Skip to Main Content Jump to Main Content
Hero Background Dots
X
X

Discover the Birthplace of America’s Commercial Railroad

 

Take a nostalgic ride through the majestic Northern Pocono Mountains.

Nearly 200 years ago, a portly, English-born, steam-powered locomotive fired up on the wood and iron tracks of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company in Honesdale. It was the historic first run of The Stourbridge Lion. It was a bit heavy for the track. And, though it was soon retired from service, that little engine sparked what became America’s first commercial railroad. For the remainder of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial boom trains carried coal along the famous Gravity Railroad. Eventually, the railroad expanded services to also include passenger cars.

Today, though most of the coal has been shipped out, you can still relive a little of that fascinating history. The Stourbridge Line in Honesdale runs seasonal passenger car excursions along 25 scenic miles in the Pocono Mountains. The trains operate through both Honesdale and Hawley and they include trips as far as Lackawaxen.

 

 

A comfortable ride through nature and time.

The Stourbridge Line features meticulously restored passenger cars. The historically accurate coaches depict an era of passenger rail travel between the 1920s and 1950s. The Table Car provides booth seating with small tables. It’s not uncommon to catch families playing a board game, or enjoying snacks in their private booth. The 1950s coach offers cushioned seats and an unmatched mid-century authenticity. The comfortable, open window coaches are also equipped with restrooms.

 

 

Enjoy a whole summer of scenic, round-trip excursions.

Most excursions on The Stourbridge Line run between 1 and 3.5 hours. Each route carries passengers through the dense pine forests of the Pocono Mountains. They thunder beside the rolling Lackawaxen River along the stacked stone walls of the Gravity Railroad. Occasionally, majestic bald eagles circle overhead. Bring your camera along and capture the stunning scenery. Or, just sit back and experience a comfortable mountain rail cruise. The Stourbridge Line operates from President’s Day through the fall foliage season. And the summer months are full of awesome, sunny excursions. Take a trip through NEPA history and nature on one of these family-friendly, warm weather journeys.

Ice Cream Express

Hop aboard for a 2-hour, round trip journey to Hawley with the promise of a sweet reward. Tasty sundaes, made with delicious, local ice cream, greet you at the halfway mark. And when the treats are done, there’s just enough time to head back on a sunset ride along the Lackawaxen River.

Farmers Market Explorer

Enjoy a fun Friday at the farmers market on this 3.5-hour trip from Honesdale to Hawley. Spend 2 hours exploring downtown Hawley’s popular summer market at Bingham Park. Visit shops along Main Street and grab a bite to eat before making your way back to Honesdale.

Glen Eyre Express

Journey along the river toward the edge of the Poconos on this 2.5-hour long scenic excursion. Board the train in Honesdale and make your way through Hawley and eastward to Lackawaxen. Enjoy a stop at the historic site of the Glen Eyre Station near the New York / Pennsylvania border.

Lackawaxen Limited

The Lackawaxen River Valley is the star of the show on this 3.5-hour trip through the stunning Pocono landscape. Catch views of the famous Delaware & Hudson Canal, soaring bald eagles and other river wild life.

Pocono Express

Take in the majesty of the lush Northern Pocono Mountains on this relatively quick, 1.5-hour round trip jaunt. The excursion begins in Honesdale and makes its way southward to Hawley along the scenic river and forested hillsides.

Glen Eyre Express

Hop on board for this shortened version of the Glen Eyre Limited. Start your trip at the Hawley Station and enjoy a relaxing 1-hour round trip run to Lackawaxen and the site of the former Erie Railroad Glen Eyre Station.

Movie Train Express

Bring a comfy camp chair for this unique, 3.5-hour end-of-summer excursion. The trip departs at 6:30 pm and heads to an outdoor theater. Enjoy a family-friendly film, free popcorn and other concessions at what they call “The Train-in Theater”.

 

 

Take a ride anytime, all year long with an exclusive season pass.

Summer is a great time to hit the rails, but you have a whole year and three more exciting seasons to explore. The Stourbridge Line also features a stable of colorful fall foliage excursions and holiday-themed rides. Don’t miss the beautiful, snowy landscapes aboard the Christmas Train. Keep your eye out for hidden eggs on the Easter Bunny Train. And pick out your future Jack O’ Lantern on the Pumpkin Patch Express.

There are plenty of reasons to enjoy a family-friendly ride along the rails through the Northern Pocono Mountains. Now, with a season pass from the Stourbridge Line, you hop aboard for 20 months of unlimited “regular train” rides. Check out the details here.