New Hampshire's Mountain Trains

Duration: 5 Days | Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

White Mountains

Journey through notches carved by glaciers, winding mountain passes, and scenic overlooks that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Along the way, your knowledgeable tour guide will share stories, rich history, fascinating geology, and local lore, bringing each view and landmark to life as you travel from one destination to the next.

 

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Experience the world's first mountain climbing cog railway on a scenic ride to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. The round-trip journey lasts approximately three hours, including a one-hour stop at the summit, where you can capture breathtaking views and enjoy the natural beauty of the White Mountains. Trains run in all weather conditions, rain, snow, or shine, and may be powered by steam or diesel engines.

 

 

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

Sit back and relax on a picturesque rail journey as the train departs from Meredith, NH, traveling past the waters of Lakes Waukewan and Winona and along the Pemigewasset River to Plymouth. On the return trip, you’ll be welcomed by members of the Ashland Historical Society for a guided tour of the beautifully restored Ashland Railroad Station, a glimpse into the region’s railroading past.

 

Kellerhaus Ice Cream & Candy Shop

Kellerhaus, nestled in the Weirs Beach area of Laconia, NH, is a cherished family-operated business renowned for its handmade chocolates, candies, and ice cream. Since 1906, they've perfected their recipes, ensuring each treat is crafted with tradition and care. During your visit, delight in a delicious one-scoop ice cream sundae as part of the experience!

 

Kancamagus Scenic Highway

Experience one of the most picturesque routes through New Hampshire's White Mountains: the famed "Kanc," a local nickname for the Kancamagus Highway. This scenic road climbs nearly 3,000 feet along the flank of Mt. Kancamagus, named after an early Penacook Confederacy Chief known as "The Fearless One." Chief Kancamagus sought peace between his people and settlers, yet faced ongoing English harassment, leading to conflict and his eventual relocation in the 1690s. Along this highway, you'll discover the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, where the Swift River has sculpted a narrow passage through solid rock over centuries. Here, marvel at Mother Nature's finest craftsmanship while strolling the paths around beautiful Falls Pond.

 

Conway Scenic Railroad

Step aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad and travel along tracks first laid in the 1870s, a testament to remarkable 19th-century engineering. Journey through the breathtaking Crawford Notch, where sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks, and panoramic mountain vistas unfold around every bend. Cross the iconic Frankenstein Trestle and glide past Willey Brook on your way to Crawford Station. Along the way, enjoy live commentary sharing the history, folklore, and fascinating stories of the railroad and the rugged landscapes it traverses.

 

 

Fadden's General Store

Nestled in North Woodstock, NH, Fadden's General Store and Maple Sugarhouse has been a beloved fixture since the 1930s, renowned for their award-winning maple syrup products. Browse through a charming array of gift items, candles, and souvenirs alongside their full range of maple syrup offerings.

 

Café Lafayette Dinner Train

Enjoy a scenic dinner train ride along the fields and forests of the Pemigewasset River and travel through the award-winning Jack O'Lantern Golf Resort in the heart of the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire. Travel in the "Granite Eagle," one of three beautifully restored Pullman dining cars, and indulge in a four-course meal served in the elegant Grand European style. Period music sets the ambiance, blending with the rhythmic rumble of the rails and the nostalgic whistle of the engine. As twilight sets in, relish the romantic atmosphere and imagine yourself transported back in time. The experience spans two hours and covers 20 miles roundtrip.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at The Moutain Club on Loon

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a rotating menu with favorites such as roasted chicken, pulled pork, grilled steak, red bliss potatoes, baked ricotta stuffed shells, seasonal vegetables, a variety of deluxe salads, soup, and specials. Dinner is served with rolls and dessert. Water, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and hot tea are included

 

Lunch on day two is included aboard the Cog Railway. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Ham & Cheese Sandwich

• Turkey & Cheese Sandwich

• Vegetable Soup (Gluten Free)

• Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich (Vegetarian/Vegan)

Boxed lunches are served with potato chips and a cookie. Sandwiches are served with a fruit cup. A bottle of water is included.

 

Dinner on day two is aboard the Café Lafayette Dinner Train

The daily dinner menu will be announced on arrival, and includes an entree and appetizer. Dinner is served with rolls, salad, sorbet, and dessert.

 

Lunch on day three is included aboard the Conway Scenic Railway. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Honey Roasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich

• Smoked Turkey Breast & Cheese Sandwich

• Chicken Salad Bowl (Gluten Free)

• Chickpea Salad  (Vegetarian)

Boxed lunches are served with chips and dessert. A bottle of water is included.

 

Dinner on day three is included at The Mountain Club on Loon

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a rotating menu with favorites such as roasted chicken, pulled pork, grilled steak, red bliss potatoes, baked ricotta stuffed shells, seasonal vegetables, a variety of deluxe salads, soup, and specials. Dinner is served with rolls and dessert. Water, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and hot tea are included

 

Lunch on day four is included at Common Man Inn

Lunch will be served buffet-style and features New England style pot roast, chicken pot pie, stir fry veggies over rice noodles, and smoked gouda mac & cheese. Lunch is served with garlic butter mashed potatoes, roasted vegetable medley, dinner rolls, and apple crisp. Soft drinks, coffee, and hot tea are included.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Cog Railway: We recommend bringing an extra jacket or sweater, along with sturdy footwear suitable for snowy or wet conditions, as weather at the summit can be unpredictable. It’s often much colder at the top of Mount Washington, so come prepared for everything.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Cog Railway: Marshfield Base Station is fully accessible, with restrooms in the main and lower lobbies and an elevator providing access to both levels. However, the passenger coaches are historic in design, with three steps up to the boarding deck, narrow aisles and doorways. Guests must be capable of negotiating steps (and transferring from a wheelchair)– by themselves or with assistance from others in their group– to their assigned seat on the coach. If space is available, they will transport the folding wheelchair or walker on the train, or they can provide one of theirs for use at the summit. Due to space and weight limitations, they are not able to transport motorized wheelchairs. For these reasons and others, including weather and terrain conditions at the summit, guests who use mobility devices may have difficulty with some aspects of the experience.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

The Mountain Club on Loon (Lincoln, NH)

Stay at the Mountain Club on Loon, where stunning views of Loon Mountain and the White Mountain peaks welcome you the moment you arrive. This inviting resort features an indoor pool and fitness room. Spa services are available for an additional fee. Savor delicious dining options at Seasons Restaurant, or enjoy New England specialties and cozy ski lodge classics at the Black Diamond Pub. Guest rooms include a coffee maker and hair dryer. Due to the nature of the hotel, room view, sizes, and bed styles vary.

 

See highlights from Starr's Tour Tuesday!