Is the Cog or Conway Railway worth it?
 

We will be spending 2 wks in NH, VT, CT, ME, NY. We had wanted to take a train ride but read reviews on the Cog which mentioned people being covered by soot & the Conway RR didn't rate much better with cost, dirty windows, etc. Is it worth going or would a better option be to take a private van, tram or gondolia?

We preferred the ride up in the van. The ride on the Cog is a bit scary in both directions, and there is a LOT of soot emitted. With the van, you are delivered right to the top with no climb.

PS A terrific train ride is the longer one through Crawford Notch. We pre-ordered the box lunches, which were excellent and avoided the lines in the dining car. We've gone on various train rides in New England and this was, by far, our favorite. See www.conwayscenic.com

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the oldest cog railway in the world, older than the cog railways in Switzerland.

If history matters to you, it is the better choice. If all you want to do is get to the top of Mt Washington, you could tak a van. There are no trams or gondolas.

Of course, the best way is to hike. I have done it from three of the four different directions, and the one from the west side is the best as a walk, though the trail up the Tuckerman Headwall on the east side is thrillingly airy at one point.

I suppose the other question is why you want to go to the top of the mountain. Be very, very sure it is a clear day because there is no point in going except for the view.

This year they have a new bio diesel powered engine but it's only one of several that they use. I couldn't find info about which trip uses the new engine. Here's the news story
http://www.thecog.com/nametrain/
My complaint was only 20 minutes at the top if you want to be guaranteed a seat on the return trip. Hikers sometimes take the train down so there can be extra people.
Last time we took the Cannon Mtn tram it was very foggy. Agreed, don't spend money for a trip to the top unless you are going to have great views.
Perhaps a cruise on the Mt Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee?

Thanks so much for all of the feedback. It sounded like we needed to book in advance if we decided to take the train. Guess we'll just get there & see how the weather is. We will be staying on Lake Winnipesaukee for a week so did plan on taking a boat ride. We plan on a day at a seaside village in ME, one day at the Shaker Village & surroundings, heading towards the Green Mountains & Mt Washington, Quechee & Woodstock area, Franconia Notch & in great hopes of finding some great food, wineries, Octoberfests, etc. The last few days of our trip we will spend one night in Stowe, then head around Lake Champlain to Lake Placid for a night, on to Lake George & then fly out of Albany. We're really looking forward to the trip. Idaho has some wonderful fall foliage but this will be my first visit to the New England states.

As a NH resident, I have to add that hiking up Mount Washington requires serious preparation and is not a casual thing (not that you're looking to hike).

Weather conditions on the mountain can change suddenly and drastically, regardless of the weather on the ground.

Disclaimers aside, if you can visit that area on a clear day it is spectacular.

Don't miss driving around Center Sandwich NH while you are at the lake. Don't know if the Sandwich Creamery is still in operation. It's a challenge to find. They make their own ice cream etc. Take back roads and enjoy the scenery. Twice we have seen a black bear near the road, once crossing in front of us and then sitting in the bushes looking back at us.

On our trip 3 years ago we wanted a US mail box. We were going to get one in New York but because the ones in Woodstock are metal (the plastic ones are liable to crack in the cold weather) we got it there. The general store in Woodstock was a real treasure trove.

I think the ride on the Cog is totally worth it if you book it on a clear day. I spent years being afraid to get on that thing! But once I did it, I was awestruck!
Yes, a little soot here and there, (nothing bad)but the ride is exciting and the views going up and from the top are outstanding.