Boston & Maine Railroad’s 72-mile White Mountain Branch from the state capital of Concord north to Lincoln served paper mills and forestry companies, but the railroad abandoned this route half a century ago as those businesses shut down. Fortunately, the entire line has survived, and two family-owned tourist train operations and a rail-bike attraction on the northern 54 miles keep the rails busy for visitors throughout most of the year known as the Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroads.
Choices
The Hobo Railroad offers 15-mile, 80-minute round trips on the north end of the branch to the many tourists who visit the White Mountains region. Trains depart Lincoln and follow the scenic Pemigewasset River south, crossing numerous trestles. Farther south, on the shores of its namesake lake, the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers 2-hour train rides out of Meredith and 1-hour rides from Weirs Beach to and from Lakeport, always in view of New Hampshire’s largest lake. The railroads offer three seating levels: Coach, First Class, and Presidential Class. Two rare Alco 660-hp diesel switchers work with newer EMD locomotives to power the two railroads’ trains. A more energetic option is Rail Bike Adventures, offering 5-mile pedaling round trips out of Laconia.
When to go
All three routes operate weekends from late May through June, and daily through the summer. Daily operations continue through the fall foliage season on the Hobo, while the Winnipesaukee reverts to weekends. Hobo offers Santa Express and Journey to the North Pole trains from late November through late December.
Good to know
Lake Winnipesaukee is a major summer vacation destination, and the White Mountains attract large crowds in summer and early October for fall foliage.
Worth doing
Four-hour fall foliage excursions run out of Meredith to Plymouth, and 2-hour turkey dinner trains also run from Meredith in the fall.
Don’t miss
There is much to do and see in the White Mountains, from hiking and kayaking to covered bridges, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Getting there
For the Hobo, take I-93 to exit 32. For the Winnipesaukee, take I-93 to Exit 23. For Rail Bikes, take I-92 to Exit 20. The drive through the center of New Hampshire is beautiful year-round.
Location: 154 Main Street, Meredith; 211 Lakeside Avenue, Weirs Beach
Phone: 603-745-2135 (trains rides), 603-348-1131 (rail bikes)
Website: gsscenic.com
E-mail: info@gsscenic.com
