How to Visit the Mount Washington Cog Railway

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By bailey4
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Mount Washington Cog Railway is a great tourist attraction.

Experiencing Mount Washington can be a great treat for families, groups, and couples. The Mount Washington Cog Railway provides a unique experience for tourists to see the mountain, experience an amazing rail journey, and learn some very interesting science and historical facts along the way. It is a trip that should be considered when planning a New Hampshire vacation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

When considering a trip to Mount Washington's Cog Railway do keep the weather in mind. It can change quickly so you will want to be prepared with appropriate clothing.
Step 2

While the economy has slowed down tourism, booking tickets on the Internet can still insure you a ticket on the day and time you wish to travel. The down side is you are committed to that date and time should weather be an issue. The train rarely cancels so you are committed to that date when you book in advance. If you do not have a ticket it is suggested you arrive two hours prior to the departure time to purchase one. I would also advise calling to see if tickets are available. Depending on where you are staying it can be a long drive.
Step 3

Arrive early and if you have booked your tickets on the Internet you will need to pick them up before boarding. Boarding is done on a first come first serve basis. You are requested to be waiting fifteen minutes before boarding. If you see crowds you may want to be waiting before that.
Step 4

On the trip up, sit as close to the front as you can find a seat. The view is amazing and the ability to snap pictures is much easier from this vantage point. Passengers are allowed to stand on the journey up to take pictures and to get better views. Balance is a requirement for this particular challenge.
Step 5

To get the best pictures you will want a camera that takes quick pictures. It is hard to stand or sit at an angle and shoot pictures from a moving train. Having a camera that adjusts and snaps quickly is a plus.
Step 6

There are restroom facilities at the Marshfield Base Station where you pick up the train and at the summit. There are none on the train itself.
Step 7

Depending on the weather, you have freedom and flexibility about spending time on the Summit. The brochure was a bit confusing on this issue and made it seem as if your time was limited. You are not restricted to returning on a specific train. You obviously do need to return before the trains are finished for the day. I suspect waiting for the last one would not be recommended if there seems to be a large crowd. If the weather allows it, explore the Summit and the Observatory.
Step 8

When you decide to return you will again board on a first come first serve basis. This time you will want to sit closest to the engine for the best scenery and pictures. The views of the tracks going down are some of the best. They can be hard to see without good seat position.