If you are planning a trip to BEAUTIFUL New England, you’ll want to include a few stops in Rhode Island. Boating is a big part of the culture in Rhode Island. But if you want to see Narragansett Bay from a different angle, you’ll want to book a tour with ‘Rail Explorers USA‘. This unique perspective has you reverting to the rails. Whether you’re the outdoorsy type or a history buff, this experience is for everyone!
We first heard about ‘Rail Explorers’ while wandering the aisles of the Boston Travel & Adventure Show this past winter. As we neared their booth, a large, bright red pedal cart began to fill our view. It was very curious indeed. We chatted up the staff to learn more about the vehicle. It was clear that this was a very unique activity. We decide then and there that we are absolutely going to need to try ‘Rail Explorers’ for ourselves! And we decide to do so on a beautiful summer day in July.
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on a service that was provided to the authors in exchange for an honest review of their experience with Rail Explorers USA. All opinions are 100% that of Staying Afloat Blog.
Rail Explorers: The Northern Ramble
Based in Portsmouth, RI, ‘Rail Explorers’ has several types of trips to choose from. For our excursion, we selected “The Northern Ramble”. This six mile section of track travels past several historically significant sites. As part of your trip, you receive a ~3’x5′ guide book, which highlights these sites for your viewing pleasure. Other tours include ‘The Southern Circuit’ and ‘Fireside Tours’ (complete with s’mores!). They also feature Saturday & Sunday Brunch trips, which include mimosas, bloody marys, muffins, fruit and coffee.
We are scheduled for the 11:30am tour, so we arrive at 11:15am to check in. The office is easy enough to locate using Google Maps, and is well marked upon arrival. We park in the large, shaded parking lot and make our way across the tracks to the main office. The office is a little, blue cabin sitting on a shady patch of grass with plenty of seating, and corn hole boards. They also have restrooms and a photo opp at your disposal, as you await the beginning of your tour. We peruse the gift shop as we wait for our tour to begin. Our particular session has us take a 15 minute coach bus ride to the northern end of the track. There, at Hummocks Station, our chariots awaits us.
Rail Explorer Guides
Upon arriving at Hummocks Station, one of the guides boards the bus to provide us a humor packed safety briefing. Next, we disembark in search of our ‘Tandem’ rail explorer. As we make our way along the platform, we search for a two person explorer with our name on it. Ours was the second to last in the row. There is a cart designated to a guide who brings up the rear. We settle in to our cart and wait our turn to start our journey.
The rail explorer carts come with two seats (Tandem) or four seats (Quad) to accommodate pairs and groups.
There are several guides dedicated to each of the ‘Rail Explorer’ trips. They start by ensuring everyone is settled and buckled in prior to starting their ride. Next, they conduct the procession of carts. The guides are great at spacing out the carts to ensure everyone’s experience is relatively exclusive. There are several hundred yards in between carts. They also take your photo as you begin your ride, and once more mid-ride, at the Mount Hope Bridge. Additionally, you’ll encounter them along the track, ensuring that every explorer traverses any road crossings safely. All of our guides were very pleasant and helpful, which made for a wonderful experience!
Are the Rails Active?
Surprisingly, yes! But generally, trains are creatures of habit and have a very specific schedule. The ‘Rail Explorer’ tours have been scheduled around any potential train activity on the track, to maximize your enjoyment!
We came to find out that the land itself is shared between the State and the Navy. The great part about this is that it means much of the land is untouched! This feature adds to the natural beauty of your trip.
What You’ll See
There are 15 landmarks along ‘The Northern Ramble’ route. Each of these has historic value, as is described in the little book you’ll receive before your tour. We’ve included photos of a couple of the highlighted sites above.
Additionally, you’ll see native New England flora and fauna in all it’s glory! Our trip was peppered with monarch butterflies and common species of bird. The rails are lined by various wild flower including pokeweed, staghorn sumac and many other local plants.
Did we mention the rail sits alongside Narragansett Bay? You’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay as it comes in and out of focus along your trip.
What Should I Bring?
- Close toed shoes
- Long sleeve (just in case)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Drinking water (also available at the main office)
- Snacks
- Fido ( yep! the cart’s are pet friendly)
Each of the carts has a grate ‘floor’ so there’s no risk of falling through the bottom of the cart onto the rails. Your cart also has a small storage bin in which you can place your personal belongings during the ride. They even provide an umbrella should it start to rain on your cruise.
How was our Rail Explorers experience?
FANTASTIC! From beginning to end. The staff were helpful, the carts are comfortable and the views were stunning. The adjustable pedals made for a comfortable, low impact trip. While the tours are conducted rain or shine, we had a GORGEOUS summer day for our first ‘Rail Explorers’ experience. It was in the mid-70s with a gentle breeze near the water. We can only imagine it would be a wonderful ride to experience in the fall as well then the leaves are changing and the air is crisp.
‘Rail Explorers’ is an ecotourism activity that is good for the environment and good for the whole family. If you aren’t planning to be in the New England area, they also have trips in the Catskills (NY) and Las Vegas (NV). So head over to the Rail Explorers website and book your first rail explorers trip!
Do you think this is something you would try?
I am trying to plan an autumn getaway for my family(older children–teens/young adults)
This would be perfect; I’m so glad you shared it!
I love unique and fun vacation ideas!
Thank you!
