The Mount Washington Cog Railway in NH
This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclaimer.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains lies a feat of engineering that has been defying gravity for over 150 years: the Mount Washington Cog Railway. This iconic railway not only offers an unforgettable journey to the top of the highest summit in the Northeast, but it also invites you to step back in time and witness a testament to human ingenuity.
The History of the Mt Washington Cog Railway
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is intertwined with the pursuit of innovation and exploration. When inventor Walter Aiken proposed a railway to the top of Mt Washington, people thought he was crazy. But, in 1869, entrepreneur Sylvester Marsh, saw the potential for a railway system that could conquer the steep slopes of Mount Washington and he brought Aiken’s vision to life. This would become the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway.
The construction of this remarkable railway was no easy feat. Marsh faced countless challenges, from designing a durable and safe track system to convincing investors and skeptics alike that his invention would work. Yet, despite these obstacles, he persevered, and on July 3rd, 1869, steam locomotive Old Peppersass triumphantly made its inaugural ascent up Mount Washington. The locomotive climbed 3,719 feet up from the base station to the summit.
Since then, the Mount Washington Cog Railway has become an iconic symbol of New England’s ingenuity and determination. It continues to transport millions of visitors each year to the Northeast’s highest summit. Today, modern bio-diesel locomotives have replaced their steam-powered counterparts. Regardless, the cog remains a testament to the visionary genius behind this extraordinary transportation marvel.
Getting to The Marshfield Base Station
To start your Cog Railway adventure, you’re going to want to make your way to the Marshfield Base Station. This station is located on the west side of the mountain. The easiest way to get here is to take Interstate 93 to Route 3 to Route 302.
If you’re looking for a scenic Route, you can get off of Interstate 93 in Lincoln, NH and take Route 112, better known as the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains. The scenic road is 35 miles and takes you from Lincoln to Conway, New Hampshire. There are plenty of scenic overlooks along the way and spots to walk around. One of my personal favorite spots along the highway is Sabbaday Falls.
Once you get to Conway, you’ll take Route 16 to Route 302 heading towards Bartlett. Going this way, you’ll drive through scenic Crawford Notch State Park, where there are plenty of things to see, like Ripley Falls. You’ll also drive by the beautiful Omni Mount Washington Resort. If you have the time in your trip, I recommend taking this scenic route!
Before the Ride to the Summit
When you arrive to the Marshfield Base Station, you’ll have to go by a small building with someone who will ask you if you’re hiking or taking the train. Let them know you’re taking the cog railway to the summit and the person will direct you where to go. They have this person there because hikers have to pay a fee to access the trails here.
Inside the building is where you’ll check in. After you check in, be sure to check out the little museum that gives you the history and some cool information about the cog railway! There are even some interactive activities and photo ops here as well!
To get on the train, you’ll go down the stairs through the gift shop to go outside by the tracks. There are also some cool things to check out outside in this area. And, it’s a great spot to view the train coming down the mountain!
The Ride to the Summit of Mount Washington
The ride to the top of the mountain takes about an hour via the Cog Railway. The train will take you to the summit via Mount Washington’s western slope. The train goes at a nice, leisurely pace of 2.8 miles per hour, so if you’re looking for an exhilarating ride…you’ll be disappointed.
While it’s not an adrenaline inducing ride, it does offer some stunning views. As you ascend the mountain, someone from the Cog Railway will tell you what you’re looking at in the surrounding landscape as well as give you an overview of the history of the railway. So sit back, and enjoy the ride!
Things To Do At The Top of Mount Washington
If you’re lucky, you’ll get some stunning views of the surrounding landscape once you make it to the top of the mountain. However, don’t be shocked if it’s cloudy when you get up there. The summit is in the clouds 60% of the year. Even it’s cloudy during your visit, you can marvel at being in the clouds on the highest peak in the Northeast!
Aside from the views, be sure to visit the Mount Washington Observatory. Be sure to check out the Extreme Mount Washington Museum, the gift shops, and grab a bite to eat at the cafe. There’s plenty to see and do on the summit aside from the views.
And of course, get that Instagram-worthy picture with the Mount Washington summit sign. Just be prepared to wait in a line to get your picture. If you’re really interested in the museum and just taking in the views, I’d recommend not waiting in the line because you only have about an hour before you have to get back on the train to make the descent.
Reasons to Take The Mount Washington Cog Railway
The main reason to take the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington is it’s an accessible way for people to get to the top of Mount Washington, while enjoying stunning views. While there are other ways to get to the summit such as hiking or driving, this is a great option for those who are not able to hike and for those who are worried about driving on the Mt Washington Motor Road.
FAQs
Round trip, it’s about three hours. The climb up to the summit takes about 45 minutes
I think it’s worth it for the scenic views and ease of getting to the top of the mountain. While you can drive up to the summit, it might be anxiety inducing for some. The other reason taking The Cog might be more appealing than driving is getting history and information about the railway and the area on the ride up and down. And, of course it’s great if you’re not physically capable of hiking up or don’t have the time to hike up.
The weather at the summit can be really unpredictable and can change very quickly. Be sure to pack warmer clothes, even if your ride is in the summer.
Related
Other New England mountain summits that you can reach without a hike:
