The Mount Washington Cog Railway

With the steam locomotives virtually eliminated (one left) the trip is not worth taking. The «eco-​freak» management and their bio-​diesel locomotives have ruined the experience which has been unchanged since 1869. You might as well take a bus to the summit. Not only are the diesels boring, they are the ugliest contraptions imaginable! We’ve ridden the Cog since 1958 but will never ride again unless they return steam and junk those horrid diesels. We’d rather drive up the auto road than ride on the Cog now.

Such a perfect day!!! for Mount Washington! The weather was perfect! The ride on the cog train was so relaxing. Everyone was great the information on the train was great, the only thing I’d change is once on top of Mount Washington you only have about a hour it would have been nice to spend at least 2 hours in not longer.

Such a great experience! My sister and I visited the area on a road trip, and the train ride was a nice break from driving ourselves. We were able to sit back and focus on the beautiful scenery. I highly recommend the steam engine ride. We left our inn long before the sun rose in order to get there early enough for the steam engine ride, and it was definitely worth the early alarm. We got there about 45 minutes early, which was plenty of time to get tickets, get the lay of the land, and get in line to get the seats we wanted. The seats on the left side going up (right side going down) have the best views, so it’s worth it to line up early for those seats.

Paid $ 78 per person, not enough seats. Would not recommend very unorganized. Not worth the money take the drive in your car. Terrible ruined our vacation, my poor children were devastated. Had to be separated on the train ride. Do NOT waste your time or money!!! Update going down just as bad. To bad they couldn’t assign seating. Again don’t waste your money on this!!!

This was my second time here and I’d still want to come back. It’s such a wonderful experience. The view is absolutely incredible!

What a wonderful way to see mount Washington without having to take a scary drive or hike! The tour guides were very informative. I would recommend arriving early if you want a two seater. Our ride up we had to share our seat with a third person. Otherwise it was a great experience!

If you want to experience unbelievable views from high above the mountains during your visit, this is an option.
The guided tour takes about 3 hours. One hour going up, an hour to look around at the summit and an hour back down the rail.
The tour is pricey. You will pay whether you take the train, your car or hike. At least with the train your guide will provide some historical insight.
The trains are loaded every half hour so the schedule is pretty flexible. The train goes extremely slow, 5 miles an hour is the max. The views become more majestic as you climb. Great views on both sides but try to sit on different side on the way down to get a different view.
Once you reach the summit, you are literally in the clouds and it is much cooler than the temperature on the ground. Dress in layers, this is important. It is a whole other world at the summit.
The summit has restrooms, snack bar, gift shops, and historical buildings. The views are in describable. Make the summit a destination if you are ever in the area.

Great relaxing train ride. Everyone told me it’s a scary trip up but I think driving up in a van was much worse. I would say call about availability and keep checking weather before buying tickets. We’ve been to the top twice and if the weather is cloudy u wouldn’t want to pay $ 240+ for a family of four and not see from the top. We lucked out and had great weather until we were boarding train to leave; then a cloud rolled in and the weather changed very quickly. It’s probably wise to buy ahead though for Fall peak time. A trip to remember!

Early on a summer morning, our party left the comfort of our waterfront chalet and ventured into lands that were, until then, unknown to us. During the ensuing two-​hour drive, we had the misfortune to trail a progression of Sunday-​drivers. But we pressed on, passing through picturesque hamlets, covered bridges, and scenes of stunning natural wonder. Upon our arrival at the parking lot for the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, we narrowly avoided entanglement in a dramatic situation involving a parrot who demanded making the ascent along with its guardian. At least that’s what it sounded like to us.
Reaching speeds of nearly 5 miles per hour, the cog railway ascends through forests, alpine meadows, and then barren wastelands to reach a summit that would awe even the Olympic gods. At the front of our carriage, scanning the track for any sign of danger while running an informative narrative, was Josh. Josh was ready to leap at the emergency brake at even the merest hint of a failure in the cog system. During the return trip Cookie provided the same level of vigilance to passenger care and safety. The train descends at a dizzying 6 miles per hour, but Cookie asserted flawless command of the brakes despite the high speed.
The summit is crowned by a reinforced concrete structure one can imagine descending intact from some alien world. Our party rued the fact that an earlier 150-​room grand hotel had been consumed in a wind-​fueled conflagration that also incinerated nearly every other wooden structure on the mountain. The dining options in the hotel would have been more to our liking than the current cafeteria, which does its best to serve up reheated pizza and hot dogs, despite the high altitude. In the end, it was a fun day enjoyed by all.

