saratoga and north creek railway

So disappointed...terrible time. The train was late to leave the station to begin with, then went out about 15 minutes, stopped and had to back all the way back to the station to get a running start due to the leaves on the track and per the Conductor, there was an extra couple of cars filled with children for the Pumpkin Patch trip and the engine was having a hard time pulling all the cars. . It started off again, and still very slowly proceeded. The 2 hour and 15 min trip turned into almost 4 hours. The conductor said we would arrive late and would not be able to have the few hour layover we were planning on. We wanted to go to Gore Mt, but wound up just having lunch and walking a bit. They told us to be back at the station to leave at 330. Train was supposed to leave at 345. At about 345, the Conductor announced they were inspecting the train and would board shortly.. We didn't board til 5p.,,we felt sorry for all the parents with children that had to hang around waiting. We went in to get refund forms and the people at the counter said the train needs a 3 hour inspection when it stops. That being the case, why weren't we permitted to spend more time off the train. She had no idea. The Conductor also commented that he only had 3 people working with him, the trip was sold out. Most everyone ordered tickets on line...so they should have been prepared. We arrived back late to the station, about an hour late. This was a very unorganized event. Would never do this again. We intend to get a refund.

I heard about the SSNC Railway from the PBS special Trains Around North America. They offer several excursions during the summer. I especially enjoyed the fall colors, as we traveled along the upper Hudson River. The train ride was smooth indicating that the tracks are well maintained. They offer a dining car and riders in the dome car have the option to enjoy a meal and beverage service. Beverages were also available in coach. I enjoyed the layover in North Creek. There are a variety of places to eat and shop. There was a live bluegrass band playing on main street and there was a shuttle service for those who needed assistance as well as those who wanted to visit the Ski Resort. The people were friendly. I plan to return so that I can experience the view from the dome car.

This was a very enjoyable trip. The train was round trip from Saratoga, with North Creek as the mid way point. The conductor was very entertaining and the seats were comfortable. We made our reservation with another couple, but many couples were dining alone.The fish was good and the service was very good. We enjoyed the view and the experience. The station was closed upon our return, so you may want to visit the restrooms on the train before finishing your trip.

I called today to make reservations for a trip in August. Even though the Saratoga North Creek Railroad website shows availability for the dome car seating, the Groupon voucher CAN NOT be used to reserve dome car seating. (Diamond class) I was told I can upgrade the day of the trip if seats are available. (I was also told this probably wont be the case because these seats normally sell out) So even though the restricted reservation information is not on my voucher or on the Groupon site I am unable to reserve the seats I wanted. I say shame on the Saratoga & North creek Railroad, this is a sham. I am giving a poor rating because of this crooked practice. They could have / should have had this information on the voucher. (Maybe the trip will change my opinion and my rating?)

Do NOT patronize this train. We went on a warm day in June, and they were negligent in allowing the train to take on passengers. They had serious Air Conditioning issues the previous day (lost ALL power after losing AC), and they had the same issues on our trip - NO AIR CONDITIONING AND NO WINDOWS TO OPEN. People were getting dehydrated, and some elderly folks looked like they were going to pass out. We paid $80 for the Dome Car, and it was a brutal and miserable ride. They did not even respond to emails from us. They clearly are only in this to make money, and they don't care about the welfare of their passengers.

Nice relaxing jaunt on a double-decker car. Try for the upper level if possible, the food is actually quite good.

We spent Memorial Day on the Saratoga/North Creek train. The trip up from Saratoga was really beautiful, following the Hudson most of the way, slowing up to see some of the sights. Since we were "between" seasons, North Creek was a little quiet, but the stores & restaurants open were great, and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. Our conductor was super! Friendly, funny, and informative. The staff driving the shuttle bus were great as well, we actually felt like tourists, instead of visitors from less than an hour away. A really nice, relaxing way to see the north country.

Very happy with our trip fromSaratoga Springs to North Creek. We enjoyed the ride up in the dome car, having snacks and pleasant conversation with the staff. We decided to have dinner on the way back. The meals were all (4) delicious, hot and generously portioned. Would do this again in a heart beat, the staff are very friendly and helpful.

