The Kaaterskill Trolley: The Revolutionary Transportation Service for the Byway

By Eliza Schwartz

The Kaaterskill Trolley, a 6.9 mile loop that’s filled with many recreational opportunities, is revolutionizing transportation along the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway. The easy-to-access trolley runs through Tannersville to Palenville, stopping at eleven key spots along the way. This is the second season that the Trolley system is running and it is readily available to anyone. The Trolley runs seven days a week from 9am to 5pm with passes varying in price: a single use pass costs $2.00, a day pass is $5.00, and a season pass is $99.00. And with the excitement of the summer season now upon us, there is now a $40.00 season pass being offered to anyone with a driver’s license within Greene County: just stop by The Boathouse at 27 Lake Road in Tannersville to purchase your pass. The Kaaterskill Trolley is not only easy to access, but has many advantages for both the community and tourists.

Part of the Trolley system’s appeal is the accessibility and the stopping points along the way. This season, automobile parking along Route 23A to access hiking trails and swimming holes has been prohibited. Luckily the trolley stops at these spots, making the trolley the only way to access these hidden gems. Ryan Chadwick, who runs the trolley system, states that “I feel like the mountain top has so much to offer with its natural beauty and outdoor activities.” The trolley takes advantage of the mountaintop’s natural resources by stopping at all of the most popular (and most beautiful) spots along the way. The Kaaterskill Trolley is continuously redefining their route, adding new spots based on gorgeous scenic opportunities and popularity for future seasons. By tracking the popularity of certain stops, the trolley is driving more people into Tannersville and allowing local businesses to thrive.

The Benefits of the Trolley

Since 2020, the Catskill’s Center Stewards program saw a 27% increase in visiting tourists. Tourism is a major contributor to the Catskill economy, generating around $1.3 billion dollars annually. Chadwick connects the trolley’s role in increasing tourism by explaining how Covid-19 drove people to the outdoors and consequently to use the trolley to access hiking trails and swimming spots. The increasing tourism rates are, of course, advantageous for local businesses, and since the Trolley stops at more popular sites, it places more people in commercial areas, helping support local businesses by bringing in potential customers.

The trolley has many additional benefits that are often overlooked. The trolley and the people running the trolley system account for many new job opportunities and allow hiring from local areas. The Kaaterskill Trolley alleviates a significant amount of congestion and litter in the clove. By having a trolley, there are fewer parking issues and less illegal parking, saving a person up to $400 in towing fees. The trolley and its services are helping to prevent littering by providing waste bins and toilets, helping to keep the area and the environment clean. Finally, during the ride the trolley provides historical information about the landmarks found in the Catskills and information about why people moved and continue to move to the Catskills.

The Kaaterskill Trolley is more than a form of transportation. The people that help to make the trolley run are dedicated and enthusiastic about improving the route and improving the community. The trolley is a vital part of the community and continues to evolve and unite the area. With activities that are educational, environmentally friendly and end at a gorgeous scenic view, the Kaaterskill Trolley is truly a unique experience that everyone should try. Whether you have some spare time or want a fun day with your family, or even just need to ride it home, the trolley is universal and will always be waiting for your next adventure. For more information about the trolley, visit kaaterskilltrolley.com.