Written by Rex Vogel, RVing with Rex explores North America one meaningful place at a time through destination guides, history, slow travel, and thoughtful storytelling. Drawing on years of RV travel and firsthand experience, the site helps readers move beyond simply seeing places to truly experiencing them.
A leisurely cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington offers a different way to experience Lake Winnipesaukee, from Weirs Beach to Wolfeboro and back.
Lake Winnipesaukee lies in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region at the foothills of the White Mountains. It is the state’s largest lake and is often called the Big Lake.
On a pleasant September morning, we boarded the M/S Mount Washington at Weirs Beach for a cruise across Lake Winnipesaukee. The mountains were beginning to show the colors of autumn, the islands dotted the broad expanse of water, and the shoreline slowly unfolded as we cruised toward Wolfeboro.
For a few hours, there was nowhere we needed to be. We simply enjoyed being on the lake.
I have written about Lake Winnipesaukee before including Smile of the Great Spirit: Lake Winnipesaukee which explored the lake and surrounding Lakes Region. I have also written about Castle in the Clouds where Winnipesaukee stretches below in a sweeping panorama of water, islands, and mountains.
This time, I want to look at the lake from a different perspective—from the deck of the M/S Mount Washington.
There is something different about experiencing a lake from the water. The shoreline no longer defines the journey; it becomes part of the scenery. Islands that seem distant from land take on a different character while the surrounding mountains rise around you rather than simply forming a backdrop.
On a pleasant October afternoon, we cruised from Weirs Beach toward Wolfeboro, surrounded by the changing landscape of New Hampshire’s Big Lake. It was a leisurely few hours but one that offered a fresh way to appreciate a place I had already come to know.
Our cruise began at Weirs Beach, one of the best-known communities on Lake Winnipesaukee. For generations, it has been a popular summer destination with its waterfront, beach, boardwalk, restaurants, and attractions drawing visitors to the lake.
Weirs Beach is also an important gateway to Winnipesaukee. From here, visitors can enjoy the lake in many ways but few are as leisurely as stepping aboard the M/S Mount Washington for a cruise.
The summer crowds had thinned and the waterfront felt relaxed. We boarded the M/S Mount Washington and settled in for a leisurely day on the lake.
At 230 feet long and spread across three decks, the ship is impressive even at the dock. But once we pulled away, its size mattered less than the view.
The waterfront slowly receded behind us and the lake opened ahead. What had been a destination viewed from land became the landscape through which we were traveling.
For the next several hours, the lake would be our road.
Once we left Weirs Beach, the pace of the day changed. There was no traffic to watch, no turns to navigate, and no reason to hurry. The M/S Mount Washington moved steadily across the lake while we watched the scenery unfold.
The ship has carried passengers on Lake Winnipesaukee since 1940 and has become an institution on the Big Lake. Its spacious decks make it easy to step outside and enjoy the ever-changing views.
We spent much of our time on deck where the fall air was pleasant and the scenery constantly changed. The shoreline stretched away in both directions, islands appeared ahead and slipped behind us, and mountains formed a familiar backdrop.
There was nothing complicated about the experience. We were simply on the lake, watching New Hampshire pass by at a comfortable pace. Perhaps that was the best part—the opportunity to slow down and let the landscape come to us.
Once we were out on the open water, Lake Winnipesaukee seemed to grow larger with every mile. From the deck, islands appeared ahead, wooded shorelines curved into the lake, and mountains rose beyond them.
A cruise offers something that driving around the lake cannot. The perspective is constantly changing. An island gradually reveals its trees and rocky shoreline before slipping behind us while distant mountains shift along the horizon as the ship changes course.
I found myself watching the shoreline as much as the water. Homes and small communities appeared among the trees and hills, seeming quieter and more removed from the everyday world.
The September morning added its own character with autumn beginning to touch the landscape without overwhelming the greens of the forest.
There was time simply to look. No single view lasted very long but there was always another one waiting beyond it.
After cruising across Lake Winnipesaukee, the M/S Mount Washington brought us to Wolfeboro on the eastern shore.
Wolfeboro has a long connection with summer vacationing. Colonial Governor John Wentworth established a summer estate here in the 1760s, giving the town its claim as America’s oldest summer resort. His estate was actually on nearby Lake Wentworth but his summers in the region helped establish a tradition that continues today.
The town grew into a popular summer destination and its relationship with Lake Winnipesaukee remains central to its character. The waterfront, town docks, shops, restaurants, and tree-lined streets give Wolfeboro a traditional New England resort atmosphere.
We stepped ashore and spent some time exploring before stopping for lunch. It was a pleasant change from the quiet of the lake and gave us a chance to experience Wolfeboro from the shore rather than simply watching it pass from the deck.
After lunch, we returned to the M/S Mount Washington for the journey back across the lake. Our stop added a little history and a taste of lakeside life to an already enjoyable day on Winnipesaukee.
After lunch in Wolfeboro, we returned to the M/S Mount Washington and continued our cruise across Lake Winnipesaukee. The afternoon was still pleasant and there was something satisfying about settling back aboard and watching the shoreline slowly recede.
The return journey offered many of the same views we had seen earlier but they didn’t feel quite the same. From the opposite direction, familiar islands and stretches of shoreline took on new shapes and perspectives.
We spent the afternoon watching the landscape rather than watching the clock. Mountains framed the lake, wooded islands dotted the water, and occasional homes appeared along the shoreline. The pace was unhurried, giving us time to simply enjoy being there.
As Weirs Beach gradually came back into view, the cruise was drawing to an end. A few hours earlier, we had left the shore looking forward to seeing Lake Winnipesaukee from the water. Now we were returning with a collection of photographs—and a different appreciation for the Big Lake.