Up for the foliage. Unfortunately chose the wrong side to sit on not knowing the side next to the platform (Saratoga) would travel along the river and the other side had little view. Due to delays on our line on way home (they were loading a few disabled folks with wheelchairs and walkers, the other line filled our car and we couldn't get a good view on the way back as well. Still enjoyed ourselves and we were able to look over across the aisle and out at the river view time to time. My husband and I ate breakfast in the dining car on the way up to North Creek and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Very 20 stylish type environment. Food was delicious and definitely worth it. This was something that we asked about when we saw a staff person come through our car. They did not announce the dining car availability. I didn't want to hog the table and only spent about 3/4 hour there but we very much enjoyed the experience. We opted not to take the tour bus shuttle in North Creek but it is nice to know there is one. We traveled coach. Luckily, we didn't have to share our seat square with strangers as it would have been awkward. Both my husband and I are tall and we would have been banging knees with each other or with strangers. (Seats face each other) Might consider going again but springing for dome car and hopefully might be able to get side along Hudson. Fall time is great time to take this trip. There is a 3 hour layover so plan accordingly. We made the mistake of trying to walk to the chocolate "factory" which after 3/4 hr walking we realized the map they gave us was not to scale. Shops in town were interesting.

We signed up for this thinking that riding in a Dome Car would be so scenic. Not so! There was only one lookout to observe. As for the train ride, the Dome Car was clean, the tables were neatly set with linens and all and the staff was wonderful, courteous, friendly - willing to please. We looked for info about North Creek at the Saratoga Springs station - but found very little. I suggested to one of the North Creek shop owners that it would be nice to have that info in hand as you're travelling. We didn't realize you could take the bus to Gore or that the Candy Shoppe was a mile away. Not trying to be too critical but it would be helpful - for planning the day.We're happy that we took the trip - but wouldn't do it again.

My friend (from Texas) and I decided to take the train from North Creek to Saratoga to do a little shopping and just have a "girls" day.We had a great time! We ate both ways and the food was excellent and VERY reasonable. We were in the Dome car and everything was very clean, well kept and classy.The Conductor and other attendants were more than cordial and friendly. I plan on taking my mother and husband again in the fall.Thank you for a great trip!

Rode the rails on 6-29-13. Great trip - just the right length for a family. Two + hours each way, a bit over three in town. Classy ride, great food, super staff.The town has interesting shops and good food. Super chocolate!We would never again take the side trip up Gore Mountain. Way over priced, nasty staff,

Road the train from Hadley Friday night in the dark in the "first class car" where there was bar and food service. They loaded our bags and had our reserved tickets on a table awaiting our arrival. Staff was very friendly, service was excellent (we only had drinks but others riding north from Saratoga said the dinner food selections were excellent).Train ride was slow but we weren't in a rush. Arrived in North Creek on time. There were only 6 of us riding north Friday night. Returned Sunday, train left the station one hour late (again we weren't in a rush). A full first class car on the trip south. We had a phillycheese steak and drinks. Only complaint was the temperature in the car on the way home was chilly. After waiting on the platform for an hour it was a chilly ride home. We'll definitely ride the train north again to ski at GORE!

I found this place from a blog and really wanted to see it on our travels this past week. The railroad is adorable. We drove by car but the train is accessible from Saratoga Springs to North Creek with lunch available in the dining car etc.They have a shuttle available to town or it is a short walk to shops, lodging and food. After talking to one of the employees I hear they are expanding services as far as what they will haul on this particular railroad which is good to hear. There was a small gift shop and a museum. The museum was not open when we were there so I can't comment on that. I suggest you check train schedule so you can be there when one arrives.

Did a Monday run from Saratoga. Did not do the 3hr. layover since we were not sure of shuttle service to Main St. The view was truly impressive, breakfast was very good and coach was clean and comfortable. Were able to walk to dining Dome car to eat. Ride was smooth. We added dinner in Saratoga Springs and an hour at the Casino. Full, fun day!!!