Excursion trains follow historic railroad lines of NH mountains & lakes

Board the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train and you will find yourself time-traveling into the past. As you sit at elegant tables in the lovingly restored vintage rail cars, you’ll enjoy unique views of the Pemigewasset River Valley. The two-hour, 20-mile round trip from the North Woodstock station takes you through woods, over three trestle bridges, through the “jack-o-lantern” golf course and Christmas tree farm. But it’s not just the scenery that’s spectacular: You’ll be enjoying the seasonal offerings of a five-course gourmet dinner, from delectable appetizers through to fresh-made dessert confections, as the train rolls gently through the valley. Period music and exemplary service will help take you back to a more romantic, relaxing time.

When you take a trip with with Scenic RailRiders along their exclusive tracks from Concord to Boscawen, N.H., you are the train! Comfortably seated in a two- or four-person custom-made Rail-Bike, you’ll pedal along 6.4 miles of tracks at a leisurely pace, admiring the riverside scenery, woods and farmland. There are places to rest along the way and admire the scenery, and two guides provide historical information. No steering is needed; the bikes roll easily along the abandoned tracks. There are seatbelts, handle bars to rest your hands on and redundant disc brakes for additional safety. Kids of all ages are welcome. If they can’t reach the pedals (by age 5, most kids can), they will sit back and enjoy the ride while Mom and Dad pedal!

When you hear the deep hum of a biodiesel engine or see a blast of smoke from a steam engine, you’ll know your trip up Mt. Washington aboard the historic Cog Railway is about to begin. Knowledgeable and entertaining engineers and brakemen and brakewomen will answer questions as you chug up the Northeast’s highest peak, passing through forests, by wildlife and ravines and through three climate zones until you reach the summit. Included in the thrilling ride is Jacob’s Ladder, the steepest railroad trestle in the world. A museum at the base station and a visitor center at the summit provide history about the 152-year-old railway, the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world, as well as an interactive weather exhibit. Trains run from late April through November.

At Conway Scenic Railroad, they have just one question: What’s your pleasure? Is it a ramble to Sawyer River, crossing over bridges with picturesque river views? Is it a supremely scenic journey through the Mt. Washington Valley over rugged Crawford Notch, perhaps in vintage seats under a glass-topped dome? Maybe it’s a short 55-minute round trip from the Victorian station at North Conway to Conway in vintage passenger cars from the 1920s. Or, in January and February, perhaps it’s the Snow Train to Attitash to get in a little skiing or skating. Customers rave about the beautiful scenery and informative commentary – and the pleasure of feeling you are traveling back in time. You can buy light snacks and beverages at the station to bring onboard.