Rail Explorers

What Rail Explorers does

Rail Explorers is a privately held US tourism operator founded in 2015 by Mary Joy Lu and Alex Catchpoole that runs the only commercial railbike tour fleet in the United States built specifically for large-scale operations. The company's core product consists of pedal-powered steel rail vehicles — Tandem Explorers (2 riders) and Quad Explorers (up to 4 riders), most equipped with the proprietary REX Propulsion System, a custom-built electric assist motor that makes pedaling effortless and enables access for riders across physical ability levels. Tours operate across six divisions in California, Kentucky, Iowa, New York (Catskills), West Virginia, and Rhode Island, each co-located with a partner historic railroad (e.g., Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad, Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum) that provides track access on existing corridors, eliminating greenfield construction requirements.

The business sells directly to consumers through its e-commerce website, a centralized phone booking line (877-833-8588), and on-site walk-ins, with tickets priced per vehicle rather than per person. Standard tours range from $75 to $220 per vehicle depending on location (e.g., $75 Tandem in Catskills, NY to $220 Quad in Boone, IA), while premium themed experiences — Brunch, Sunset, Fireside, and Lantern tours — command higher price points (e.g., $145 Tandem Brunch Tour in Rhode Island). The company supplements tour revenue with cash value and location-specific gift cards sold in physical and digital formats, plus a 2.75% per-transaction booking fee and a 10% group discount for parties of 10 or more. Distribution relies on organic channels — website, email newsletter, Instagram (@RailExplorersUSA), TripAdvisor reviews — supplemented by an extensive cross-promotion network of local hotels, restaurants, and activity partners offering 10-25% discounts to riders.

The company has scaled from a two-person founding team to over 200 employees, operates 160+ railbikes, and crossed 1 million lifetime riders in October 2025. Customer segments are broad and horizontal, spanning multi-generational families, group events and celebrations (corporate, weddings, reunions), accessibility-focused riders, and local/visiting tourists. Marketing mix includes earned media (Bravo's Real Housewives of Rhode Island), social, and partner referrals; the company maintains a 100% claimed safety record and was forced to relocate from its original Adirondack, NY location in 2016-2017 when a state-led rails-to-trails conversion destroyed the corridor, after which it re-established operations in Rhode Island and built out its current six-division footprint.

Name

Rail Explorers

Legal name

Rail Explorers

Website

https://railexplorers.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rail Explorers operates the only US commercial railbike tourism fleet, offering pedal-powered railbike tours (Tandem and Quad) with electric-assist across six locations in partnership with historic railroads, serving families, groups, and accessibility-focused leisure travelers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Railbike Tourism / Outdoor Recreation Experiences

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land (48711), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487), Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury/Tourist Scenic Intercity Rail Operators (THAIAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rail Journey Package Tour Operators (THAKADAN), Tourist/Heritage Regional Rail (Commuter-Adjacent) Services (THAIACAJ)

Keywords

• Railbike tourism tours
• Pedal-powered excursions
• Scenic railway adventures
• Outdoor recreation experiences
• Eco-tourism activities

Headquarters

HQ city

Portsmouth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Railbike Tour Tickets: Primary revenue stream from selling tickets for guided railbike tours. Tours are priced per vehicle (Tandem Explorer for 2 riders or Quad Explorer for 4 riders) rather than per person. Pricing varies by location and type of tour (standard, specialty, premium). Additional revenue from booking fees (2.75% per transaction).
2. Gift Cards: Sale of gift cards in various denominations ($50, $100) and location-specific amounts. Gift cards can be redeemed for Tandem or Quad Explorers at any location. Additional revenue from $5 physical card and postage fees.
3. Premium Tours and Experiences: Specialty tour offerings including Brunch Tours (with food and beverages), Sunset Tours, Fireside Tours, Lantern Rides, and themed events that command premium pricing above standard tour rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Rail Explorers sells guided pedal-powered railbike tours along historic railroad tracks at six U.S. locations, using custom-built Tandem (2-rider) and Quad (4-rider) steel railbikes, many fitted with the proprietary REX Propulsion System electric assist motor. Customers purchase tours per vehicle and choose from standard scenic rides plus themed experiences such as Brunch, Sunset, Lantern, and Fireside Tours ranging from 4 to 12.5 miles. The company also sells redeemable gift cards and accepts group bookings for events and corporate outings.