As Weirs Beach came back into view, our cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington was coming to an end. We had spent a pleasant September day crossing Lake Winnipesaukee, stopping in Wolfeboro and enjoying the ever-changing views from the water.
I had seen this lake before from its shores and from high above at Castle in the Clouds. Each perspective revealed something different. From above, I could appreciate the sweep of the lake and the mountains that surround it. From the water, I noticed the smaller details—the wooded islands, quiet stretches of shoreline, and homes tucked among the trees.
Perhaps that is what I enjoy most about returning to places I have visited before. There is always another way to see them.
The M/S Mount Washington cruise wasn’t an adventure in the usual sense. It was simply several unhurried hours on the water, enjoying the scenery, and the company of a beautiful New Hampshire day.
Sometimes, that’s more than enough.
Seeing the lake anew
Some places reveal more with time
As Weirs Beach came back into view, our day on Lake Winnipesaukee was coming to an end. The M/S Mount Washington had carried us across the Big Lake, through its islands and along its shores with a stop in Wolfeboro along the way.
I had seen Winnipesaukee from its shores and from high above at Castle in the Clouds. Yet being on the water felt different. The lake wasn’t simply something to look at; it was something to move through. Islands, mountains, and shoreline became part of the experience.
Perhaps that is why familiar places continue to draw us back. We don’t always return because the place has changed. Sometimes we return because we are willing to see it differently.
That pleasant September day aboard the M/S Mount Washington gave me another way to experience a lake I thought I already knew. There is always another perspective waiting to be discovered.
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Editor’s note
This article was originally published in September 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
High above New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Castle in the Clouds combines the history of Lucknow Mansion with mountain trails, forests, waterfalls, and spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
There are places you visit for what is there and places you remember because of what you saw from there. Castle in the Clouds is both.
High above New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, the historic Lucknow Mansion sits amid forests and mountains overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. I had already written about Winnipesaukee in Smile of the Great Spirit: Lake Winnipesaukee but seeing the lake from Castle in the Clouds gave me a different perspective.
The lake was still the lake but from this vantage point I could see how it fits into the larger landscape of mountains, forests, and countryside. Somehow, that changed the way I saw it.
Castle in the Clouds would prove to be more than a historic mansion with a spectacular view. It was a place to step into history, walk old carriage roads, explore the forest, and simply spend time taking in the beauty of the Lakes Region.
Thomas Gustave Plant’s path to Lucknow was anything but ordinary.
Born in Bath, Maine, in 1859 to French Canadian immigrants, Plant left school at 14 to help support his family. After apprenticing as a shoe laster, he rose from factory worker to factory owner in just 11 years. At 32, he established the Thomas G. Plant Company. By 1910, his Jamaica Plain factory was the largest factory in the United States and the largest shoe factory in the world, producing six million pairs of shoes a year.
At 51, Plant sold his company and turned toward retirement. His attention shifted to New Hampshire’s Ossipee Mountains where he and his new wife, Olive, found the setting for the life they wanted.
Plant began acquiring land in 1911, eventually assembling 6,300 acres. Between 1913 and 1914, he and Olive built a 16-room Arts and Crafts mansion, along with stables, gatehouses, a greenhouse, recreational facilities, and miles of carriage and bridle trails. Plant later wrote that he spent more than a million dollars creating his dream home.
They called the estate Lucknow.
For 27 years, it was their home. They rode horses on the trails, entertained guests, and enjoyed the mountain landscape that had drawn Plant there in the first place.
The fortune that created Lucknow eventually disappeared and the estate was mortgaged and ultimately foreclosed after Plant’s death in 1941. But his mountain retreat survived.
More than a century later, we can still walk through the home Plant built and see the dream he left behind.
Castle in the Clouds occupies the former 6,300-acre Lucknow Estate, created in the early twentieth century by millionaire Thomas Plant. At its heart is the 1913–1914 Lucknow Mansion, built as a private mountain retreat and now preserved as a window into another era.
But the mansion is only part of the estate.
Gardens, forests, waterfalls, old carriage roads, and 28 miles of trails extend across the property. The scale of the estate makes it feel less like a historic house and more like a landscape designed to be explored.
For an RVer, there is one important consideration. The old carriage roads are narrow and winding and they aren’t suitable for today’s large recreational vehicles.
That’s not really a drawback.
It means the motorhome stays behind and the best way to discover the estate is on foot.
Walking into Lucknow Mansion is like stepping into the early twentieth century when Thomas Plant and his wife, Olive, called this mountain estate home.
The furnishings, rooms, and vintage clothing offer glimpses of how the Plants lived but the house itself tells a more surprising story. Lucknow was designed with conveniences remarkably advanced for its time.
A central vacuuming system was built into the mansion, along with unusual plumbing fixtures such as needle showers which delivered dozens of fine streams of water rather than the single spray of a modern shower. Features we take for granted today were anything but ordinary when the house was completed in 1914.
A self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace while guided tours provide a closer look at the main floors. A behind-the-scenes tour takes you into the basement and reveals some of the less visible workings of the estate.
The details are as interesting as the grand rooms. Together, they offer a glimpse into how the Plants lived and how they imagined modern living more than a century ago.
The most compelling part of Castle in the Clouds may be the view from the grounds. Lake Winnipesaukee spreads below, its islands, bays, and peninsulas framed by mountains and forests. On a clear day, the landscape seems to stretch toward the horizon.
It is easy to understand why Thomas Plant chose this mountainside. Lucknow wasn’t simply built in the mountains; the house and grounds were positioned to make the landscape part of everyday life.
