Mount Washington Cog Railway Provides First Peek for Leaf Peepers

BRETTON WOODS, NH – Experience the colorful arrival of New England’s fabled fall foliage aboard the Mount Washington Cog Railway as it ascends the 6288’ alpine summit of New England’s tallest peak.

Riders have an unparalleled opportunity to see the leaves turn from summer greens to autumn’s brilliant mix of yellow, red and orange as the season unfolds across the panoramic Mount Washington valley. The three-hour round trip provides plenty of chances to see breath-taking scenery and take memorable photographs both from the historic vertical railway and the mountaintop.

Thanks to The Cog’s fleet of eco-friendly biodiesel and historic steam locomotives, leaf peepers have a variety of ascent times from which to choose and a full hour to spend touring Mount Washington’s summit. The ride includes a GPS-synced audio tour narrated by Emmy Award-winning TV host Fritz Wetherbee who points out noteworthy geological formations and alpine vegetation. Riders may also experience first-hand how solar panels safely guide passing trains around the historic Waumbek Water Tower.

Cog ticket-holders also gain free entrance to two exhibition halls and one historic site. The Cog Museum at the Marshfield Base Station provides a variety of self-guided visual, auditory and video displays that highlight the mountain’s natural and man-made history, thanks largely to Cog inventor Sylvester Marsh. The Observatory Museum at the summit of Mount Washington explains the environmental systems that create the Earth’s weather and climate. Visitors can also tour for free the historic Tip Top House, the 1853 hotel built when hiking was the only means of reaching the windswept mountain peak.

Whether you are day-tripping to see the leaves turn or planning a week-long foliage tour across New England, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is centrally located in the heart of the White Mountains, with easy access from airports in Boston, Portland, Hartford, New York and Montreal.

From September 4 to 21, riders save $9 on tickets for The Cog’s “afternoon special” that leaves the base station at 3:30 pm. Advance ticket purchase recommended. For more information, visit: www.thecog.com  or call 603-278- 5404.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is located at 3168 Base Station Road in Marshfield Station, NH, just six miles from Rt. 302 in Bretton Woods.