Rail Explorers: Elk River Division

My friend and I had a blast doing the Rail explorers that we have already planned to come back next year. The staff were great. They were friendly and professional at the same time. If you want to experience and get immersed in the fall foliage, this is the perfect place to go and do it. The rail cart was very easy to pedal and hardly has any resistance where you feel like you’re spending more of your energy pedaling than enjoying the view. The rail offers tandem or a 4 seater that can also accommodate little ones. There is also a place to put your personal items in between the cart seats. There is also a pit stop where they turn the carts back around and you can relax and stretch your legs, take pictures, eat your snacks or drinks before riding back to base.

This was so cute ❤️ It is definitely cool for all ages, there was anywhere from 6-65 riding today, and it was such a sweet experience in the fall! The ride is not fast, but it can go kind of fast, if you like to do new and different things this is for you! 🫶🏼☺️ It was beautiful, me and my brother had so much fun!! Definitely make sure you book in advance and arrive on time.

Lots of fun! The rail cars were super easy to pedal. Fall time was a great decision too bc of all the changing colors. Was a little chilly so a blanket was necessary but each rail cart has an umbrella for every seat and the staff hands out ponchos before departure.

My husband planned us an awesome surprise, drove over 3 hours and I never thought we'd ever be able to experience something like this. We took a magical lantern ride under the beautiful moonlight. It was so much fun. We are going to do it in the daylight next time, because we will be doing this again. You can pack food for the turn around spot. There's a basket on the railcar that is plenty big to hold a little trips worth. You are allowed to drink just be responsible. It does get cold so layer up, bring a coat, blanket, hot hands. Make sure to cover your face (I was so excited I didn't Mom myself and I'm sick. Haha) NO POTTY AT THE TURN AROUND. Be aware of weather related events that would make you reschedule. (We got rained out and my husband was so upset, but he got it rescheduled.) Also I found out it's really hard to reserve a Quad (4 people). The bathrooms are wonderful, clean and heated. Staff was all very nice. They have a pin board map to mark where you came from. Recommendations for Rail Explorers: (we were there for the evening lantern ride and time changed the same day) I think if you could add some solar lights to the waterfall, the train wreck, along the creek and at the turn around under the bridge. I think a big (or smaller) firepit to warm up (I have a medical condition of breaking out in hives from the cold). I'm not sure which way the water runs, but I think it would be neat to let solar lights go down the creek just to see the creek a little and then they can be collected in the creek with a little net or something. Just so you highlight beautiful things in the dark too. **Thank you for the magical night. My husband will have a hard time topping this anniversary.

We arrived early, but were able to check in. After hitting the small gift shop and picking up a bag of pepperoni rolls, we had a quick snack before getting under way. Once we were aboard our car, we headed out. Even though there were around twenty cars on this trip, we were spaced out enough to where it felt like we were the only ones on the rails. The scenery was beautiful and we had a blast. The staff was very friendly and helpful. A quick note. It is a bit cooler when you are riding along under the trees, so a windbreaker might come in handy depending on how early or late in the season you go.

My husband and I enjoyed this a lot! The bikes have electric motors to assist so not hard to bike, at least 1 person has to keep momentum going once it is moving and the motor keeps you going. The faster that person paddlers the faster the motor goes. Great views through the forest along mountain and river scenery. Staff was great! I do recommend bringing a sit-upon or cushion for the seats as it is a bumpy ride.

We rode the Elk River Rail Explorers on 10/13/2025. It was an absolute fabulous experience. The workers were very informative and very polite. Around the Check in building were chairs and picnic tables and fire pits. When you were at the last stop before turning around and going back, they had chairs and a great place for a picnic on the Buffalo Creek sandbar. It was not a strenous ride at all. It was a delightful experience. JoAnn Perry

Rented 2 quads for the 7 of us. They sell seat cushions for $10 and I can't recommend these more. Butt saver!! We had a blast! It was beautiful scenery and great weather. Well worth the trip.