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
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