From this elevation, Winnipesaukee takes on a different character. The lake’s irregular shoreline and scattered islands become part of a much larger landscape with mountains rising beyond them.
I had written about Winnipesaukee from the lake itself. Here, I could see the relationship between the lake, mountains, forests, and countryside that define the Lakes Region.
The mansion brought me here. The view made me stay.
The 28 miles of trails at Castle in the Clouds reveal a side of the estate that can’t be seen from the mansion. Old carriage roads and footpaths wind through the forest, following streams, and leading to waterfalls.
Some trails are gentle walks; others offer a more challenging hike. Along the way, the historic carriage roads provide a reminder of how visitors once traveled through the estate while the forest and water make the experience feel far removed from the mansion above.
For me, this is one of the pleasures of Castle in the Clouds. You can leave the formal grounds behind and simply walk, listening to the water and watching for what appears around the next bend.
There is more than one way to explore Lucknow Mansion and each reveals something different.
The self-guided tour covers the first and second floors, allowing you to move at your own pace with interpreters available for questions. The one-hour guided tour goes deeper into the mansion’s construction, the Plant family, and their life at Lucknow.
Then there is the basement.
The 45-minute guided basement tour explores the physical plant and work areas that kept this state-of-the-art mansion running. It also examines the advanced appliances and amenities enjoyed by the Plants and offers a glimpse into the servants who maintained the estate.
Other tours take you outside. Garden tours explore the historic plantings and landscape while guided hikes reveal the natural and human history of the estate. Seasonal offerings provide still other perspectives, including opportunities to explore Lucknow as the sun sets behind the mountains.
You can simply walk through the mansion, dig deeper into its history, see how it worked behind the scenes, or follow its story into the gardens and surrounding landscape.
Castle in the Clouds isn’t simply a historic mansion preserved for visitors. The estate remains a place where people gather, learn, and enjoy the outdoors.
More than 200 programs and events are offered throughout the year. You might join a guided hike or bird walk, try watercolor or creative writing, bring children to a craft hour or story time, or stretch out on the lawn for yoga. Solar and star-gazing programs offer another way to experience the property.
Special events bring their own energy including the Community Arts Festival, Castle Gala, Castle Car Show, and Christmas at the Castle.
What I find appealing is the variety. You can come for the history, return for a hike, discover the gardens, attend an event, or simply spend an afternoon enjoying the setting.
Lucknow may be more than a century old but it hasn’t been left in the past.
Sometimes a familiar place needs a new perspective
I came to Castle in the Clouds expecting a historic mansion and a spectacular view.
I found both but left thinking about something else.
I had already written about Lake Winnipesaukee and thought I knew the landscape. From high above the lake, surrounded by mountains and forests, I saw it differently. Winnipesaukee was no longer simply a destination but part of a much larger landscape that Plant had recognized more than a century ago.
Perhaps that is what travel sometimes gives us—not something entirely new but a new way of seeing something we thought we knew.
For me, that was the gift of Castle in the Clouds.
Enjoyed this article?
Share it with friends, fellow RVers, or your social network to inspire their next adventure.
Editor’s note
This article was originally published in September 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. Conditions, access, and amenities may change over time, so please verify current details before planning your trip.
To maintain transparency and editorial independence, this website contains no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just firsthand RV travel experiences and practical information for fellow travelers.
Experience New England’s fall in an RV! Ride the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway and enjoy breathtaking autumn views from the Northeast’s tallest peak.
There’s something magical about autumn in New England—crisp mornings, mountains blanketed in scarlet and gold, and the scent of wood smoke drifting through the air. But for RVers chasing fall color, one ride stands out above all others: the Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire.
All aboard for America’s best fall foliage views
Train rides offer a unique and relaxing way to experience America’s fall foliage
When autumn arrives in New England, the hills come alive in a blaze of red, gold, and amber—a season so vibrant it seems to pause time. For travelers and especially RVers following the fall color trail this is peak season: the time when winding mountain roads, small towns, and forested valleys turn into a painter’s dream. And while scenic byways like Vermont’s Route 100 or New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway promise unforgettable drives, there’s another, slower way to take it all in—by train.
Across the country, scenic railways offer front-row seats to fall’s grand performance from Colorado’s Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad threading through the San Juan Mountains to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Ohio and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Georgia. Yet among them, one ride stands apart—both for its history and its altitude. In the heart of the White Mountains, the Mount Washington Cog Railway climbs higher than any other train east of the Rockies carrying passengers through a kaleidoscope of autumn color straight to the summit of New England’s tallest peak.
It’s a journey that blends history, engineering, and raw mountain beauty—and for RVers exploring New England’s fall routes, the Mount Washington Cog Railway offers an unforgettable way to rise above it all.
This isn’t your ordinary scenic train ride. The Cog climbs the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, giving passengers a literal bird’s-eye view of one of America’s most spectacular seasonal displays. And because you can’t safely drive an RV to the summit this railway offers the perfect way to experience the top of New England without ever touching a mountain road.
The historic cog railway experience
The world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway
From the moment you step onto the platform at Marshfield Base Station there’s a sense that you’re about to do something extraordinary. Steam rises against the backdrop of the White Mountains, the scent of coal mingles with pine, and the gentle clatter of the locomotive hints at an adventure that’s been thrilling travelers for more than 150 years. This is the Mount Washington Cog Railway—the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway and still one of the most remarkable feats of engineering in North America.
Built in 1869 by Sylvester Marsh, a New Hampshire native and visionary inventor, the Cog was considered impossible at the time. Locals joked that Marsh might as well try to build a railroad to the moon. But his idea worked—brilliantly. Using a system of toothed rack rails and cogwheels that grip the track, his design allowed trains to climb grades as steep as 38 percent, far beyond what ordinary locomotives could handle. What began as an audacious dream became a symbol of Yankee ingenuity and perseverance.
