There’s just something about riding a train. The rumbling of the tracks under the wheels, the views passing by, and a throwback to a simpler time. While much of the world speeds by in automobiles, try slowing down a bit on a ride along the Conway Scenic Railroad. This excursion from Conway, New Hampshire to the top of Crawford Notch offers a spectacular trip for all ages.
The journey begins at historic North Conway Station, constructed in 1874 and designed by Nathaniel J. Bradlee in an unusual, Russian-inspired Victorian design. It was intended to be the most impressive station on the Conway Branch of the Portsmouth, Great Falls, and Conway Railroad.
Conway Scenic Railroad/Facebook
As the train makes its way north toward Crawford Notch, it passes over several Baltimore Through Truss bridges, or “Irons”. The most well-known of these is Fourth Iron, built in 1906.
Conway Scenic Railroad/Google Local
Deep, narrow rock cuts speak to the feats of engineering that it took to construct a railroad up through Crawford Notch.
Conway Scenic Railroad/Facebook
Guests can travel and dine in style in this dome car, the Dorthea Mae, built in 1955. The dome provides expansive and ever-changing views as the train travels north.
Donna/Google Local
Bridges of another kind await travelers higher up in Crawford Notch. Frankenstein Trestle (named for the renowned artist Godfrey Nicholas Frankenstein, not the monster) and the Willey Brook Bridge remain icons from the original construction of the railroad.
Anthony Cera/Google Local
Near the top of Crawford Notch, the railroad squeezes through a notch known as The Gateway. Along with the tracks, U.S. Route 302 and the fledging Saco River also travel through this narrow pass.
John Missouri/Google Local
The final stop and turnaround point is at Crawford Depot, located at the height of land in Crawford Notch. This historic station was built in 1891. Its Queen Anne design is a stunning example of railroad architecture.
Conway Scenic Railroad/Facebook
No matter if you are a railfan or are just looking for a different way to experience New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Conway Scenic Railroad is sure to satisfy you.
Conway Scenic Railroad/Facebook
Conway Scenic Railroad/Google Local
Donna/Google Local
Anthony Cera/Google Local
John Missouri/Google Local
For more information or to book a ride, visit the Conway Scenic Railroad website, and also follow along on Facebook for updates. Have you taken this scenic ride up through Crawford Notch? Tell us about it in the comments!
If you love trains, you’ll love dining at the Glen Junction Family Restaurant, a train-themed restaurant in New Hampshire.
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Address: Conway Scenic Railroad, 38 Norcross Cir, North Conway, NH 03860, USA
