2018-19 Southern Adirondack Guide

The Sanford Line
In 1942 the US government started an extension of the rail
line between North Creek and the Tahawus Mine to haul Titanium
for the World War II war effort. Before that time, Titanium was
shipped from India to the US but that supply was cut off due to
shipping restrictions caused by war.
The new rail line to Tahawus was dubbed the Sanford Line.
The 30-mile extension was estimated at $2.5 million but ended
up totaling $4.5 million because of extra building costs due to the
mountainous terrain and Hudson River crossing.
While the Sanford Line was being constructed, National Lead
Company built a new mill complex on Sanford Lake in 1941-42.
The mill produced titanium dioxide and iron oxide at the Tahawus
location.
In 1944 the first train ran to Tahawus/Sanford Lake. The first
diesel-electric locomotives on the Delaware &Hudson Railroad
were purchased for this branch.
Mine owner/operator National Lead Industries extracted and
shipped 40 million tons of titanium via the Sanford Line until the
mine closed in 1989.
Older Rail Riders on the trains that brought materials out of
the mine say it is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful stretches
of track in the country. And for many years no one could see it.
However, in 2017 Revolution Rail Co opened up this magnificent
line for you.
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Explore The Adirondacks By Railbike!
See the Adirondacks in a brand-new way this summer with
Revolution Rail Co.’s railbike tours!
Founders Robert Harte and Michael Dupee launched Revolution
Rail Co. in 2017, with a goal of sharing the railbiking experience
with everyone who loves the Adirondacks.
“We are excited to build on a terrific first year and share this
fun family activity with even more people in 2018,” said Harte.
“It’s such a fantastic way to get outside, get a little exercise,
and experience the Adirondacks in a way that you just can’t ottherwise,”
added Dupee.
This innovative new excursion business operates out of the
historic North Creek Railroad Station. Once railbikers check in at
the station, they take a short shuttle bus ride 5 miles north of town
to the tour launch point. After a safety briefing, tour leaders take
the railbikers further north on a 7 mile round trip adventure. The
tour takes riders through the beautiful Adirondack forest along the
banks of the Hudson River, and then over the Hudson on a spectacular
trestle bridge, where railbikers take a short break before
turning for home, returning to the launch point and boarding the
shuttle bus for the ride back to the station.
Ride through the woods and over the Hudson River
on a 200-foot trestle bridge.
Railbikes designed and manufactured in Vermont.
Travel on track never before open to passengers
3 Railroad Place, North Creek, NY 12853
30 minutes from Lake George
Railbikers may choose to reserve two-seat (tandem) or fourseat
(quad) bikes, depending on the size of their party. Total trip
Book online or call 518-251-2345
time is approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Tours are
offered at 1030, 1230, 230, and 430 daily, with additional time
slots and special events added throughout the summer. Revolution WWW.REVRAIL.COM
Rail is open seven days a week between June 20 and Labor Day
and Thursdays through Sundays after Labor Day.
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