Excursions Trains in New Hampshire's White Mountains

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.

Escape from ordinary excursions and reserve a seat on board the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, one of the nation’s premier dinner trains. In your 1950s restored vintage rail car, perhaps the one with the dome, you’ll relax in elegant surroundings, including ornate woodworking, stained glass and brass. You’ll be served an equally elegant five-course meal, from a seasonally inspired menu, and enjoy special cocktail selections from a full bar. The train travels 20 miles through the lovely Pemigewasset River Valley. You’ll rumble through woods, over three trestle bridges, the Jack-O-Lantern Golf Course and a Christmas tree farm before returning to the train station in North Woodstock. The dinner train runs May through October and is available for private dining and special events.

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.