New Hampshire is a beautiful state with plenty of things to see. The state is packed with a variety of artificial features, including spectacular architecture, bridges, and expansive plantations that sustain the local communities with food and other supplies. New Hampshire also features a wide array of natural features including lakes, mountain ranges, streams, valleys, waterfalls, and forests worth exploring. You can opt to book a glamping spot to soak in the state’s natural beauty. Although there are other ways to explore the natural attractions, the train rides in New Hampshire provide an easy and convenient way to maneuver the area. These trains are well-equipped with different amenities, among them cozy seating space, proper ventilation, food, and large windows to optimize your comfort and viewing experience. To know more about such adventures, browse through our list of the most scenic train rides in New Hampshire, USA.
Good to know:
Who doesn’t love going on a long drive through winding roads lined by trees? Imagine that, but in the fall, with all the vibrant fall colors surrounding you! Check out the fall foliage tracker for New Hampshire to make the most of the gorgeous scenery.
The official website of the state also provides a comprehensive guide on scenic drives that you can take to explore the state’s natural offerings. You can choose from different regions highlighting different aspects of the state, from the White Mountains to the crystal-clear lakes.
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1. Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train offers a unique train excursion in the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire. This train traverses the scenic Pemi River Valley before heading to North Woodstock, where guests are entertained with great dishes and unbeatable sceneries of lush forests and beautiful wildlife. From here, you will be taken through other historic spots, including the Jack O'Lantern Resort & Golf Course, three trestle bridges, and Thornton Christmas Tree plantation, which offers exclusive deals on Christmas trees during the holiday season. In the course of the two-hour train ride, guests of Cafe Lafayette are served a multicourse dinner accompanied by exquisite wines and other beverages. For a foodie like me, this must sound like a heavenly trip!
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
Website: Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
2. The Mount Washington Cog Railway
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Mount Washington, or else Agiocochook, as commonly known by the locals, is a major tourist destination in the Northeastern United States which boasts some of the highest peaks in the region. Mount Washington Cog Railway offers exhilarating three-hour-round tours for enthusiasts of nature and outdoor activities to explore the countless attractions in this area. Here, you will be touring in state of the art coaches that are designed with sound systems and comfortable seating that gives a feeling of the traditional passenger cars. At Mount Washington Observatory, you will have plenty to explore, including the panoramic views of the summit and its surroundings.
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Website: Mount Washington Cog Railway
3. Conway Scenic Railroad
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Conway Scenic Railroad offers a few train excursions in North Conway that are ideal for families. The first one is the Valley Train, which operates a 55-minute round-trip between North Conway and Conway. Valley Train passes the scenic Moat Mountain Range before traversing numerous farmlands and rivers. Here, besides the sceneries, Valley Train allows guests to enjoy traditional railroading in vintage passenger cars dating back to the late 19th century. The North Train also provides other excursions to Fabyan through the magnificent Crawford Notch. I’m sure nature lovers will enjoy this trip too, as you will pass many fascinating natural sceneries of sheer bluffs, pristine streams, and steep ravines, to mention but a few.
Conway Scenic Railroad
Website: Conway Scenic Railroad
4. Hobo Railroad
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hobo Railroad takes you back in time with its countryside trips aboard vintage coaches that have been around for decades. During the excursions, the trains cover approximately 24 km (15 mi) in a route that meanders beautifully along the edges of the Pemigewasset River. The river has beautiful cascades that are very photogenic; remember to take photos of these cascades and the people kayaking along its course as a reminder of your trip to the White Mountains. Besides these regular trips, the Santa Express, one of the trains on the railroad, also offers holiday specials from October to sometime in December. Watch out for such deals; they are great fun for families.
Hobo Railroad
Website: Hobo Railroad
5. Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Unlike many railway companies in New Hampshire that provide short trips, Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers full-day tours within the Winnipesaukee Lake region. Along this route, there are countless attractions that make train rides an absolute delight. For instance, there are rolling mountains, beautiful lake shores, lakeside beaches, sheltered coves, and historic harbors, which bestow visitors with spectacular views. In terms of food, passengers are offered a traditional dinner of hand-carved turkey, stuffed and served with extra gravy and vegetable toppings. Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad tours are round trips, so after the exploration in Weirs Beach, the train is supposed to take you back to its initial departure point in Nashua.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Website: Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
6. White Mountain Central Railroad
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
White Mountain Central Railroad excursion trips allow guests to not only have fun but also dive into the rich heritage of railroading. The tour involves traveling in the ancient steam locomotives through a 4 km (2.5 mi) scenic route. Before departing, I’d suggest checking out the beautiful exhibits of steam engines and other artifacts to boost your knowledge of the history and development of railroads. From White Mountain Central Railroad station, the locomotive moves north towards the scenic Pemigewasset River, where it crosses the old timber truss bridge before exiting into the wooded area. Along the way, look out for the Wolfman in Unobtanium Mine.
White Mountain Central Railroad
Website: White Mountain Central Railroad
Epic train rides in New Hampshire
Everyone deserves a chance to unwind and embarking on a train ride is a very effective way of doing just that. Whether you’re on a romantic weekend getaway or a family trip, we have you covered with the most scenic train rides in New Hampshire, USA. Plan your trip to any of these destinations for an opportunity to enjoy and make long-lasting memories with your family.
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