7 New Hampshire Train Rides That Reveal The State’s Most Stunning Autumn Scenery
Last October, I dragged my skeptical teenager onto a train in New Hampshire, promising her it would be worth missing her soccer practice.
By the time we rolled through a tunnel of crimson maples and golden birches, she’d stopped scrolling through her phone and actually gasped at the view.
New Hampshire’s autumn train rides offer something you just can’t experience from a car window—the chance to soak in fall foliage without worrying about traffic, parking, or missing that perfect vista while you’re stuck behind a slow RV.
1. Conway Scenic Railroad
Picture yourself gliding past Crawford Notch’s towering granite cliffs while sipping hot apple cider and watching leaves dance in the wind. Conway Scenic Railroad delivers exactly that experience, with routes winding through some of the White Mountains’ most jaw-dropping terrain.
I’ll never forget the collective gasp from passengers when we rounded a bend and spotted a waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks, framed perfectly by orange and red foliage. The vintage coaches add charm without sacrificing comfort—you get cushioned seats and massive windows designed specifically for gawking at nature’s show.
Book the Notch Train for the most dramatic scenery, or choose the shorter Valley Train if you’re traveling with restless kids. Either way, bring your camera and maybe some tissues for happy tears.
2. Mount Washington Cog Railway
Climbing nearly 6,300 feet to New England’s highest peak sounds intimidating until you realize a cheerful red train does all the work for you. The Mount Washington Cog Railway has been hauling visitors up this mountain since 1869, making it America’s first mountain-climbing cog railway and still one of the coolest.
As you chug upward at a steep angle that’ll make your stomach do little flips, the autumn landscape transforms from vibrant hardwoods to stunted evergreens to alpine tundra. The conductor cracks jokes about the grade being steeper than your mortgage payment while pointing out landmarks.
Pro tip: dress in layers because summit temperatures can be 30 degrees colder than at the base. The panoramic fall views from the top stretch across three states on clear days.
3. Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Ever wanted to see New Hampshire’s largest lake without fighting for beach parking? Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad solves that problem beautifully, hugging the shoreline while offering views that lakeside drivers completely miss.
The two-hour round trip from Meredith to Lakeport treats you to sparkling water on one side and hillsides exploding with autumn color on the other. I spotted a family of ducks paddling alongside our train once, seemingly racing us (they lost). The gentle pace gives you time to actually absorb the scenery instead of blurring past it.
Kids love the open-air cars available during nice weather, though the enclosed coaches stay cozy when October gets nippy. The narration shares quirky local history without being boring—like how the lake’s name has 132 different spellings.
4. Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
Whoever invented eating gourmet food while watching autumn mountains roll by deserves a medal. The Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train turns a simple train ride into a full evening event, complete with white tablecloths, multiple courses, and scenery that changes with every bite.
I celebrated my anniversary here last fall, and honestly, the butternut squash soup tasted even better when paired with views of the Pemigewasset River winding through golden forests. The five-course meal unfolds over two hours, perfectly timed so you’re never rushed but never waiting long either.
Chef-prepared dishes feature local ingredients when possible, and the drink list actually complements the menu instead of just existing. Reserve early for October weekends—this experience books up faster than pumpkin spice lattes disappear in September.
5. Granite State Scenic Railroad
Some train rides focus on speed; this one prioritizes letting you marinate in the beauty. Granite State Scenic Railroad’s fall foliage trains depart from Meredith and meander through the Lakes Region at a pace that lets you count individual leaves if you’re so inclined.
The route to Ashland Summit showcases classic New England scenery—stone walls, historic farms, and hardwood forests that look like they’ve been dipped in paint. My favorite moment came when we crossed a small trestle bridge over a babbling brook, and the engineer actually slowed down so everyone could snap photos.
These seasonal trips run specifically during peak foliage season, so the timing is always perfect. The staff genuinely loves what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious—you’ll leave feeling like you’ve made new friends.
6. White Mountain Central Railroad
Tucked behind Clark’s Trading Post, this charming little railway proves good things come in small packages. White Mountain Central Railroad operates vintage trains on a short loop that’s perfect for families with young children or anyone who wants a quick dose of nostalgia without committing to a three-hour excursion.
The antique coaches and steam locomotives look like they rolled straight out of a storybook, and during fall, the surrounding White Mountains provide a backdrop that makes every snapshot frame-worthy. Kids absolutely lose their minds over the authentic steam whistle and the conductor’s old-fashioned uniform.
Combine your ride with exploring Clark’s Trading Post for a full afternoon of entertainment. The train portion takes about 30 minutes, giving you just enough time to appreciate the foliage without testing anyone’s attention span.
7. Hobo Railroad
Don’t let the quirky name fool you—this railroad delivers seriously beautiful autumn views along the Pemigewasset River. Operating from Lincoln, the Hobo Railroad specializes in family-friendly excursions that manage to entertain both toddlers and grandparents simultaneously, which is basically magic.
The train follows the river through forests that turn impossibly vibrant each October, with mountains rising on both sides like nature’s own amphitheater. I watched a dad point out a moose to his daughter during our ride, though I suspect it was actually a large rock (we all pretended otherwise for her sake).
The 80-minute round trip strikes the perfect balance—long enough to feel like a real adventure but short enough that nobody gets antsy. Snacks and drinks are available onboard, though honestly, the scenery is enough to keep everyone satisfied.