Today, passengers can choose between two kinds of rides: the classic steam-powered locomotives that evoke the golden age of rail travel and the modern biodiesel engines that combine environmental efficiency with the same jaw-dropping ascent. The journey takes just under an hour each way moving at a steady three miles per hour—slow enough to savor every view as the valley below shrinks and the treeline gives way to the stark alpine world above.
Halfway up, the train pauses briefly at Waumbek Station, a viewing point perched at 3,800 feet where the world already feels different—quieter, crisper, and endlessly wide. As the train climbs higher you’ll pass through three distinct climate zones each revealing a new palette of autumn color: deep rusts and golds in the lowlands, fiery reds in the middle slopes, and hardy evergreens near the summit.
At the top of Mount Washington, the landscape opens in every direction. On a clear day, you can see five states, Canada, and even the Atlantic Ocean nearly 90 miles away. The wind can be fierce—gusts here once set a world record at 231 miles per hour—but that only adds to the sense of awe. Inside the summit visitor center you’ll find exhibits about the mountain’s volatile weather, a café for warming up, and plenty of spots to capture photos that seem to touch the sky.
For RVers and slow travelers, the Cog offers something rare: a chance to step away from the driver’s seat and let the rhythm of a historic machine carry you upward through time and terrain. It’s not just transportation—it’s an experience that connects you to the spirit of exploration that built the American road and rail network alike.
A brief history of the Mount Washington Cog Railway
A historic engineering marvel
Every great adventure has a story behind it and the Cog’s is one of grit, imagination, and mountain-sized determination. Here’s how this one-of-a-kind railway went from an impossible dream to a beloved New England icon.
1850s – A wild idea: Inventor Sylvester Marsh after struggling up Mount Washington on foot dreamed of a train that could climb the peak—an idea so bold that legislators laughed and dubbed it “Marsh’s Folly.”
1866 – Building the impossible: Construction began with horses hauling supplies up steep slopes and workers laying track by hand across rugged alpine terrain.
1869 – First ascent: The Cog officially opened to the public becoming the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. It immediately drew national attention and curious travelers from across America.
1900s – The golden age of steam: Thousands rode each summer as steam engines power tourists to the “home of the world’s worst weather” cementing the Cog’s fame as both thrilling and terrifying.
1980s – Modernization: New ownership restored the line and upgraded the rolling stock preserving its heritage while improving safety and comfort for modern visitors.
2008 – Greener on the mountain: Introduction of biodiesel locomotives reduced emissions and kept the railway sustainable while maintaining the same slow, scenic climb.
Today: The Mount Washington Cog Railway remains America’s oldest mountain railway still in operation a living monument to ingenuity—and one of the best ways to experience fall in the White Mountains.
Steepest grade: The Cog tackles slopes up to 38 percent, the steepest regularly operated train track in North America.
Altitude gain: The train climbs more than 3,500 feet in just three miles.
World-record wind: The Mount Washington summit once recorded 231 mph winds—the fastest ever measured on Earth at the time.
Three climate zones: On a single ride, you’ll travel from hardwood forest to subalpine tundra—a journey through three distinct ecosystems.
Oldest mountain railway: Opened in 1869, the Cog remains the first and oldest mountain-climbing railway in the world still in operation.
Slow and steady: The train moves at a relaxed 2.8 to 4 mph giving passengers plenty of time to savor every color and cloud.
Nicknamed “The Railway to the Moon”: Locals once mocked its inventor Sylvester Marsh with that phrase—but his dream climbed higher than anyone imagined.
RV travel logistics: Getting there and staying nearby
Located off Route 302 near the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods
After a journey through the Cog’s storied past and its breathtaking climb you might be wondering what it’s like to visit in your own rig. The good news? Experiencing this legendary railway fits perfectly into an RV road trip through New England’s White Mountains with scenic routes, convenient campgrounds, and mountain views right outside your windshield.
Reaching the Mount Washington Cog Railway is as much a part of the adventure as the ride itself. The route winds through some of New England’s most spectacular mountain scenery with rolling forested ridges, charming small towns, and the unmistakable crispness of northern autumn in the air.
The Marshfield Base Station—where the Cog Railway begins its dramatic climb—sits on Base Station Road near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, about 6 miles from U.S. Route 302. For RVers, this approach is not only scenic but also practical: U.S. 302 and NH Route 115 are both well-maintained and suitable for larger rigs. The roads curve gently through the White Mountain National Forest offering plenty of turnouts and photo opportunities along the way.
If you’re driving a motorhome or towing a trailer avoid the Mount Washington Auto Road that climbs the eastern side of the mountain from Pinkham Notch. It’s narrow, steep, and restricted to smaller vehicles—definitely not RV-friendly. The Cog route from the west side, however, is accessible, well-signed, and ideal for anyone traveling with a home on wheels.
Parking: The base station has a designated gravel lot that accommodates RVs though it can fill up quickly on peak fall weekends. Arriving early in the morning not only secures parking but also lets you enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the on-site café before your train departs.
While waiting make time to explore the Mount Washington Cog Railway Museum, a free exhibit showcasing vintage locomotives, old photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of this mountain marvel.
Nearby campgrounds offer family-friendly and RV-friendly accommodations
If you plan to linger in the White Mountains—and you should—several excellent campgrounds make perfect bases for exploring both the Cog and the surrounding region:
Ammonoosuc Campground (Twin Mountain): Just a short drive from the base station this riverside campground offers full hookups, pull-through sites, and plenty of shade. It’s a local favorite for RVers running fall foliage loops.
