Lets Ride! Episode 2: Conway Scenic Railroad's 'Mountaineer'; A trip through the Crawford Notch!

Bringing in the second episode of the 'Lets Ride' series, we're staying in the New England area, as we take a ride on one of the most well known rides in the New England States, the Conway Scenic Railroad, and their 'Mountaineer' Excursion, formerly known as the 'Notch Train'.

This extremely scenic ride takes off from North Conway, New Hampshire and the North Conway station. As you depart, you get a view of the yard with some of the static displays, as well as some of the equipment that's being worked on at the turntable and back shops. Heading north from there, you'll travel through many small towns along the way, such as Intervale, Lower Bartlett, and Jericho. The first significant location you will pass through is Bartlett, just 10 miles from the N. Conway station. This location was one of the busiest stops on the old railroad, and featured a small roundhouse, and shop tracks just down from the depot.

Once you get past Bartlett, things start getting more remote. You begin crossing the Saco River a handful of times on what are known as the '4 Iron Bridges'. After crossing the Fourth Iron Bridge, you enter 'Crawford Notch State Park'. This 7 mile stretch of railroad is among some of the most beautiful you'll find anywhere on the east coast. You slowly climb up the west side of the valley above the Saco River, over many small tributaries, as well as two extremely well known bridges. The first you get to is the 'Frankenstein Trestle'. Located just north of Arethusa Falls trailhead, this trestle was built in 1893 for the Maine Central Railroad, and has been serving the railroads ever since.

A bit further up the line, you get to arguable the most well known fall railroad location in all of New England; the Willey Brook Bridge. This 400 foot long bridge spans the Willey Brook, and is well over 100 feet above the valley below. The view from aboard the train is magnificent, but if you can, I highly recommend hiking the trail and getting photos/videos from the ground of the bridge!

Willey Brook is less than a mile from the north end of the notch, and shortly after exiting the notch, you make a short stop at the beautifully restored Crawford's Station. After departing Crawford's, it's just another 5 miles to the turn-around point at the Fabyan's Station, in Bretton Woods, NH. Another short layover allows riders the chance to stretch their legs, watch the power run around the train, and grab some fresh mountain air before making the 2 1/2 hour ride back to N. Conway.

This video only features the northbound trip, however I did record the southbound trip too; which I may upload at a later date.

Hope Everyone Enjoys!