Revolution Rail’s South River Run: Where Ice Shapes the Hudson River's Wild Heart
Guest Blogger, The Nature Conservancy of New York
In the Adirondacks, where the Hudson River rushes through an ancient forest, a rare and rugged landscape emerges each spring. Here, thick sheets of winter ice scrape the shoreline clean, making way for narrow meadows of wildflowers and grasses—some found nowhere else in New York. These are the Hudson River Ice Meadows, a globally rare ecosystem shaped by the river’s seasonal freezes and thaws.
Thanks to the generous support of donors, The Nature Conservancy has protected this extraordinary place—and now we’re working to share its significance in new ways.
Through a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy and Revolution Rail Co.—a company that transforms historic railways into scenic rail biking experiences across New York, New Jersey, Maine, and Colorado—visitors can explore the Ice Meadows via the South River Run, which winds through lush forests alongside the preserve. The South River Run departs from the North Creek Station in the Southern Adirondacks and travels 8 miles round-trip along a historic rail line beside the Hudson River, through the very stretch of wilderness that hosts the Ice Meadows.
The Hudson Ice Meadows, a habitat found almost exclusively near the headwaters of rivers that originate in mountainous terrain. © Charlie Reinertsen
In the spring of 2026, interpretive signs will be added along the South River Run rail bike route, highlighting the importance of wetlands, the wildlife that thrives here, and the climate benefits of natural landscapes. Riders learn how wetlands filter water, fight floods, and store carbon—making these habitats unsung heroes in the fight against climate change.
The Ice Meadows are more than beautiful, they’re vital. These natural grasslands support rare species like the auricled twayblade orchid and the New England violet, which thrive in the cool microclimate created by lingering river ice.
But as global temperatures rise, river ice forms later in the year and melts earlier. Less ice means less scouring—and more competition for wildflowers from trees and invasive plants. Without protection, these Arctic-like gardens could disappear.
The initiative with Revolution Rail is part of our broader mission to connect people with nature—and inspire action. Revolution Rail also works with The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, where their Cape May route runs alongside the Garrett Family Preserve.
"We’re thrilled to collaborate with Revolution Rail to bring more people into direct contact with the landscapes we work so hard to protect,” says Peg Olsen, Adirondacks director of The Nature Conservancy in New York. “The Ice Meadows are a living example of nature’s diversity and resilience—and this project helps tell that story."
Revolution Rail Executive Vice President Ed LaScala adds, "We’re proud to expand our work with The Nature Conservancy in New York. Collaborating on the South River Run allows us to share the story of the Ice Meadows with thousands of riders each season—and deepen our commitment to conservation and community.”
Together, we’re helping more people discover the beauty of the Hudson River—and be part of protecting it.
Note from Rev Rail: Discover more about The Nature Conservancy’s vital work and how your support can help protect New York: nature.org/newyork