Twin Mountain/Mt. Washington KOA Holiday: A polished, family-friendly park with full hookups, laundry, a camp store, and easy access to U.S. 302. It’s ideal for larger Class A rigs and those who prefer modern amenities.
Dry River Campground (Crawford Notch State Park): A quieter, more rustic option within the White Mountain National Forest—great for smaller RVs or camper vans looking for immersion in nature.
Sugarloaf I & II Campgrounds: A bit farther north along the Zealand River these U.S. Forest Service sites offer limited hookups but unbeatable mountain views and hiking access.
October is the best time to experience fall foliage while still enjoying relatively good weather
Timing your Cog Railway adventure is key to catching the White Mountains at their most spectacular. In this corner of New Hampshire the fall foliage season typically peaks from late September through mid-October but the timing shifts slightly each year depending on weather, rainfall, and temperature.
Because the Cog Railway climbs from valley floor to alpine summit, passengers experience several stages of the season in one ride—a rare treat for leaf-peepers. At the base sugar maples blaze orange and red while midway up birches turn gold against dark evergreens. Near the top the trees give way to tundra and the colors fade into windswept grasses and low shrubs glowing russet in the cool mountain light.
For RVers, this means you don’t have to chase color through multiple regions—the mountain delivers an entire fall palette in a single trip.
Best times of day: Morning rides often feature soft, golden light filtering through the valleys—ideal for photography. The afternoon departures, however, tend to have stronger contrast and broader views toward the setting sun. Either way, the lighting on the return trip changes dramatically offering a fresh perspective on the same slopes you ascended earlier.
Weather watch: Mount Washington is famous for its unpredictable weather. The summit can be 20 to 30 degrees colder than the base and sudden clouds or gusts can roll in with little warning. Dress in layers, bring a windproof jacket, and don’t forget gloves if you plan to linger outdoors at the top. Even in early October, frost and light snow are not uncommon at higher elevations.
RVer tip: If you have flexibility in your itinerary, aim for weekdays rather than weekends. Crowds are lighter, parking is easier, and you’ll have a better chance of snagging an ideal train time. Combine your Cog experience with a leisurely scenic drive down the Kancamagus Highway or a quiet overnight stay beneath the clear mountain stars—an experience that truly defines the New England fall season.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway may be the centerpiece of your trip but the surrounding White Mountains region offers enough beauty and variety to keep RVers happily exploring for days. From grand hotels and historic railways to scenic byways and easy hikes, this is one of New England’s most rewarding travel hubs—especially in the crisp, colorful weeks of autumn.
Bretton Woods and the Mount Washington Hotel
Just a few miles from the Cog’s base station lies the Omni Mount Washington Resort, one of America’s last surviving grand hotels of the Gilded Age. Its red-roofed towers stand out against the backdrop of Mount Washington making it one of the most photographed landmarks in New England. Even if you’re not staying overnight you can visit for lunch, enjoy a drink on the veranda, or take a guided history tour. RV parking is available in the outer lots and the hotel grounds are particularly stunning at sunset when the mountain glows gold and rose in the fading light.
Franconia Notch State Park
About 25 miles west, Franconia Notch State Park offers classic White Mountains scenery and plenty of accessible adventures. Ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for sweeping views, stroll through the Flume Gorge, or visit the New England Ski Museum. RVers will find convenient parking areas and pull-offs along I-93 plus nearby campgrounds for those who want to stay overnight and explore the notch at sunrise.
Crawford Notch State Park
Closer still, Crawford Notch is a narrow mountain pass filled with waterfalls, hiking trails, and jaw-dropping views. Short walks to Silver Cascade and Flume Cascade offer big rewards for minimal effort. The scenic drive through the notch on U.S. 302 is one of the best RV-friendly fall routes in New England—winding, but not too tight, and filled with overlooks perfect for photography.
The Kancamagus Highway
Known affectionately as “The Kanc” this 34-mile National Scenic Byway runs between Lincoln and Conway, New Hampshire, tracing the Swift River through the heart of the White Mountains. Every mile delivers postcard-worthy foliage, rustic bridges, and mountain vistas. For RVers, it’s a smooth, two-lane drive with ample pullouts for photos and picnics. There are several U.S. Forest Service campgrounds along the route making it easy to stretch the trip into an overnight experience under the stars.
Conway Scenic Railroad
If the Cog Railway whets your appetite for vintage trains, don’t miss the Conway Scenic Railroad, about an hour southeast in North Conway. The line follows the valley floor through covered bridges and river crossings offering a gentler but equally colorful journey through the White Mountains. It’s a perfect pairing with the Cog—one takes you skyward, the other winds peacefully through the valleys below.
RVers tip: For a perfect autumn itinerary combine the Mount Washington Cog Railway with a scenic driving loop: start in Lincoln, follow the Kancamagus Highway to Conway, head north through Crawford Notch, and return west via Franconia Notch. The route forms a natural circuit through some of the Northeast’s best fall landscapes—and every leg offers campgrounds, hiking trails, and roadside stands selling fresh cider and maple syrup.
These tips help ensure a smooth and enjoyable RV experience
Exploring the Mount Washington Cog Railway and the White Mountains is a dream for RV travelers but a few insider tips can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable:
1. Book train tickets early Fall weekends in the White Mountains are extremely popular. Cog Railway tickets often sell out weeks in advance especially for steam locomotives. If your RV itinerary is flexible, try weekdays or early morning departures for lighter crowds.
2. Dress in layers The summit can be 20–30°F colder than the base with gusty winds that can reach hurricane-like speeds. Bring a windproof jacket, hat, gloves, and layered clothing to stay warm while exploring the top.
