This Epic Train Ride In New Hampshire Will Give You an Unforgettable Experience

Train rides in Hampshire aren’t usually associated with thrill, but the Cog Railway sure is! Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the Northeast at 6,288 feet. Unlike many tall peaks, there are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Washington: you can hike, you can drive, or you can take one of the best scenic train rides in New Hampshire. That’s right – there’s a rail that goes directly to the rooftop of New England. And believe, it's well worth the effort and time to get to it! Here’s what you need to know about the Cog Railway, the most unforgettable train ride in New Hampshire.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway takes visitors on a tour to the summit of the tallest peak in New England and then back down to the base.

On its climb to the summit, the Cog Railway in New Hampshire passes three miles along the western flank of Mount Washington, offering riders sweeping views of the Presidential Range. I had trouble paying attention to anything other than what was happening outside of the window.

The view from the cabin shows just how steep the climb is. In fact, the Cog Railway's track is the second steepest in the world, with an average grade of 25% and a maximum grade of 37%. This makes it one of the most unique train rides in New Hampshire.

The Cog Railway operates a number of engines, from authentic coal-fired steam engines to biodiesel. If you have some time before you board, take a look at some of the ones on the property.

Mount Washington's railway is the oldest cog railroad in the world. It first reached the summit in 1869!

Over the decades, the Cog Railway in New Hampshire has undergone many renovations to ensure that it stays as safe as possible by utilizing the latest technology.

When the coach reaches the summit of Mount Washington, riders have an hour to take photos and enjoy the view. There is also a museum that offers history of the Mount Washington Observatory and the Cog Railway.

Mostly though, you'll want to enjoy the amazing views of the Presidential Range. From the summit, you can see east to the Atlantic Ocean and North to Canada on a clear day. Talk about scenic train rides in New Hampshire!

Then, it's time for the most harrowing part of the journey - the ride down! For a moment, it looks as if this scenic train ride in New Hampshire is going to disappear into thin air!

But you can rest assured that visitors have been safely riding the Cog Railway for over 150 years.

The fun doesn't stop when winter begins!

While the summit does close in mid-October due to some really heavy snowfall, you can still take the train partly up!

We visited at the end of February and took the train up to the Waumbeck Station which sits at 4,000 feet.

At the station, we hopped out and played in the snow! There was a ton of it! There is also hot chocolate and smores by the fire available.

Literally, any time of year is a good time to take the Mount Washington Cog Railway!

Visit the website for the Mount Washington Cog Railway to learn more and schedule your visit.

Have you ridden the Cog Railway in New Hampshire yet? What are your favorite scenic train rides in New Hampshire? Tell us in the comments!

Consider exploring this beautiful area even further. Check out the overnight accommodations at Expedia.

Prefer being in the driver's seat when exploring? Take a look at these lovely New Hampshire road trips.