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Toot toot! Hop aboard the famous New Hampshire train rides that depart from historic platforms and chug along scenic routes, especially during leaf-peeping season.
A New Hampshire fall foliage train ride is a unique thing to do in The Granite State in autumn, a dreamy experience souvenir that should be on every New England bucket list.
Not visiting during the fall? These scenic and vintage train rides through the White Mountains are also lush during spring and summer.
You may also like our guide to the best places to visit in New Hampshire and our NH fall foliage road trip itinerary.
Train Rides in New Hampshire
Conway Scenic Railroad, North Conway
Anybody with five hours to spare during their NH trip has to travel the Conway Scenic Railroad (38 Norcross Circle), aka the “North Conway Train” or the “North Conway Scenic Railroad”.
This “supremely scenic” 60-mile journey called the Mountaineer offers vistas around Mount Washington’s Valley and Crawford Notch.
The carts are 1950s-era, with the aim of recreating a post-World War II Transcontinental streamlined train experience.
During fall, there is an even longer route for more leaf peeping, which stops in Fabyans, Bretton Woods; fall train rides in New Hampshire are worth the investment in time and money.
If you don’t want to travel for that length of time but still want to check out train rides in NH, there are two shorter journey options.
Both take less than two hours, the Sawyer River Excursion and the Conway Valley Train.
The Concord Valley Train follows an 11-mile round-trip route that lasts just under one hour.
The Sawyers River Excursion rides over bridges and past rivers with breathtaking views for a 21-mile round trip that lasts 2 hours.
You may also enjoy our guide to the White Mountains.
Hobo Railroad, Lincoln
The Hobo Railroad (64 Railroad St) in Lincoln also offers a train ride through the White Mountains in New Hampshire but in under 2 hours.
Take an 80-minute round trip around the Pemigewasset River and admire the natural woods of the area.
The restored vintage coaches let you step back in time and enjoy the scenery from the railway.
The railroad was originally built in 1882.
Check out our New Hampshire fall foliage guide for more scenic autumn spots.
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, North Woodstock
One more train ride in New Hampshire for those with a more luxurious taste: the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, aka “Dinner Train New Hampshire.”
This New Hampshire train provides a 5-course meal and unforgettable views of the White Mountains.
Hop on the train for a 2-hour ride and travel for 20 miles along a historic timberline that dates back to the early 1800s.
The dishes are always fresh and seasonally inspired, which is perfect for anyone with adventurous tastes!
Be sure to make a reservation and find a schedule on their website.
Mount Washington Cog Railway, Marshfield Station
It is no secret that the view from Mount Washington during peak leaf season in NH is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.
If you aren’t up for almost 8 miles of hiking and 4,000 feet of elevation gain by foot, take the Mount Washington Cog Railway (3168 Base Station Rd) to the peak.
Climb aboard the oldest mountain-climbing cog railway in the world and ascend the mountain at a grade of more than 25%.
You’ll get to wind through the mountain, photograph stunning waterfalls, and explore the top of the mountain, which features an observation deck, cafes, and a gift shop.
Mt Washington is one of the windiest places on the East Coast so remember to pack a jacket for the summit!
Schedule your trip and book tickets on their website.
If you are into hiking, check out our guide to New Hampshire hiking routes.
This is one of our favorite things to do in New Hampshire in the fall!
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, Meredith
Travel along a railroad that was built in the mid-1800s with the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad (154 Main St), located in the village of Meredith.
This 2-hour old-fashioned train ride travels along Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the lake surrounded by some of New Hampshire’s best fall foliage during autumn and blooms during spring and summer.
You may also like our guide on lakeside rentals in New Hampshire.
Which is our favorite of the scenic train rides in New England? Tell us in the comments below.