3. Plan for parking and maneuvering While RV parking is available at the base station, it fills quickly during peak foliage weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot and allow time to explore the museum and gift shop before your ride.
4. Mind your RV size Approaches via U.S. 302 and NH Route 115 are manageable for most RVs but longer trailers may need to navigate tight curves carefully. Avoid the Mount Washington Auto Road which is restricted to smaller vehicles.
5. Bring binoculars and a camera The Cog Railway provides unparalleled views of the valley, treetops, and mountain ridges. Binoculars help spot wildlife while cameras capture the layered color of the forest and alpine zones.
6. Stay nearby overnight If possible, book a nearby campground such as Ammonoosuc, KOA Twin Mountain, or Dry River. This allows for early-morning or sunset rides and gives you time to explore other scenic spots like the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch without rushing.
7. Combine scenic drives Plan your RV route to include loops through Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch, and the Kancamagus Highway. Pull over at overlooks and short trails to stretch your legs and enjoy the foliage from multiple vantage points.
8. Check the weather Mount Washington is famous for its rapid weather changes. Always check forecasts before your ride especially in October and be prepared for fog, rain, or light snow at the summit.
9. Pack snacks and water Although there is a café at the summit bringing your own snacks and water ensures you stay comfortable while waiting for the return trip especially if traveling with children or pets.
10. Embrace the experience The Cog Railway isn’t just transportation—it’s a historic adventure. Slow down, take in the views, and enjoy the sensation of climbing the tallest mountain in the Northeast, a journey that’s both scenic and memorable for RV travelers.
An unforgettable blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor activity
For RV travelers chasing autumn’s finest colors, the Mount Washington Cog Railway offers more than a scenic ride—it’s a journey through history, nature, and sheer engineering ingenuity. From the blazing maples in the valleys to the wind-swept alpine tundra at the summit, the railway showcases New England’s fall season in a way no drive alone can match.
Paired with nearby scenic routes, charming towns, and a network of RV-friendly campgrounds, this adventure transforms a simple leaf-peeping trip into a fully immersive mountain escape. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a weekend road-tripper, taking the Cog to the top of the Northeast’s tallest peak is a reminder that the best travel moments are often a mix of slow journeys, breathtaking views, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Please note: This article was first published Octobber 2025. Articles apply to the date they were written. Please refer to current information for quickly changing subjects.
Worth Pondering…
As John Muir once said, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” On the Mount Washington Cog Railway, you’ll do exactly that—and experience fall in New England like never before.
Mount Washington is living up to the reputation of having the worse weather in the world
Much has changed since Henry David Thoreau wrote about Mount Washington’s dramatic and unpredictable weather in 1839 but the weather certainly hasn’t. On a clear day, visitors enjoy spectacular panoramic views from Quebec to the Atlantic Ocean or they may experience a taste of the World’s Worst Weather—it can snow on the summit even in summer. Weather is the story on this mountain.
The first weather station on the New Hampshire summit was operated by the U.S. Signal Service from 1870–1892. The modern observatory was founded in 1932 and on April 12, 1934, the highest surface wind speed ever directly observed by man was recorded at the summit: 231 mph! The highest temperature ever recorded at the summit is 72 degrees Fahrenheit and the lowest not including wind chill was -47 degrees.
Historic, bitter, and dangerous cold is again gripping Maine, New Hampshire, and other New England states.
Temperatures at Mount Washington Observatory approached an all-time low Friday into Saturday morning (February 3-4, 2023) and reportedly set a new wind chill record for the United States hitting levels feeling as low as -109 degrees.
As of 9:58 p.m. Friday, windchills were -108 degrees and gusts were howling at 110 miles per hour, according to a National Weather Service Eastern Region (NWS) screenshot of the Mount Washington Observatory real-time summit conditions. The temperature at this time was -45.8 degrees.
Windchills set a new national record low and reached -109 degrees at one point Saturday, NBC Connecticut reported. “The wind chill at the summit of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington dropped to minus-108 degrees Friday marking what meteorologists and climate scientists say probably is the lowest temperature recorded in the history of the United States as the Northeast is being battered with dangerously cold air.”
Videos recorded by the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory show how the extreme cold and strong winds of more than 100 mph from the Arctic air blast walloped the summit Friday afternoon and made the mountain with the tallest peak in the Northeast seem like another planet. In fact, the eerie scene atop Mount Washington was slightly colder than the average on Mars this week, according to NASA.
The wind chill at Mount Washington, a 6,228-foot peak known for erratic weather surpassed the record of minus-102.7 degrees noted in 2004. The observatory had forecast sustained winds of more than 100 mph on Friday night with gusts around 128 mph.
The Mount Washington Observatory tweeted Friday afternoon that the daily record temperature set in 1963 had been broken and that temperatures were “expected to plunge even lower overnight.” And they did just that with the wind chill dropping to minus-108, according to the National Weather Service. (The Mount Washington Observatory calculated the wind chill at minus-109 degrees.)
Mount Washington Observatory meteorologist Francis Tarasiewicz told WMUR-TV in Manchester, New Hampshite that the record wind chill had capped off “an amazing day, an awe-inspiring day and actually a bit of a frightening moment.” Tarasiewicz noted that the strong wind which he described as “a topsy-turvy whiplash” broke the hinge of a door at the observatory because of the force the blasting air exerted on it.
“So it took about three people to prop themselves up against it and someone from the state park helped to secure the door again.”
“There is half of me that loves what is going on right now and the other half of me is pretty terrified, especially when the door fails,” Tarasiewcz told NECN.
