Conway Scenic Railroad

The Conway Scenic Railroad is the heart of North Conway Village. Its Victorian depot, built in 1874, is a postcard of the Mount Washington Valley, and the vintage coaches and diesel locomotives at its platforms head out on two distinct excursions. The Valley Train is a short, easy ride of roughly an hour and a half south and west from North Conway, with narration and a good chance of seeing deer and heron on the riverbanks. It is the best option for small children and anyone with limited time. The Notch Train is the headliner: a long day excursion that climbs through Crawford Notch on the old Maine Central Mountain Division, past Silver Cascade, over the dramatic Frankenstein Trestle and the Willey Brook Bridge, and into the high country near Fabyan. Premier and first-class seating is available on some trips, with a meal and the dome car, and the scenery changes each season, with fall foliage the standard for peak demand.

History is the other draw. The railroad's rolling stock includes restored vintage coaches, and the operator has been working on returning its steam locomotive to service, so select departures may be steam-powered when that locomotive is available. The depot has a gift shop, a model railroad and an engine house that you can see from the platform, and seasonal events include the fall foliage trains, a haunted train around Halloween and the Santa and Polar Express style trips in December.

The Notch Train is a longer commitment than most visitors expect, typically five hours round trip, with a layover at the turnaround point. It is most rewarding when the weather is clear and the leaves are changing, and it is quieter and cheaper in early summer and late fall. Book a reserved seat on the right side of the train for the best Willey Brook Bridge view, and bring a layer because the notch is cooler than the valley. Parents of small children often prefer the Valley Train, followed by lunch in the village.

Make it a day by pairing the train with a stroll through North Conway's shops and restaurants, which sit within a few steps of the depot. The Cog Railway and Hobo Railroad are the other scenic rides in the region, and rail fans can ride all three in one trip. Check the schedule and reserve ahead for foliage weekends, because seats on the Notch Train vanish early.

A few practical choices make the day smoother. Decide early whether you want coach, first class or the dome car on the Notch Train, because the premium cars sell out first and include table service and a better view. Check the departure times against your plans for the day: the Notch Train leaves in the morning and returns late afternoon, so it occupies most of a day, while the Valley Train fits comfortably between breakfast and lunch.

Photographers should sit near an open window or vestibule where allowed and keep the camera ready for the bridges, which pass quickly. Visitors with limited mobility should ask about boarding assistance and accessible cars. If your visit falls in December, ask about the holiday trains, which have a loyal following among local families. Afterward, take a few minutes to walk the depot and the gift shop, and pick up a timetable for the next trip.