We bet this would be a STUNNING activity in the fall Melissa! They have 2 and 4 person carts, so depending on the size of your traveling group. No doubt the ‘children’ will really enjoy it as well. Happy travels!
It seems like a fun way to get a full tour. I love the cart idea it makes the experience more interesting.
Most definitely Chastity! The carts are so innovative and make for such a unique experience. We had a great time 🙂
This looks like a totally cool way to explore an area. I love sitting by the window on a train, but slower and outdoors, and getting some exercise at the same time seems idea.
This sounds like the perfect activity for you Rhonda 😉 Can’t beat it on a beautiful day! Thanks for dropping in!
Now THIS looks like so much fun! A great way to see the countryside! I’d love to do this with my husband.
It most definitely was Romy! We hope you get a chance to check it out 🙂
The rail explore seems like an interesting event and the good things are there are a number of nice backdrop and scenery.
Kumamonjeng it really was a great experience and we hope to get back to try another one of their trails. The scenery truly was gorgeous and hard to capture in only the few photos we posted.
Wow your Rail explorers experience sounds fun. Can’t wait to visit Portsmouth, RI
We’re glad that came through in the post Netski! Definitely add it to your ‘To Do List’ if you find yourself in New England.
Oh wow I would love to do this! What a way to explore a new area
We bet you would Jenni! We were so excited to find out about this fun new way to experience an area we were familiar with. It put a whole new perspective on the area and we loved every minute of it!
wow! looks like so much fun! I would so love to try it and have a ride for myself!
Definitely Lyosha! We truly had a wonderful time and highly recommend taking a ride if you get the opportunity!
I’ve been to Rhode Island but not to Portsmouth. The place looks so charming and awesome! Will check it for sure next time i am around.
Yes Chad! And so much local history which we had no idea about. We hope you get a chance to check it out 🙂
This looks like such an interesting activity! And your photos are GORGEOUS! I love trying things that are a little different, so thanks for highlighting this one!
Thanks so much for the compliment Stephanie! It is definitely worth checking out if you get a chance. Have a great summer!
omg this looks like so much fun. i wish i had something like this near me. but then again it’s another reason to add to the list about why we need to visit RI.
Yes Val! It’s a great way to check out a new destination for sure. Hopefully you get a chance to check it out!
I’m so happy to find this! I remember seeing rail explorers on tv quite a while ago now but I didn’t catch where it was. Now I know 🙂 🙂 Saving your post to my MapPost and my next US roadtrip … sooo excited!
No kidding Gabby! Was it an ad or a spot on a show? Let us know when you’ll be in the Northeast next and maybe we can grab a coffee! Happy travels 🙂
Oh wow! I’m not sure I could ever leave that place. it is absolutely one of the most
I was definitely a great way to spend an afternoon Alexandra. We hope to get back and check out one of their other trails.
Very timely post. Planning to head out to Rhode Island next week to visit some cousins.
Perfect Aditi! You’ll have to stop back in and let us know how it goes. Happy travels 🙂
This is so unique! And perfect if you don’t want to walk everywhere. The views in Portsmouth really do look amazing.
Yes Elizabeth! Very unique indeed, and a great way to cover 6 miles at a leisurely pace.
Wow this looks like so much fun. I’m sure you got your exercise in for a whole month.
Haha Kisha Rose! It was surprisingly low impact and quite leisurely. Thanks for stopping by!
this was a good read! I guess i know what to do if ever in Portsmouth
Thanks for saying so Jasmine! Always happy to share fun new adventures with new friends.
I’ve never visited Portsmouth, RI but I see lots of great activities that my family would love to do. Those carts would be the first thing we do!
Rhode Island has so many great things to offer for such a tiny state! We absolutely love it and hope you get there soon.
Wow! This is so cool and something new for me, to explore and enjoy Narragansett Bay by riding a rail. We are planning a New England road trip, so this will be in my bucket list. Besides, they are pet friendly!
Yes Umiko! Definitely make it a point to check out on your trip to the Northeast. The pet friendly factor is definitely tops! Happy travels 🙂
oh my gosh! this looks so cool. what a great way to explore new places. I want to check it out!!! thanks for sharing!
You bet Melissa! Always happy to share fun new experiences with like minded folks 🙂 Happy travels!
I had no idea the rails were active that is quite interesting and kind of cool, like your cycling on a real working railroad
Right?! We were a little shocked as well but there truly is no risk. If you find yourself in the area, definitely check it out Allie!
We are planning to try it out soon. Can you share how long it takes you to complete the 6 miles as well as which path has better scenery, the northern or southern. Thanks
Hi Van, apologies for the delayed response! The 6 miles took us about 2.5 hours to complete. We only did the Southbound trail (which was beautiful) but have heard the Northbound trail is also quite spectacular! If you’ve already gone, we hope you enjoyed your time!!
Very nice blog. I bookmark it for further reading. Keep it up!
https://www.nrimb.com/
Thank you so much Christina! We hope to see you back again soon 🙂
After reading this blog post I must say that Portsmouth will be on my list of places to go for my next east coast road trip. Thanks for sharing!
That’s great to hear Paul! We are always happy to inspire folks to visit new destinations. Happy travels!
This is very really unique helpful information. keep it up. Thank you so much!
You bet Martina! We are always happy to share our experiences in hopes to inspire 🙂 Happy adventuring!
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I really hope to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own site now 😉
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