Mt. Washington Cog Railway (The Cog)
3168 Base Station Road, Mt. Washington, New Hampshire
An engineering marvel when it was built in the late 1860s, New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington Cog Railway (The Cog) was the first mountain-ascending train in the world. Today the same mechanization that ferried early tourists offers a unique alternative to driving or hiking to the wind-whipped summit of the highest peak in the northeastern United States. The half-day journey is a great way to get a taste of both New England’s rich history and beautiful natural scenery.
The mountain-climbing cog railway journey up to the mountaintop is three hours round-trip and includes narration. At a slow speed of only six miles (9.5 kilometers) per hour, you chug past scenic White Mountain vistas and through dense forest. At the summit, you can experience lovely above-the-clouds views. Both traditional coal-fired steam engine and modern, eco-friendly biodiesel trains run the track. You may purchase tickets at the ticket office, but advance purchase is recommended and available online up to two hours prior to departure.
The Cog's slow ascent provides ample photo opportunities and beautiful views that are particularly colorful in the fall season.
Admission to the small museum inside the observatory is included with the train journey.
All trains board 15 minutes before departure time on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Only service animals are allowed on the Cog. Strollers, car seats, coolers, and alcohol are not permitted.
You can reach Mt. Washington by day trip from Boston, or from the neighboring states of Maine, New York, and Connecticut. It is 165 miles (266 kilometers) from Boston and 330 miles (531 kilometers) from New York City.
The Cog's schedule runs seasonally from late April to November. Three-hour journeys include a one-hour stop at the summit, and depart every hour on the half hour regardless of weather. It is recommended to arrive 45 minutes prior to departure.
Though the Mt. Washington summit and the cog railway are the attraction’s main draw, the Marshfield Base Station is where the train ride departs from. The Marshfield Station is rich in history, as shown in its (free) railway museum and gift shop. It’s also where you can buy tickets or meet your tour guide.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!