Conway Scenic Railroad - Mountaineer Dining

We had a good time at the Conway Scenic railroad. We went on the Conway valley train for 55 minutes in the first class coach, Gertrude Emma. The seats face the windows and we found that unique and useful to see the beautiful views. The train ride lasts for 20 minutes, after which the engine shifts to the other end of the train and then returns back the same way. Since we visited on a weekday, we did not purchase the tickets in advance. The woman at the ticket counter was a bit slow with service and we were worried that we would miss the train, so maybe purchasing the tickets online would be better. Tip: If you get a chance to pick the seats, do pick the ones on the opposite side of the train station for best views. Parking is available free for 2 hours right outside the station. Restrooms are available in the train in 2 coaches. It was a fun ride and a good experience, but I felt that it was pretty expensive for what it offers. So this will be a one time visit for us!

My family and I did the Santa Holiday Express. The ride is scenic along New Hampshire farmland and wildernesss. Make sure you arrive 30-45 minutes early on Thanksgiving weekend to not feel rushed. Our 1:00 PM train was fairly full. Be ready to wait about an hour to take a photo with Santa Claus when the train stops at the end of the line before returning back to the station. Cookies and hot chocolate were served while visiting Santa. Some snow was still on the ground so it kept my kids busy while waiting. We’d come back again!

We did the short 1 hr ride as it was my 4yr Olds 1st ride. It was perfect!!! Staff was great, we sat coach, and my son loved every minute!!!! We even got to see some deer in a field which was the highlight of his ride as well as seeing the engine car go past us to pull us back! Can't wait to try the longer trip next time !!!

Pros: - 100 year old train makes you feel nostalgic. Think Harry Potter!! - It's great if you love trains and would like a quick short train ride with scenic beauty outside - Comfy seating, clean and well maintained especially considering these are a century old - easy to book online through their website. NOTE that you'd still need to collect your physical train tickets from the counter albeit it was real prompt Cons: -The vanilla 56 min tour doesn't cover the mountains - The prices are steep Verdict: definitely recommend, but we will be going for the mountaineer ride next fall!

For the most amazing views of fall foliage and the mountains in NH around Conway, I would highly recommend folks take this very scenic and relaxing railroad route. I went on the longer 5 hour ride but the views are unbeatable. There is also a narration by the conductor over the speaker about history of the rail line and facts about NH. Sit on the right side closest to the station for the best views.

You will want to book a ticket for the Conway Scenic Railroad! We went in October so we saw amazing fall foliage on the mountains. The windows can be opened up if the weather is nice to get a better view. When the train gets to the end, before it turns back they have you swap sides so you can get the view of the other side. We paid extra to sit outside for the last half of the ride. Definitely worth it.

Beautiful ride on the Mountaineer. My boyfriend and I forgot to order lunches, but the train had brought a few extras for those who forgot, as well as a nice snack bar. That was very appreciated. It’s unfortunate to read some of the reviews here.. it is an old fashioned train, you’re paying for the experience of being on a historic train! I’m not sure what others expected, but I appreciate the historic integrity that this train has, as well as the work put in that keeps it running. The views were spectacular and it was cool that they switch the side of the train you sit on to ensure you see views. The staff was very nice, and it was overall a great experience . Hopefully coming back soon to try the dome seating!

It was beautiful. We saw amazing fall foliage along the way. There was clear view of the white mountains with other ones. Clouds sitting on the mountains. When they stopped the train ,they asked us to switch seats with the people who got the other side view so that while on the way back we could enjoy the other view as well. I liked right side view the best😊