Welcome to the end of the Pascack Valley Line – or at least the end of our tour here. Pearl River is the final station on the line in New York state and considered part of the Metro-North system. From here southbound trains head towards New Jersey – the state line is slightly less than a half-mile from the station. The ultimate destination of Hoboken is about 25 and a half miles away, a train ride that takes around an hour.

Passengers waiting for a train at Pearl River, circa 1910. Photo from the Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives.

Of the three stations on the Pascack Valley Line, I must say that Pearl River is my favorite. In terms of facilities it doesn’t have much more than the other stations – a canopy-covered low-level platform, a few benches, some ticket vending machines, and a shelter – but the station is situated in a lovely part of town. It is surrounded by several shops and a small green area, complete with one of the four-faced clocks that are rather common at area stations. For some reason the place just felt a lot more cheerful and welcoming than either Nanuet or Spring Valley.

Pearl River still has its station building, which is occupied by the Mexican-themed Southbound Cafe and Bar. Fitting the restaurant’s desired festive image, (and matching the red-roofed canopy) borders around the doors and window ledges have all been painted red. The building looks in better condition than it did in 2000, so assumedly it has been touched-up at some point in the years since then, likely around the time the restaurant moved in. Besides the paint job, the restaurant has also placed a few potted plants around the station building, as well as made some outdoor seating available. These little things help make Pearl River a nice little station, and a perfect ending point to our tour of the West-of-Hudson stations.

 
   
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
   
 

Believe it or not, Pearl River is the 95th Metro-North station to be featured on the site. We’ve taken tours through each line – except for one. But instead of moving on to the Hudson Line next, I figured I’d postpone the tour there to do some Tuesday Tours of the Hiawatha Line…

Actually, I’m kidding. I know some of you have been eagerly awaiting the Hudson Line tour (I’m looking at you, Al), and I’ll be starting that next week!