Things to Do in New Hampshire: Conway Scenic Railroad
- Laura
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
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Experience the magic of New Hampshire’s White Mountains from the comfort of a vintage railroad car on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Operating out of the historic 1874 Victorian Station, riders can choose between two routes; one in town, and one chugging through rugged Crawford Notch. A Conway Scenic Railroad train ride through the Mount Washington Valley is one of the best things to do in New Hampshire.
Trains operates year round. The pictures featured in this post are from an excursion we recently enjoyed aboard the Winter Mountaineer. Read on for information about the railway’s history, location, routes, tickets, accessibility, and where to stay in North Conway, New Hampshire.
THINGS TO DO IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
HISTORY OF THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD
The railroad’s original line was built in 1872 by the Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Railroad. The railway changed hands to the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1890. Over the course of the century, the line contributed to the growth of tourism in New Hampshire’s north country.
Passenger service for the line ended in 1961. Freight service ceased in 1972. Shortly thereafter, the railroad was purchased to a group of investors who sought to preserve historic train stations and travel. Today, the railway operates as a popular attraction in North Conway. Its 1874 Victorian Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
WHERE IS THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD
Address: 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway Village, New Hampshire
The Conway Scenic Railroad is located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley in the village of North Conway. All train rides depart from the North Conway 1874 Victorian Station. The village of North Conway is situated about 2.5 to 3 hours north of Boston, MA.
HOTELS IN NORTH CONWAY NH
The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a year-round vacation destination. Hiking, biking, and winter snow-activities draw visitors to the region’s Mount Washington Valley. North Conway is a fun area for over-nights as it combine significant shopping and dining opportunities along with the New England village life.
Consider these well-reviewed hotels in North Conway, NH:
North Conway Grand Hotel - located on Settlers Green Outlets
Eastern Slope Inn - walking distance to North Conway village
Fox Ridge Resort - mountain views, heated pool and hot tub
BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD
Conway Scenic Railroad Routes
Conway Scenic Railroad has two main routes which vary from season to season. The routes are: the Conway Branch, and the Mountain Division.
Conway Branch
Traveling through the Saco River Valley, these heritage rides feature views of farmlands and forests between North Conway and Conway, NH. Rides on the Conway Valley Train (summer) and Snow Train (winter) average around 55 minutes. The Sawyer River Excursion is around 2 hours. There is also a Murder-on-the-Rails ride.
Mountain Division
Traveling through the White Mountains and Crawford Notch, Mountain Division excursions feature dramatic mountain views with rugged cliffs, high trestles, and Saco River landscapes. These flagship trips are the longer journeys. The Mountaineer (summer) and Winter Mountaineer (winter) trips average around 4 to 5.5 hours.
NEW ENGLAND TOURS & ATTRACTIONS
Conway Scenic Railroad Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online (conwayscenic.com), by phone (603-356-5251), or in-person at the North Conway 1874 Victorian Station (open daily 9am to 4pm). On weekend, holidays, and in the summer months it is strongly recommended that you purchase your tickets online in order to secure a spot.
Ticket prices vary according to the length of the journey and ticket class (coach, first-class, or premium glass-topped dome). The climate control and cabin interiors do change greatly according to ticket class so take a good look at the pictures in this article to see some examples of the different classes.
In our experience, all ticket classes offer large windows and good views. For the best views, secure the seats closest to the window. On Mountaineer journeys the seats on the right side of the train (A-Q) on the North Conway to Fabyan leg of the journey have the best views. Be aware, on some journeys, passengers are asked to switch sides at the Fabyan Station (to afford everyone a good view).
We got first class tickets in the Hattie Evans Car and were very satisfied with our seats. We were at the “C” table, and since the car was not full (a weekday in January) we were able to keep our same seats the whole journey.
TIP: if you are prone to car sickness, try to book seats where you are facing forward on the first part of the journey.
CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD ROUTE MAP
THINGS TO KNOW
Accessibility
Due to the age and historic nature of the railway, the passenger cars are not ADA-compliant. However, there is a mobile lift for those with mobility impairments as well as a variety of other accommodations. Contact the business office with questions regarding accessibility issues for further guidance.
Food & Drinks
There are concession stands on the trains selling light snacks and drinks (including alcoholic). Also, when booking tickets ahead of time, boxed lunches may be purchased. Outside food and beverages are not allowed on the trains.
Restrooms
There are restrooms in the 1874 Victorian Station, and on the trains.
Gift Shop
There is a small gift shop in the 1874 Victorian Station.
Parking
There is ample free parking at the 1874 Victorian Station.
All aboard! Laura and Randy
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