Mount Washington Cog Railway

Holding designations as both the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway and one of the steepest rack railways in the world, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway is in a class of its own. This spectacular rail line has continued to impress guests with its beautiful views and inventive course since its opening in 1869. Steam engines made the journey exclusively until 2008, when biodiesel engines were introduced. Now, guests may choose from either for the hour-long trip to the summit. And the views from the top - they are just as impressive as the rack railway itself.

The line operated by steam engines exclusively until 2008, before the first diesel engines were introduced into the fleet. These diesel engines use biodiesel fuel and are both sturdier and more environmentally friendly than their steam counterparts. Today, most departures utilize diesel engines and enjoy a trip to the top that lasts approximately 45 minutes. There are two steam train departures a day on antique steam engines, and those excursions take a bit longer at about an hour. The steam engines make the climb at a slower pace and must stop for water halfway through the journey.

Each trip on the Mt. Washington Cog Railway includes a layover at the Sherman Adams Visitors Center at the peak. Guests may climb up to the center's rooftop observation deck for uninhibited views over stunning alpine scenery and up to six states, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean on very clear days. After an hour for exploration and sightseeing, the descent begins, following the same spectacular route