Product overview

Rail Explorers operates a railbike tourism platform offering pedal-powered railbike tours at six locations across the United States. The core product consists of Tandem Rail Explorers (2 riders) and Quad Rail Explorers (4 riders), many equipped with the proprietary REX Propulsion System electric assist motor for accessibility. Tours are location-specific, ranging from 4-12.5 miles, with varying themes including standard, brunch, sunset, lantern, and fireside experiences. The company launched the commercial railbike tourism industry in the USA in 2015 and maintains a fleet of over 160 railbikes with a 100% safety record. Supporting products include cash value and location-specific gift cards available in physical or digital formats.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tandem Rail Explorer Tour (2-rider) A guided pedal-powered railbike experience for 2 riders traveling along historic railroad tracks at one of six U.S. divisions, using a custom steel 4-wheel railbike with hydraulic disc brakes and per-seat pedals. Priced per vehicle (from $75 to $115 per tandem depending on location). Optional REX Propulsion System electric assist is available at most locations.
• Quad Rail Explorer Tour (4-rider) A guided pedal-powered railbike experience for up to 4 riders traveling along historic railroad tracks at one of six U.S. divisions, using a custom steel 4-wheel railbike with hydraulic disc brakes and per-seat pedals. Priced per vehicle (from $135 to $220 per quad depending on location). Optional REX Propulsion System electric assist is available at most locations.
• Premium and Themed Railbike Tours (Brunch, Sunset, Lantern, Fireside) Specialty railbike tour experiences offered across multiple divisions at premium pricing above standard tours. Includes Brunch Tours with food and beverages (e.g., Rhode Island Tandem from $145, Quad from $270), Sunset Tours, Fireside Tours with s'mores, Lantern Rides with personal lanterns, and other themed events such as Fireside Costume Rides and Track or Treat. Designed for guests seeking elevated culinary or atmospheric experiences on the rails.
• Rail Explorers Gift Cards