What a great family event! Eleven people bt 4 and 70 went on the Cog railway up mount Washington. Bought tickets and waited about an hour for the train. Pleasantly hot day at the base, cooler and windy at the summit.
The train was clean and comfortable. You can tell the brakemen take pride in their work. They shared current info and historical facts on the 40 minute ride up the mountain and back down (2 different people). Clear speakers and voices — the oldest of our group loved that she could hear everything. The kids bt 4 and 14 listened attentively as well while he pointed out evidence of an avalanche and many other things. Can move about the train and stand in the aisle at the 37 degree pitch. (We rode a bio diesel train).
The tickets were pricey but included the museum and Tip Top House at the summit. There is a museum at the base as well.
Food in the café leaves much to be desired but we didn’t go for the food! The gift shop was good. Don’t forget to bring a coat as the record HIGH at the summit is 74 degrees.
Definitely recommend the Cog Railway!

I was one of those out-​of-​town hikers that for years snubbed the cog rail idea. I just didn’t get it and was bitter after climbing up only to have civilization (and lots of it) at the top. The cog has many claims to fame that you can read about elsewhere. What I would add: 1. Provides access for all, including the handicapped. I LOVE that this wheelchair-​bound kid on the train got to see the same mind-​blowing views as I did on my hikes. 2. Great education on White Mountain history and geology led by «brakemen» who are clearly passionate about it.
Worth that crazy price tag?
I still don’t love the crowded top of Mount Washington (just not what I’m looking for when I’m visiting the Whites). But that has nothing to do with the Cog and DAMN, the cog ride itself was worth the expense. I gladly recommend it. Keep in mind this place is completely unique (they explain how) requiring unique equipment that is built right on location (including their biodiesel engines!). When you realize what your money is going into, it makes sense.
2 Ride options:
There is steam engine ride once a day first thing in the morning (9:30a, I think). 1 man actually shovels 1000 pounds of coal for the trip from bottom to top!
Since 2008 they’ve switched the rest of the rides of the day to biodiesel, which is quieter and ever so slightly faster.
Tips:
Sit on the left side of the train on the way up (right side on the way down) for the best views!
You need to get there early, between the car ride, the plentiful (but widely spaced out) parking lots, potential lines, I’d plan extra 20 – 30 min, more if you’re a big group. If you have the time walk through their museum on the lower level afterward.
You’ll want some small cash on hand to tip the brakemen, they were almost as good as the views!

Interesting experience. Overpriced and crammed with senior citizens, but a knowledgable conductor that speaks about the history and scenery of the mountain makes it a unique transport. You can only buy one-​way down tickets from the top of the mountain, so you risk getting stuck hiking down. (We hiked up, but got a late start and were worried it would be dark going down.) The guy we bought tickets from originally said we might have ti ride the caboose outside. We thought that was pretty cool, but in the end they just made us stand inside. This is probably something you would do once and then never again.

