Excursion Trains

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.

You could think of Scenic Railriders as a scenic, exciting excursion along train tracks — without the noisy train! In a custom-built two- or four-seat Rail-Bike, you’ll leisurely pedal along a beautiful stretch of abandoned railroad tracks in Concord, NH taking in the scenery and tranquil river views. You’ll pedal past farmland, through woods and over bridges along the Merrimack River. A guide will pass on some historical facts about the area as you coast along from Concord to Boscawen, NH and back: a 6.2-mile trip that takes about an hour and 45 minutes. The trip is perfect for all ages: Kids 5 and over can usually reach the pedals, and car seats, child seats and booster seats can be buckled right onto the Rail-Bike seats.

Here’s a great way to explore New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains region: See it by train! And not just any train: the vintage train cars of the Granite State Railway have been taking visitors on an 80-minute round trip along the banks of the Pemigewasset River for 37 years along tracks that date to the late 1800s. As the train rumbles through the woods, you can see kayakers, swimmers and fishermen enjoying the river in the spring and summer. In the autumn, the region’s well-known foliage season brings spectacular colors. Then Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive after Thanksgiving to meet and greet passengers aboard the Santa Express on weekends through mid-December.

You’ll have a unique lakefront view when you book a one- or two-hour round-trip excursion aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. The rail system was once home to the famous Boston, Concord & Montreal line that dates back to 1848, and today’s passengers will feel they have traveled back to those more relaxing times as they enjoy panoramic views of New Hampshire’s largest lake and the magnificent homes along its shores. The two-hour trip leaves from the Meredith, NH station; the one-hour trip from the satellite ticket booth on Weirs Beach, NH’s historic boardwalk. Feel free to bring your own picnic lunch for the trip. The railroad also offers Fall Foliage Specials, four-hour trips that include a buffet lunch in Plymouth, NH and a guided tour of the restored railroad station in Ashland, NH.

At Laconia Rail Bikes, you can travel train tracks — without the train! Custom-made, four-seat rail bikes let you pedal easily along the tracks that follow the shores of Lake Winnisquam. Led by experienced tour guides, the trip starts at the 1892 Laconia, NH Railroad Station and goes through Belmont Woods, over the trestle bridge crossing Winnipesaukee River and Durkee Brook before reaching Winnisquam’s western shore. The beauty of the Lakes Region is on full display as you pedal along a rail line that dates back to 1848. Bring a snack to enjoy when you rest along the shore while your guides spin the rail bikes around to head back to home base. The terrain is mainly flat, and riders are spread out, so you can go at your own pace.