Adirondack on amtrak (New York, Albany, Hudson: to move, train, car)

[SamNC]

I am thinking about heading up to NYC sometime for basically a sightseeing-photography trip, and I am considering taking the Adirondack to montral. (Amtrak)

Has anyone had any experience with this ride? If so, or even if not, when is a good time to head up there for fall foliage? The train ride is pretty long, so I want good scenery to take some photographs and look out the window.

[HomerBrink]

SamNC- I have taken this trip several times and once from Wash DC via NYC.
The route along the Hudson is very scenic and the route once past Saratoga becomes scenic again. However, it is long ride so be prepared for it. The train moves slowly along the shores of Lake Champlain so I would think photo taking ops would be pretty good. IMO, summer or early autumn would be the best time to do it. Enjoy.

[BettinaW]

I will take the Adirondack from Montreal to New York in October. I think I will take a lot of photos on this trip. Which side is the side to get the most scenic looks?

Thank you for your answers!

Bettina

[Orgnoi1]

As a railroad photographer I have a lot of knowledge of the inner workings of especially local Amtrak and freight... You will have a fairly quick and easy ride from NYC to Albany on the Adirondack... once you get north of Albany is another story though as some of the areas (most) are single tracked and Canadian Pacific, Pan-Am, and CSX do NOT prioritise Amtrak properly. Plan on an extended train time and at least an hour or two at customs and you shouldnt be too surprised in the end result. The ride is beautiful and rumor control has it that the dome car may make its second year appearance for duty on some days of the week. This was a hidden treasure last fall as many people didnt know it was on the consist and it wasnt too actively used. It allows cluttered views of the VERY scenic Adirondack mountains and surrounding area.

I hope that helps!!

[convergent]

I've taken the ride from Albany to Montreal and it wasn't too bad. We saw bald eagles flying around on the way up. We saw some guys ice fishing too... it was winter. The delay at customs is the only one we had. It was eventful too. There was this guy that had been on the train being quite talkative the whole way up to Canada. When the custom guys came on... they found that he was claiming to be from Australia going across the border and he had no passport, so they tossed him off the train. It was interesting to see.

[Ellwood]

Fall folliage should peak around October 1st, of course depending on weather.

[BettinaW]

Thank you for all your answers!

Now I have another question:
On which side of the train should I sit to take the best photos? Is it better to sit on the right or left side. I will take the Adriorndack from Montreal to New York.

Bettina

[convergent]

I would sit on the West side, which should be the left if you are going North. From NYC to Albany, everything to photograph is on the left because you are riding along the river. Once you get past Albany, however, there will be stuff on both sides. The Adirondacks are on the left... Lake Champlain is on the right. But unless you are on there at an unusually busy time, you should be able to move around anyways. At a minimum, you could hit the lounge car and maybe get a different seat.

[BettinaW]

Thank you for your answer.
I think I will take me a seat on the west side of the train.

Bettina