How to Ride Mount Washington's Cog Railway
The three-mile-an-hour journey up to the summit of Mount Washington and back is a must for those visiting northern New Hampshire. Located on the western side of the range and easily reached via directional signs, a narrow-gauge railway putters up the mountain in a similar motion to that of a roller coaster clicking off track before its plummet. However, the speed remains the same in both directions as the engine pushes the rail car up and pulls the rail car down.
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Instructions
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Chugging up Mount Washington
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Listen to the conductor's instructions aboard the coach before departing. Note that the journey up is at constant and various stages of incline, some that defy equilibrium, and that the view will be of the mountainside and the track.
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Walk the aisle as the car ascends, aware of the struggle involved in reaching the outer rail and returning to the back of the car.
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Investigate the wooden seats, and note how the each seat back will rotate to the other side, ensuring that no one ride backwards.
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Look through the back window of the coach where, beneath the pushing engine, the large cog is clearly visible. Its own track is located just off center of the narrow gauge.
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Relax, drop a side window and view the wild larkspurs growing among the grass on each side of the track. Notice the large wooden water tank located between where the tracks fork.
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Approach the summit of Mount Washington, and notice the gradual chill in the air. Note, also, the cairns (rock piles) located along the ridges below the summit. These mark the Appalachian Trail.
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Utilize the entire thirty minutes the train allows for visitors to enjoy the summit before returning. Note that if one misses that particular train, another arrives at scheduled intervals throughout the season, depending on demand. With ticket in hand, one can return on a later train.
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Descend back to the station, and see sweeping views of the western range along the way. Passing clouds cast shadows on the mountainsides, enhancing the various shades of green. Amazing photographs can be taken from looking out any open window.
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The train stops on descent to allow the conductor/engineer to change the track for the next train ascending. This is quite an ordeal, and is all done alone and by hand. The train has to maneuver backwards onto a holding track and allow the ascending train to pass for continuing downward.
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Arrive at the station yard where vintage cog railway engines from the past are on display. While earlier engines are smaller, the actual cog stays the same size.
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Visit the museum inside the station and learn the history of the railway. The usual museum fare includes the biographies of the people involved in the original construction and various artifacts saved since its inception.
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Tips & Warnings
Even on an average day, temperatures vary from station to summit. Factor in wind conditions and quick cloud cover, and dress accordingly.
There is a snack bar at the station and at the summit.
Hotel accommodations are in nearby towns, and camping is available throughout northern New Hampshire. It is suggested that reservations for camping be made. There is a two day minimum.