Taking the Mount Washington Cog Railroad up to the highest point in New England (Mt. Washington) is definitely one of those must do attractions in New Hampshire. It may seem expensive at $ 66 for a round trip ticket, however this is a really unique and fun experience that I feel is totally worth the price. After all this is a three hour round trip excursion (1 hour to go up, 1 hour stopover on MT. Washington, and 1 hour back down). Also, this is a more relaxing alternative to taking the harrowing Mount Washington Auto Road to the summit.
The views on your way up and down are awesome. Make sure you bring your camera. Also, the conductors/​tour guides are really friendly, fun, and informative and encourage you to get up during the ride and walk around the train car to take in the various views.
I want to note a few things. First, it is cold on top of Mt. Washington. I did this tour back in July and it was super windy and cold at the top once we got up there. Bring a jacket even if it is summer time and warm at the bottom. Second, do not expect to get amazing views once you reach the top. It gets really hazy and cloudy at the summit on a lot days and the day I was up there you could barely see 100 feet in front of you on the observation level because the fog and clouds were so thick. So, be sure to take in the views and get your scenery pictures on the way up. With that being said make sure you explore the summit and don’t miss the museum, the historic hotel, the Mt. Washington summit sign, and the observation level among other things.

Had a great time on the cog railroad yesterday. We had a very temperate day with great visibility. The only issue we had is that the train got stuck on the way up due to a malfunction in one of the track switches. Slight delay, but never felt unsafe.
This track is STEEP. 37.5 degrees in some places. Very interesting way to scale the mountain with scenic views you can’t get without hiking on foot. You engineer types will love the biodiesel cog engines.
The brakeman in each trolley are very knowledgeable and fun to listen to. The are often times the same guys who have hand built every piece of the track.
Atop the mountain are a few museums and extreme weather exhibits. All very educational and interesting to check out. You’ll have about 55 minutes at the top. TAKE WARM CLOTHES. Even in summer there is quite a temperature difference from base to peak.
Although it would still be a lot of fun, this activity is certainly best in a warm and clear day (not typical at all for Mt Washington).

Loved it. An excellent experience up the mountain to ‘The World’s Worst Weather’. I’ve never smoked such an inhospitable cigarette as up this mountain. The Cog Railway takes a steep ascent up Mount Washington with a guide telling you facts along the way. At times it felt like we were climbing up to the Pearly Gates with cloud totally surrounding the only carriage at one point. The only downside being on such a day we did not have a beauitiful view. There is an interesting museum upon arrival up the mountain and détails of the names and ages of perished climbers. An unusual experience. The seats on the train are angled so they are reasonably comfortable for ascent and descent. There is a café both up Mount Washington and where one boards at the bottom. It certainly was inhospitable up there. One of the dankest climates I’ve ever experienced.

Ok, so it wasn’t «next» summer. But I made it back.
This year, we did NOT miss the steam engine ride. You need to take this one, it’s NOTHING like the biodiesel ride up.
Watch out near the top as the ash from the coal fire gets spewed out and if the windows are open, hot ash can land on you.
The experience is SOO different with the steam engine, with the pit stop on the way up to the speed, to the sounds, etc. Make sure you don’t miss the steam ride back down, or you’ll get one of those quiet biodiesel locos.
Wasn’t tourist weather this trip at the top. 42 F and 35 mph winds (steady) made for a nice 29 F wind chill, felt colder.
I’ll be back soon to ride again. It’s very cool! next time i’m bringing MORe friends/​family.

I love the Cog Railway. This is such a fun and unique experience that everyone should do while in NH. The tickets seem pricey but they are well worth it. I have gone on both the steam and diesel trains and there both great. The ride up is nice hearing the history of the mountain and once you reach the top you never know what your in for with the weather. I suggest bringing a hoodie even if its nice out because it could be 30 degress colder and pouring once you get to Mt. Washington. The views from the top are beautiful, I just love it. You can go inside the observatory and get food/​drinks or shop in the gift shops which I always do of course! You have about an hour to explore until you get back on the train. It seems like it would be scary going down like it could be a crazy roller coaster but its actually relaxing and they have it under control so its all good. I’d say this is one of my favorite ways to spend a day in New Hampshire :)