Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire

History, Nature, Science, and Adventure all Packaged Together

Aug 5, 2009 Christine Ledder

During the summer many families seek out theme parks for thrills and adventure rides. Combining thrills and education is preferred, the Cog Railway provides both.

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire provides a unique experience for those interested in seeing Mount Washington by train. Visitors can take the three hour Mount Washington Cog Railway round trip or a one way trip down the mountain. Schedules can vary but the train generally runs mid June through the end of October. Currently tickets for children are thirty-nine dollars, adults fifty-nine dollars. Seniors over the age of sixty-five can purchase tickets at a discounted rate of fifty-four dollars and children under the age of three can ride on a parent’s lap for free. The Mount Washington Cog Railway site provided information on rates,schedules, and history. The website provides excellent directions to the Cog Railway base site and the area is well marked on the approaching roads. Guests would be well advised to consult the site when making plans to visit.

Reality Provides Additional Thrills for the Adventure

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is not going to provide visitors with the speed or the upside down turns of a modern roller coaster. What it does provide to guests is a realistic experience of steep inclines, sharp turns, and descents that a roller coaster lacks the power to demonstrate.

A railroad has a specific purpose and function. People did need to travel on these inclines and the dangers are not simulated but real challenges to be designed around and overcome. When accidents occurred, it did not mean shutting down a ride and calling for emergency services, it could mean people being cut off from vital services and supplies. There is something about reality that provides additional thrills on a mountain rail ride.

Nature Assists by Providing the Backdrop

Looking down off a rollercoaster one generally sees asphalt, pavement, guests, rides, or a manufactured pond. When one rides on the Cog Railway additional chills are provided just from looking down. The view below the train provides riders with a clear understanding of just how far the tracks are built above the mountain and at times just how high the train has climbed above ground level.

When patrons rise above the trees and into the clouds, people crowd close to the windows to grasp the full experience. Some hearty patrons even brave the forces of physics and attempt to stand to take pictures during the climb to the summit. On a cloudy day children ponder the wonder of clouds entering the train cabin.

There are Plenty of People to Explain the Scientific and Historical Connections

Another reason for visiting the Mount Washington Cog Railway is taking advantage of the educational opportunities. While there are many science lessons available at local amusement parks there are rarely people present to explain them to guests. The Cog Railway has done a wonderful job of providing guests with materials to explain the scientific and historical lessons associated with the railway system.

Guides give presentations related directly to the Cog Railway on the trip. There are also brochures provided for free and books available for purchase in the gift shop for those who wish to learn more. A scientific observatory is available on the top of Mount Washington with other information of a historical and scientific nature for those wishing to learn more about the mountain and weather reporting in the area.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a great New Hampshire summer adventure for families.

The copyright of the article Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire in Historical Travel is owned by Christine Ledder. Permission to republish Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Cog Railway