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Special Features

Bikes, Barges and Trains (Part 2)

©May 2005 by Peter Lynn

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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride: Connecticut

Area Mountain Bike Trails: Coastal Connecticut

With a hiss of steam, blast of the whistle and call of "all aboard" begin your journey back to the era of the steam railroad aboard the Essex Steam Train. Historic coal-fired locomotives pull faithfully restored passenger coach cars. The train is operated by the Valley Railroad Company.  Starting in Essex, the 12 mile, 1-hour tour takes passengers through the beautiful Connecticut River Valley countryside. Scenic highlights incude forests, streams, and quaint towns. This is a four season operation. The draw of fall foliage is obvious, but winter provides a very different experience with the steam and smoke rising against a snowy landscape.

The train travels north from Essex Station through the towns of Deep River and Chester, at times running along the Connecticut River. It passes the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek, prime habitat for birds such as cormorants, ducks, swans, geese, Great Blue Heron, egrets and even an occasional bald eagle.

Experience the valley from a different perspective and purchase a combined ticket for both the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Ride. At Deep River Landing, you will board a riverboat for a trip up the Connecticut River to East Haddam. Tickets for the Steam Train and Riverboat are sold separately.

Special events include Caboose Weekends, a Gillette Castle Connection, A Day Out with Thomas, Santa Special, North Pole Express and the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival. Enjoy a four course meal in a restored 1920s Pullman car aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. The Essex Station complex includes a gift shop, café, museum, historic trains, railroad equipment and structures. Check the website or call for schedule, fares and event dates.

The railroad  began service in 1871. The Valley Line was never a major rail success because the area was sparsely settled with few  passengers and little freight. It was resurrected a hundred years later in 1971 and the unspoiled nature of the area is now the major reason for its current success.

Contact information:

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
The Valley Railroad Company
One Railroad Avenue, P.O. Box 452
Essex, CT 06426

Phone: 860-767-0103 or 800-377-3987
Website: www.essexsteamtrain.com