Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Transportation in Central New York underwent a transformation in the early part of the 19th century with the completion of the Erie Canal and New York Central and Hudson River Railroads. With people and goods now traveling more easily and more quickly than ever before across New York State, as well as the increased pressure to utilize natural resources of the northern part of the state, the Adirondacks began to experience an influx of people. In addition to loggers, trappers, and hunters, many wealthy families began to construct estates in the Adirondacks, today known as the "Great Camps." Roads, difficult to construct through the heavily wooded and mountainous terrain were not practical for transportation of large quantities of goods or wealthier families, accustomed to a higher class of transportation.

Dr. William Seward Webb, a medical doctor by trade, president of the Wagner Palace Car Company, and husband of Lila Vanderbilt, of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, figured the best way to access Nehasane Park, his large hunting preserve to the north, was by train. In 1890, he financed a railroad into the Adirondack wilderness, work on the line started the next year and was completed in just 18 months. The rail line was a significant engineering feat for its day. Starting in Remsen, the line travels up 1,135 feet to its highest point at Big Moose Lake, at 2,035 feet. The line itself includes 17 bridges over several bodies of water as well as a large number of buildings, constructed along the line to support rail operations, many of which are still standing or in use today.

nitiating development of rail and coordinated trail based education and historical projects.

To complete the restoration of the remaining track between Saranac Lake and Carter Station, north of Old Forge.

To restore service between the end points of Lake Placid and Utica.

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