The line was acquired from Penn Central in 1980, for $770,000, following the successful regional advocacy for this by noted transportation attorney Donald L. Pevsner.

The Hubbell Corners-Bloomville segment was abandoned; the railbed was converted for use as the Catskill Scenic Rail Trail.

The east branch of the Delaware River undermined approximately a quarter-mile of track along Route 30, and caused minor washouts and scouring at Halcottsville and other locations along the line; service resumed in May 2012.

The pride of the DURR is the Rip Van Winkle Flyer, a five-car Budd streamline train used for charters.

Other locomotives at the DURR consist of: Currently under consideration for restoration is the "Red Heifer" a Model 250 Brill Gas-Electric doodlebug, formerly NYC M-405.