My wife and I will be in the White Mountains of NH the later part of this month, we are going to ride the cog up Mt. Washington. What else in the area is worth a visit?
Thanks in advance,
Mike Tillger

Mike, From a railroad perspective, the Cog Railroad's the best. The fare's as steep as the climb but worth it. If you don't mind boring the wife to tears with too much railroad there's also the Hobo Railroad and Winnipesaukee Railroad along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake itself is a wonderfull stop and diversion away from railroading. From a railroading standpoint there's also the Conway Scenic. On the way north to the cog railroad a stop at Clark's Trading Post would be worth while. You both would probably enjoy the visit. There so much more to do and see in NH so be sure to pick up travel literature before and / or during the trip. Also Maine and the 2' gauge is really not that far out of the way. Enjoy yourselves. See you on the 25th.? Don

The one caveat I will issue is that you must disregard any and all travel/traffic expectations while in that region. Tourist traffic jams may screw you royally. When I was last up there as a guest of the New Hampshire Northcoast RR, I made a run to get to North Conway to ride the Conway Scenic RR. I was fine until I hit Conway proper, and the fact that it took me a full hour to get the six miles from Conway to North Conway (account all those damned outlet stores and the related traffic) screwed me out of my only chance so far for a ride on the CSRR.

As an unrelated aside, I would actually make an effort to try for Clark's Trading Post. It's a bit tourist-trappy, but every time I've been there, just my rather obvious working-railroader attire and acute awareness (stepping over rails, for example) somehow earned me invitations to cab rides in the wood-fired Climax! Of course, I had to work for my ride by chucking a few logs on the fire.......

I think you've heard it all from the previous posters. If your wife is the kind that can tolerate some time by herself, and you can "skip" away on your own, the Conway Scenic is pretty well worth it because of the shopping area down-town. I also suggest a meal and a brewski at "The Moat Mountain" Brew-pub in Conway on Rt 16, (Right up the road from the Conway scenic), or the New England Inn/Tuckermans restaurant also on Rt 16 at the "Intervale Resort loop". No matter what, you will enjoy yourself in this area, the scenery is fantastic and the people friendly.

Regards:

Rich O

Sandy et al, always take Washington St. to W. Side Rd. This will allow you to bypass nearly all of the Outlet Mall traffic. You will end up slightly north (1/4 mile?) of the CSRR's roundhouse, but it's well worth it!

When I was up there a couple years ago, it became very obvious to me that I had underestimated the proximity of almost anything in New England to anything else. It won't take long to go to the Maine narrow gage stuff, nor to Vermont attractions such as Shelburne. Apart from such excrescences as the aforementioned outlet malls, things pretty much civilize once north of Boston SMSA. Have a great trip.

dave

I would also strongly suggest Clarks' Trading Post for the steam engines and the bicycle riding, ice cream eating bears! I had a blast there 3 years ago with two young boys (2 and 4). I definitely plan to go again.

If you take Route 112 between North Conway and Clarks' in Lincoln, NH, keep an eye out for a stuffed and mounted steamer on the south side of the road near one of the resorts / retail stores.

Hobo RR is just down the road from Clark's if memory serves me correctly.

We went to Clark's in the morning rode their train and then back to North Conway where we saw and photographed the Northbound train on its return. We ended up riding the last southbound train of the day.

We stayed in the North Conway Grand Hotel. Great place and they came down on the normal rate upon request. One of the breakfast waiters was a HUGE train buff. He would ask where you were from and rattle off all the railroads near you, even the shortlines.

I was there in July of 2004 and didn't have any problems with traffic. Would think the leaf watchers fill the area by mid to late September.

Chris

Sandy,

Never use Route 16. There are two other roads that will get you between Conway and North Conway minus the outlets.

Cab rides at Clarks are pretty common. Just ask nicely.

Rob

Mike,

Site in New Hampshrie abound to please the rail preservationist, from the obvious to the obscure. Here are a few of both -


Clarks Trading Post - Don't miss it. Be sure to introduce yourself to the railroad crew. You will probably be able to get a cab ride, and if they have time, they may let you see all the goodies in the barn (the rest of the steam). Afterwards, the best brewpup in NH is in the old B&M station from Lincoln, now in North Woodstock at the Woodstock Inn. GREAT food. GREAT beer. The Sunny Day Diner next to Clark's is a must for breakfast. The Franconia Notch motel has nice cabins and is run by a model railroader. The Hobo Railroad is nearby, and is worth a look around shops and a ride on the EXCELLENT Cafe Lafayette dinner train.

Mount Washington Cog - Already on your list. Call ahead to see if can visit the shops, they are a treat.

Conway Scenic - The dinner train is very nice and the Notch train is wonderful if you have the time.

The Hartmann Model Railroad Museum in Glen (near North Conway) is worth a visit if you like model railroading.

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad - Well worth the ride on the entire line from Meredith to Lakeport. Mostly Lakeside, including the boardwalk-side stretch at Wiers Beach.


Now some other treats.

Potter Place - Near Lake Sunapee, the local historical society has restored the B&M depot, added a CV caboose, and is slowly restoring this entire town iuncluding post office, general store and frieght house. Worth a stop.

Tilton - Near Potter Place, the Northfield frieght house in town is where the incredible private caboose fleet used on the Hobo is kept. Someone from PA might appreciate the LNE steel hack (there are also LNE wooden hacks in North Conway behind the roundhouse, and in Groveton on display with an 0-4-0).

The Silver Lake Railroad is reopening part of the Conway Branch at Madison (Silver Lake depot) for speeder rides. Kinda cool!

Ashland - Depot nicely restored.

Gorham - Nice railroad museum in depot with neat equipment on display.


Rob

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