The meteorologist who pleaded with hikers to stay off the trails on Saturday warned that such extreme wind chills would result in frostbite on exposed skin in less than a minute.
“On some of my observations, there have been tiny little gaps in my mittens and the spot that was uncovered to the wind felt like a bee stinging my arm continuously,” Tarasiewicz said.
The National Weather Service said the temperature at Mount Washington dropped as low as minus-46 degrees Friday night.
“Right now Mount Washington is living up to the reputation of having the worse weather in the world,” the National Weather Service wrote on Twitter.
The record-breaking wind chill at Mount Washington is part of dangerous cold air invading the Northeast and putting nearly 50 million Americans in 15 states under wind chill alerts into Saturday. Parts of Maine are experiencing their most extreme wind chills in at least a generation and New England cities including Boston, Providence, and Bridgeport, Connectucut set record daily temperature lows, according to the Weather Service.
Brian Brettschneider, a climate scientist based in Alaska, tweeted that the last time the wind chill could have hit at least minus-108 in Mount Washington would have been 138 years ago. Using old climate forms showing the temperature and 24-hour average wind speed, Brettschneider estimated that Mount Washington would have seen a minus-108 wind chill on January 22, 1885.
Meteorologists and weather experts across the country were blown away by the record wind chill.
“Mount Washington, New Hampshire, has experienced the most extreme weather on planet Earth today,” wrote Colin McCarthy, a storm watcher based in California.
“Mind-blowing observations from Mount Washington,” said Lee Goldberg, a meteorologist with WABC-TV in New York.
“Woah!” exclaimed Brandon Orr, a meteorologist with WPLG-TV in Miami.
Others on social media grappled with comprehending the extreme weather they were witnessing at Mount Washington.
“(The) Mount Washington summit looks like another planet,” one observer tweeted.
As weather experts pointed out, Mount Washington found itself in the stratosphere Friday night as the result of a lobe of the polar vortex that barreled south. The atmosphere becomes more compressed as it cools meaning that the boundary dividing its two lowest layers, the troposphere and the stratosphere, known as the tropopause, will sink in altitude.
That is what happened Friday night said Terry Eliasen, a meteorologist with WBZ-TV in Boston, who noted on Twitter that the atmospheric heights were so low Friday that anyone above 4,000 feet such as at the summit of Mount Washington would be in a different atmospheric layer.
“This layer is typically 4-12 miles up but tonight it will be less than a mile!” he tweeted Friday alongside a graphic projecting how low the stratosphere would dip.
By Saturday morning, there was good news and bad news for Mount Washington, according to the observatory.
The good news? The wind chill was no longer minus-108 degrees at the summit.
The bad news? The wind chill had improved only to minus-77 degrees.
Mount Washington wasn’t the only place with bitter cold as many towns across New England experienced below-zero temperatures, some of the coldest it’s been in years. Boston, Worcester, Providence, and Hartford reached their lowest temperatures ever recorded for the day of February 4.
Here’s a collection of temperature observations from around the region:
At 6,288.2 feet, Mount Washington is the highest peak in New Hampshire. Ride in style to the summit on a historic cog railway that has been operating since 1869.
“The Second Greatest Show on Earth!” That’s what showman P.T. Barnum proclaimed in 1869 as he stepped down off the train and marveled at the view from Mount Washington’s rocky summit. High praise indeed from the man whose grand circus occupied the primary spot!
Today, more than 150 years later, the Mount Washington Cog Railway continues to attract passengers from all over the world for its dramatic ascent to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast.
The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world. With an average grade of 25 percent (some sections approach nearly 38 percent), it’s also the second steepest. Motor power is primarily provided by a fleet of seven powerful biodiesel locomotives. And with a nod to its steam heritage, the railway also continues to operate a pair of coal-fired steam engines.
Located in the heart of the majestic White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Marshfield Base Station is 6 miles east of Route 302 on the western face of Mount Washington.
The adventure begins at Marshfield Base Station, elevation 2,700 feet
Marshfield draws its name from two significant historical figures: Sylvester Marsh, the visionary who created the Cog Railway, and Darby Field, believed to be the first European mountaineer to reach the summit of Mount Washington in 1642. In his time, the mountain was known to the native Abenaki people as Agiocochook (“the place of the Great Spirit”) and Waumbik or “white rocks” to the Algonquins.
Open year-round, Marshfield Station features an interactive and informative Cog Railway Museum (admission is free), a gift shop stocked with Cog gear and local specialties, and a convenience store/food court for last-minute necessities and hot and cold snacks. A wraparound observation deck provides beautiful panoramic views of the railway and the mountain.
The ticket office is on the lower level and boarding gates are just outside the door. Same-day tickets are usually available but advanced reservations are always highly recommended.
There’s always plenty of free parking at Marshfield with dedicated lots for buses and RVs.
15 minutes before our scheduled departure we were lined up at our gate ready to board.
The brakeman was stationed out on the front deck for the up-mountain trip to the summit. On the return trip down the mountain, the brakeman was at the brake wheels at the other end of the coach.
After a quick introduction and safety orientation, the dispatcher cleared our train for departure. The brakeman gave the engineer the “ALL CLEAR!” signal and with the blast of smoke and steam, our excursion to the top of New England was underway.
Once our train has cleared the steel bridge spanning the Ammonoosuc River, we felt a burst of acceleration as the engineer brought the locomotive up to its maximum speed—5mph! Dense forest brackets the right-of-way on either side as your train makes its way up Cold Springs Hill, the second steepest part of the railway at a grade of nearly 35 percent.
The Waumbek passing loop is next, with 2,100 feet of double track governed by two solar-powered hydraulically operated switches. The second track, installed in 2000, allows as many as seven trains moving in opposing directions to operate on the mountain at the same time. Here we also saw the Waumbek Tank where our steam engine stopped briefly to top off the water level in its tenders.
