Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour — Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Discover the Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour in New Hampshire

Located at the base of Mount Washington, New Hampshire, the Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour offers a historic mountain railway journey to the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak. Passengers ride in specially designed railcars pulled by biodiesel or historic steam locomotives, climbing steep grades along a trestle-built track to panoramic alpine views.

This iconic New England experience blends engineering innovation with dramatic White Mountains scenery.

Why it’s special: The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, operating since 1869 and reaching elevations of 6,288 feet.

History & Story of Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Mount Washington Cog Railway was conceived by Sylvester Marsh in the mid-19th century and opened in 1869, revolutionizing mountain transportation. Its innovative rack-and-pinion system allowed trains to safely climb grades previously considered impossible for rail travel.

Over the decades, the railway evolved from coal-fired steam locomotives to modern biodiesel engines, while preserving historic steam trains for select departures.

What You’ll See & Do on the Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour

• Ride a historic cog railway train up Mount Washington
• Experience steep climbs on a rack-and-pinion track system
• Learn about the railway’s 19th-century engineering
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Presidential Range
• Visit the Mount Washington summit and weather observatory
• Capture scenic photos from designated viewpoints

Hands-On Elements: Guided onboard narration explaining railway history and mountain ecology.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted throughout the ride and at the summit.

Souvenirs & Extras: Branded merchandise, historic memorabilia, and gifts available at the Base Station and summit gift shops.

Pricing of the Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour

Adult price: $99 per adult (standard round-trip ticket)

Child pricing available

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Visiting information for Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour

Duration: Approximately 3 hours round-trip

Age limits: All ages welcome

Accessibility: Select railcars are accessible; summit terrain may vary due to weather

Working Hours: Daily departures 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (seasonal operation typically April–November)

Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons.

Nearby attractions to Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour

• Mount Washington Auto Road
• Bretton Woods Resort
• Crawford Notch State Park

FAQs About Visiting the Mount Washington Cog Railway Tour

Does the train reach the summit?
Yes. Most excursions travel to the 6,288-foot summit, weather permitting.

How long does the trip take?
The round-trip journey typically takes about three hours, including summit time.

Is the railway suitable for children?
Yes. The ride is family-friendly and popular with visitors of all ages.

Do trains operate year-round?
Operations are seasonal, generally from spring through fall, with limited winter excursions.

How far is the Base Station from North Conway?
The Base Station is approximately a 45–50 minute drive from North Conway.