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million riders served since 2015
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Newport and Narragansett Bay RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRail Explorers operates on the historic Old Colony Railroad lines in Rhode Island, partnering with the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad to welcome visitors on scenic rail experiences. The Newport line opened February 1, 1864.
• Boone and Scenic Valley RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRail Explorers proudly partners with the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad to showcase the iconic track through the Des Moines River Valley and over the Bass Point Creek High Trestle bridge.
• Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Bluegrass Railroad Museum and Rail Explorers offer scenic rides on historic track built in 1888, once part of the Louisville Southern Railroad.
• Amador Central RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Amador Central Railroad, originally called the Ione and Eastern (built 1904), now hosts Rail Explorers railbike excursions and regular 'speeder' rides.
• Catskill Mountain RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRail Explorers operates on track purchased by Ulster County with the Catskill Mountain Railroad reviving a portion of the corridor for scenic train rides.
• Island Style ParasailminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNewport's parasailing experience offering 10% off to Rail Explorers riders showing their wristband.
• The Gulf Stream Bar and GrilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant near the depot offering 10% discount with Rail Explorers wristband, with indoor/outdoor seating and dog-friendly patio.
• Clemmie's Homemade Ice CreamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal scoop shop with 25+ homemade flavors offering a free topping on any purchase with Rail Explorers wristband.
• Newport Helicopter ToursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerScenic helicopter tours offering 10% off to Rail Explorers riders.
• Corton LodgeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestored 1913 Appalachian church on the Elk River offering 10% off stays with code 'REX10'.
• Elk River GetawayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKayak, canoe and outdoor recreation on the Elk River, offering 20% off at their on-site Flea Market to Rail Explorers riders.
• Legacy FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocally sourced foods and artisanal goods offering 10% off sandwiches with Rail Explorers wristband.
• Long Point Cabins and RVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCabin and RV rentals offering 10% off stay plus 10% off in gift shop to Rail Explorers riders.
• The Ice Cream ParlorminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNewly opened ice cream shop in Clay, WV offering 10% off entire order to Rail Explorers riders.
• Foxfire Mountain HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGuests receive buy one, get one on select beer and wine from the Foxfire Bar Room and Restaurant.
• The EmersonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpa and resort offering 10% off all Spa Treatments plus 10% off dinner at the Catamount Restaurant to Rail Explorers guests.
• Phoenicia DinerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIconic Catskills diner since 1962 offering 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages with Rail Explorers wristband.
• The Graham and CominorGTM or Marketing Partner20-room boutique hotel in Phoenicia offering 15% off stay with code RAIL.
• Shandaken InnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPackage including 10% off stay plus $50 gift certificates to Rail Explorers and The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar.
• Seven Oaks RecreationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-owned outdoor hub on the Des Moines River offering canoe, kayak, and tube floats with 15% off for Rail Explorers riders.
• Iowa Arboretum and GardensminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIowa's largest community-supported public garden offering $1 off admission to Rail Explorers riders.
• Black SquirrelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHorse-themed breakfast and lunch spot in Versailles offering complimentary dessert or mocktail with entrée purchase for Rail Explorers riders.
• Ricardo's Grill and PubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHistoric 1855 railroad depot restaurant offering 10% off meals with Rail Explorers wristband.
• Silk's SteakhouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSteakhouse in The Aldenberg Hotel, Versailles - ask for the secret 'Trainhopper cocktail' at the bar.
• My Darling and Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCurated home decor and gift shop minutes from the depot offering 10% off with Rail Explorers wristband.
• Kristen's KreationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDowntown Versailles bakery known for banana pudding and scratch-made cakes offering 10% off with Rail Explorers wristband.
• Domenico WineryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-owned winery in Amador County offering buy one wine tasting, get another free.
• Don Luis Mexican RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTraditional Mexican cuisine restaurant offering 10% off orders.
• Ione SweetsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-owned ice cream and candy shop offering 10% off to Rail Explorers riders.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Non-profit advocacy organization that promotes conversion of rail corridors into trails; relevant as a structural counterforce to Rail Explorers' business model (rail conversions were the cause of the Adirondack Division's closure).

Direct peers

• Strasburg Rail Road: Heritage passenger railroad in Pennsylvania offering scenic train rides on historic track, closely comparable to Rail Explorers' model of monetizing historic rail corridors through tourism experiences.
• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Scenic heritage railroad operating vintage train rides through Colorado's mountains, comparable in business model (tourist-focused rail experience on historic track) and target market (leisure travelers and families).
• Skunk Train (California Western Railroad): Heritage scenic passenger railroad operating on historic Northern California track, similar to Rail Explorers' Amador Division in leveraging a preserved corridor for paid tourism rides.
• Verde Canyon Railroad: Arizona-based scenic passenger railroad operating themed excursions through a canyon, comparable as a regional heritage-rail tourism operator with multiple tour formats (standard, themed, premium).
• White Pass and Yukon Route: Scenic heritage railway operating tourist excursions along a historic Alaska/British Columbia corridor; comparable as a multi-format scenic rail tourism operator targeting leisure travelers.
• Catskill Mountain Railroad: Heritage railroad operating in New York's Catskills, with track segments that overlap with Rail Explorers' Catskills Division; comparable as a partner/counterparty and as a scenic rail competitor in the same geography.

Broad incumbents

• Trek Travel: Premium multi-day guided bicycle tour operator with destinations worldwide, comparable as a curated experiential outdoor recreation brand serving leisure travelers — though delivery is pedal bikes on roads rather than railbikes on rail.
• Backroads: Large active-travel tour operator offering guided biking, hiking, and family trips; comparable to Rail Explorers in targeting multi-generational families and small-group outdoor experiences, but at a much broader scale and without rail.

Emerging players

• Velorail du Velay: French railbike (velorail) tour operator on historic rail corridors, the closest international product analog to Rail Explorers; serves as a comparable emerging player in the same niche activity category in Europe.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/RailExplorersUSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/RailExplorersUSA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rail-explorers-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rail Explorers