All aboard the Mount WashingtonCogRailway in New Hampshire! We didn’t see a whole lot of views at the top due to fog and mist but did enjoy this unique experience of being on top of the world with wind speeds at the low end of 15 mph (usually 50 to 70 mph). Located on the western side of the mountain, the biodiesel-powered trains climb up to 6288 feet in about 45 minutes going 5 miles per hour. The round trip to the summit and back is just under 3 hours with a layover stop at the top to take photos (or in our case, fog pics), have some Hershey’s hot cocoa, a Whoopie pie and enjoy learning more about Washington Mountain. Of course the next day was clear as a whistle but it’s part of the unique Cog Railway experience!
Part of our hosted experience with Bretton Woods Vacations, we were up and at ’em the next morning after a good sizzling hot tub soak and blissful fluffy bed sleep in the forest. Literally only like 5 miles away, we were in a prime location to explore local hot spots nearby and this is one you don’t want to miss. Let me start by saying, pack a sweatshirt and maybe even sweatpants. Check the weather beforehand because it gets crazy cold and windy up there and we went in the peak of summer. Use the restroom before you go as the trains don’t have any on them and bring the real camera (in my case, the Nikon) for the best pics.
Depending on the season, you will have radically different views and experiences. The wind may whip you away one day and the fog will be so think you can’t see past the rocks the next.
If you like doing the whole touristy experience, arrive early and poke around the many shops and grab a snack. Check out the outdoor locomotives and grab your on the ground floor family pics first. Because when the train calls your boarding group (A, B, C or D), it’s time to load up on oddly inclined seats which are meant for the sharp grade of the mountain. If you miss your train, they will allow you on the next group but only if there’s space. Trust me, you don’t want to get stuck at the top! Climbing to the peak of Mount Washington is certainly the premier New England attraction for people of all ages.
Arriving at the Cog Railway, the sky sets the mood for our adventure.Looking back toward the road we drove in on, it was a misty day on the mountains at the Cog Railway.A view of the mist over the mountain we were heading to at the Cog Railway.Plenty of sights to see before you board the train at the Cog Railway.Make sure to get a good view of the old train cars at Cog Railway.And the caboose attached to the Cog Railway.You can walk through the building or to the left and enter to grab your tickets on the bottom floor at Cog Railway.People seemed to love the gift shop at Cog Railway.I grabbed our tickets and we waiting to be called to board at Cog Railway.Our train was pink with breast cancer awareness ribbons on the side which was a nice homage to my mother and grandmothers at Cog Railway.Climbing aboard I was impressed with the woodwork on the Cog Railway. Our seat was in the front seemingly on purpose to get the best content.Directly in front of us, another train heading up first at the Cog Railway.I was not dressed for New Hampshire obviously on the Cog Railway but at least I brought my water bottle!Soon we were on the move on the Cog Railway.Across a bridge with a babbling brook below us at the Cog Railway.A little peak at the running water at the Cog Railway.Into the fog we went on the Cog Railway.Soon we were at the switchback spot on the Cog Railway.A water tank at the Cog Railway with elevation of 3800.In the winter, this is a stop to enjoy hot cocoa and coffee at the Cog Railway.Further into the mist we climbed at the Cog Railway.A trick to eyes at the Cog Railway as everyone was slightly slanted, walking and taking pics at the front was a thigh and squat burner. Our guide was very animated and when asked how fast can the train go, he replied with this is not a bunch of hillbillies which I found funny.We kept on trucking upward at a rate of 5 mph. Technically it could go 10 mph but for safety, slow and steady wins the race at the Cog Railway.This was Jay Leno’s nose for some reason on the Cog Railway but it’s actually holding rocks up.To the left, you could barely see anything at the Cog Railway.Soon we passed toad rock on the Cog Railway.This was something out of Tolkien on the Cog Railway.A lone hiker alongside the Cog Railway. That’s hardcore!We were almost to the top though you wouldn’t know on the Cog Railway.Finally you could see the trains through the fog on the Cog Railway.Our train disappearing into the fog as we stepped onto land again on the Cog Railway.It was freezing cold as the mist made everything wet on the Cog Railway. People posed for their pics near the sign.Everyone made a mad dash inside the Cog Railway entrance to the Summit Building. Even the Amish showed up in full force!I saw a ton of hikers roll through in full gear like this wooden guy guarding the gift shop at the Cog Railway.Snacks were available for an inflated price at the Cog Railway at the Summit.There’s even a Post Office at the top, just in case you need to let family know you’re hiking on the Cog Railway.People who dressed for the weather climbing around rocks at the Cog Railway.A building barely seen at the Cog Railway.I was a freezing popsicle here and my power plus one insisted on a photo of me cupping my Hershey’s hot cocoa for warmth with my eyes barely open due to the bright white mist. I was annoyed at the time but now thankful he captured this image! Photo by Anthony WestBack inside I went and was starting to get a little groggy as high altitudes hit me hard at the Cog Railway.A typical weather report at the Cog Railway full of all the info I should have looked up first!Into the gift shop I went, curious about what they sold like these cute little guys at the Cog Railway.Some funny humor for the fellas at the Cog Railway.Very smart branding of fuzzy blankets at the Cog Railway.Also whoopie pies however these were $5 and barely had any of the yummy cream at the Cog Railway.We all eagerly loaded back after an hour or so and this time were at the very back of the train on the Cog Railway.Trying to shoot some pics on the way back but not wanting to open the window to freeze everyone on the Cog Railway.You can almost see some depth here on the Cog Railway.And then we were further down and colors appeared again on the Cog Railway.Things were looking good down the mountain on the Cog Railway.A little boy who was curious with cameras took my photo on my Nikon not too bad buddy!
Something I missed that I thought well it’s gotta be online somewhere, is the museum on the basement of the Summit Building which shows views in each season. With my blurry high altitude brain, I completely forgot after connecting to Wifi and making some posts. Just keep that in mind when you go, both the possible altitude sickness and museum! Watch some other stunning seasons below on their YouTube channel.
