Both the young and young at heart will enjoy climbing aboard a vintage train and riding the rails through the beautiful New England scenery. Located in the heart of North Conway, Conway Scenic Railroad has been providing family fun for decades. Board the 1920s passenger cars and ride the historic routes through the beautiful New England countryside.
Listed on the National Historic Register of Places, the train station located in downtown North Conway was built in 1874 under the supervision of architect Nathanial J. Bradlee. Passenger rail had declined sharply by the middle of the 20th century and service to Boston ended in 1961. In the years following the station was abandoned. In 1974, Conway Scenic Railroad reopened, providing seasonal excursions throughout the Mount Washington Valley.
Conway Scenic Railroad offers the Valley Train excursions that travel through the Mt. Washington Valley and the Notch Train that takes you over rivers and fields to Crawford Notch. Passengers of all ages will enjoy this old fashioned railroading experience.
Valley Trains
Conway Scenic Railroad offers two excursions on the Valley Train. You can chose from an 11 mile journey south to Conway or a northern 21 mile excursion to Bartlett. The Valley Train operates on a division of track that was formerly the Conway Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad.
On the Conway excursion, venture alongside Route 16 and past the Moat Mountain Range. Travel through farmlands and over the Saco and Swifts Rivers and across Moat Brook as you near Conway. You won’t want to miss the locomotive “run around” the track as the train prepares for the return.
The nearly 2 hour roundtrip journey to Bartlett is a relaxing ride, taking you “over the river and through the woods”. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride through fields and woodlands crossing the East Branch, Saco and Ellis Rivers on your way to Bartlett. The locomotive will also “run around” the track in preparation for the return trip.
Enjoy first class seating in the fully restored Pullman- Parlor Observation Car, the Gertrude Emma. Originally used on the “Pennsylvania Limited” in 1898, the car has been restored to its former glory. With mahogany woodwork, large double wide windows, individual wicker chairs, snack bar and open observation platform, the Gertrude Emma provides a wonderful sightseeing experience.
Note that children under age 4 ride free in coach on the Valley Trains and well behaved dogs are always welcome.
Notch Train
Travel the 1870s tracks that were formerly part of the Mountain Division of the Maine Central Railroad on the Notch Train. While enroute to the Fabyan and Crawford Station, enjoy the panoramic mountain views including bluffs, ravines and cascading brooks and streams. While admiring the majestic surroundings, there will be live commentary that includes history, folklore and points of interest.
During your excursion enjoy a layover at Crawford Station on Saco Lake. The station was built in 1891 at Crawford Notch, one of the main passes through the White Mountains. First class seating is provided on the CP Reed or the Dorthea Mae. Both cars were built in the mid 1950’s for transcontinental service throughout Canada and the United States.
Whichever excursion you choose, you are sure to enjoy this trip back in time.
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