Anykind of day trips in northern jersey coming up?

I know there is the NYSW pumpking ride, but there is limited info on there site about it. I would like any info on a day trip or just a few hours of riding along some nice scenic spots thru NNJ/NY.

2005Vdub wrote:I know there is the NYSW pumpking ride, but there is limited info on there site about it. I would like any info on a day trip or just a few hours of riding along some nice scenic spots thru NNJ/NY.

Unfortunately there is no steam train this year on the RVL.

The only event/ride in Jersey I might recomend is the Steeplechase on the Gladstone. It occurs in late October- always around the peak of the leaf colors. While the plethora of trains is for the horse racing and all, it still will provide any railfan with a day full of glee. UNFORTUNATELY, riding the trains will entice being crowded by TONS and I mean TONS of riders- a la NEC sardine can. And also, especially after the festivities, many of the particpants are very much intoxicated- hence where the trains come in. Throw in screaming children and it is a day full of fun.

Here is my signature shot from last year:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=118793

Unfortunately, that shot is no longer possible in that form this year as they built this very unattractive metal side rail fence thing along the bridge this past summer. Oh well....

To 2005 Vdub. Pumpkin trains are every weekend from the 8th to 30th. Trains leave every hour from 11am to 3pm. Passengers can get off the train at the Pumpkin Patch to get their pumpkin. The best is that for the price of one ticket-- you can ride the steam train ALL DAY if you wish. You can't beat a deal like that! More info at 908-454-4433, or write here in this forum. Ride the Bel-Del-- 877trainride.com and Black River & Western also has Halloween events-- brwrr.com. Ride both if you can. We need your support to keep the trains running. [(:{ conductor.

Why not do a run to Pt. Jervis on a regular commuter train.

If only the C&O 614 situation didn't become sour...

That was something to see from track-side and from on the train. I remember that first time that thing ran and I had no idea. I was sleeping and off a sudden the whistle blasted right behind my house as it approached Central Ave in East Rutherford. Awesome memories!

sullivan, how long ago was that?

2005Vdub wrote:sullivan, how long ago was that?

The last trip was in 98 IIRC.

For a couple of years, Hackettstown used to have a Chocolate Festival in October. On at least one of those occassions they had an old diesel engine (it was Red. Shows how much I know about stuff) pullng a bunch of passenger cars. Is that event still happening?

njt/mnrrbuff wrote:Why not do a run to Pt. Jervis on a regular commuter train.

i've thought about that but not sure how many trains would be going up to port jervis then coming back down to hoboken.

2005Vdub wrote:

njt/mnrrbuff wrote:Why not do a run to Pt. Jervis on a regular commuter train.

i've thought about that but not sure how many trains would be going up to port jervis then coming back down to hoboken.

Enough to make it quite feasible.

Can't tell from your profile where you are or what your interstes are. But any ride on NJT or NJT and SEPTA or NJT and METRONORTH, or NJT and LIRR can be a fun day trip. Weekends are good to going into NYPEN and going to Greenport or Montauk on the LIRR. Or to and from Port Jervice, Dover, BayHead, Raritan, and Trenton (and points in between). At the Trenton end go on to Phila on Septa and return or come back via PATCO and The RIver LIne or just go to Trenton and take the River Line to Camden and Back. (Atlantic CIty is a nice addition if you got the time.)
Out of NYPEN you can to anywhere on LI and do one or more branches depending on your time availability. Or go over to GCT and do a round trip anywhere METRO NORTH goes from Poughkipsie, Wassaic, Cannan, Danbury, Waterbury, or New Haven. Got bigger bucks? Try AMTRAK trips out to Providence or Washington or Albany. Why wait for a fan trip to enjoy a ride!!!!!

Weekdays you can also add High Bridge, Hackettstown and the Pascak Valley lines to your end or begginning (PV is good to Hoboken up to 8am and back after 4pm). Additional fun: BH Light Rail and Newark City Subway. Several freinds and I will from Southern Tier of NY as early as 5am and have rode all of the above in the past 5 years. In fact, by next spring we will probably move on to all SEPTA days!

Oh, the cost is very inexpensive. Sr. Discounts help, but so does off peak one ways and round trip tickets. Even with these rates plus whatever you must spend on food, it can be cheaper than a fan trip. But what I like best of all it shows how railroads actually operate, not on a special occasion such as a fan trip, but the day to day operations: problems and good things combined. ENJOY IT!
And don't be afraid to use a bus either. Sometimes it is better to bus between the two Newark Stations than use Secaucus transfer or Hoboken and PATH. Was able to go from Hackettstown to Princeton Jct with side trip on Newark Subway by bussing between the two Newark stations. On LI able to do go to Hempstead, bus to West Hemstead to get both lines in in one day. The combinations are endles and fun. Just pick up your timetables and plan your day.

i plan on doing it soon. before i quit ntpd i was looking at all the different maps and where to go. I wanted to do the raritan line but that is to short of a trip. I may do the main line again out of hoboken all the way upto port jervis and back. Its a good 2 1/2 hour ride 1 way. Plus once into northern jersey/ny border very nice foliage.