingston Plaza, Kingston, NY
  • Pair with: Uptown Kingston Stockade District; Hudson River towns; multi-railroad trips with Adirondack or Arcade & Attica
  • Tickets: catskillmountainrailroad.com

Tips for the Best Experience

  • Prefer early–mid October operating days for peak odds
  • Choose 11 a.m. for cooler air and softer light
  • Book pumpkin trains separately if that is the family goal
  • Bring layers—open cars run cool even on sunny days
  • Stay off the right-of-way for photos

Related Reading on American-Rails.com

Always verify 2026 schedules, fares, and event dates on the operator’s official website before you travel.

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