Crossing the Upper Waumbek switch put the train back on single track now following a narrow ridge line. Halfway House, the elevation of 4,300 feet is on the right, and looking at the reflection of the coach in the building’s window as we passed we got a sense of just how steep the climb is here.
The Old Man of the Mountain was a rock formation on the side of Cannon Mountain that had long served as the symbol of the State of New Hampshire. That formation suddenly collapsed back in 2003 taking with it part of the state’s identity and its most popular attraction. Someone noticed a remarkable facsimile of the Old Man on Mount Washington which is next to the tracks just ahead of us at this point. They installed a white background behind it to make the old man’s profile a little clear.
As the train passed Profile Rock, the mountain’s true character begins to reveal itself. The dense and rocky forest on either side drops away, the air freshens and the wind picks up, and when the weather is clear you realize that the train has been following a narrow ridge between two deep chasms—Burt’s Ravine on the left and the Ammonoosuc Ravine on the right. And then just as suddenly you’re nearly 25 feet above the surface of the mountain. Welcome to Jacob’s Ladder!
300 feet long and curving to the left, the train is now climbing at a 37.41-degree grade—that’s a 37-foot elevation change for every 100 feet of forwarding movement. Jacob’s is the steepest section of the Cog Railway and the steepest railroad trestle anywhere in the world.
Once across the trestle, we passed Frog Rock, a brightly painted boulder used by train crews as a location marker in bad weather. We were now at a tree line roughly 5,000 feet above sea level and climbing along the side of the summit cone toward an area known as Skyline. As the tracks turned to the southeast and began to level out on the left we saw the Northern Presidentials: Mounts Clay, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison and beyond the mountains of western Maine.
Hiking is a popular pastime in the White Mountains and on either side of the train we saw piles of rocks or cairns marking various trails. Running parallel to the tracks on the left is the Gulfside Trail, the local stretch of the much longer Appalachian Trail (AT). The AT runs nearly 2,200 miles up the east coast from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in northern Maine.
Ahead on the right but still several hundred feet higher is our destination: the Sherman Adams Visitor Center on the summit of Mount Washington.
This is Mount Washington State Park, a 60.3-acre parcel perched on the summit of the Northeast’s highest peak and surrounded by the extensive 750,000-acre White Mountain National Forest.
After a routine safety stop at the summit switch followed by the “all clear” signal from the Brakeman, our train slowly came up over the final slope and then leveled out at the platform.
With conditions at the top quite different than those at the base station we were glad we’d brought warm jackets. Leaving the coach we noticed that it was much windier than it was at the Base Station. After all, the subarctic tundra up here is similar to that of far northern Canada and hurricane-force wind gusts occur on the summit an average of 110 days per year.
Trains layover at the summit for approximately one hour, plenty of time to explore the Sherman Adams Visitor Center and its rooftop observation deck, Extreme Mount Washington (an interactive weather exhibit), a cafeteria, and two gift shops. You can send a card to friends and family with a unique Mount Washington postmark from the summit Post Office.
Much has changed since Henry David Thoreau wrote about Mount Washington’s dramatic and unpredictable weather in 1839 but the weather certainly hasn’t. On a clear day, visitors enjoy spectacular panoramic views from Quebec to the Atlantic Ocean or they may experience a taste of the “World’s Worst Weather”—it can snow on the summit even in summer. Weather is the story on this mountain.
The first weather station on the summit was operated by the U.S. Signal Service from 1870–1892. The modern observatory was founded in 1932 and on April 12, 1934, the highest surface wind speed ever directly observed by man was recorded at the summit: 231 mph! The highest temperature ever recorded at the summit is 72 degrees F and the lowest not including wind chill was -47 degrees.
Upon reboarding the train we noticed that the seats had been flipped back to face down the mountain. The locomotive was now at the lead end of the train and the Brakeman was inside at the brake wheels.
While the route down the mountain is the same, the vista seemed wider. We could appreciate the ruggedness and vast expanse of this sub-arctic terrain as it all unfolded in front of and around us.
As the tracks curved to the left and pitched over onto Long Trestle and Jacob’s Ladder the entire length of the railway could be seen ahead and below—Halfway House, the Waumbek passing loop, and Marshfield Station. We could follow the line of Base Station Road out to Route 302, the red roofs of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, and the ski slopes and gondolas at Bretton Woods.
Winter comes early to the higher elevations of the White Mountains and by the first week of October, the summit usually sees a frosting of feathery rime ice (frozen fog) and snow. Columbus Day weekend marks the end of the season for Mount Washington State Park as well as the Mount Washington Auto Road.
Shortly after the State Park summit facilities shut down for the winter, the Cog Railway summit operations cease as well. Weather permitting through the end of October and then again in the early spring, they may run trains up as high as Skyline but the primary destination throughout the winter is Waumbek Station (elevation 4,000 feet).
Note: Plan to arrive 45 MINUTES before departure time to allow plenty of time for ticketing and restroom visits. All trains board 15 minutes before departure time.
Please note: This article was first published October 2025. Articles apply to the date they were written. Please refer to current information for quickly changing subjects.
Worth Pondering…
What New England is, is a state of mind, a place where dry humor and perpetual disappointment blend to produce an ironic pessimism that folks from away find most perplexing.
Lake Winnipesaukee is located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire at the foothills of the White Mountains and is the largest lake in the state at 72 square miles
Lake Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s summertime playground where travelers come to enjoy lake life. It’s a great family-friendly destination but also works well as a trip for just adults.
Many of the top things to do in Lake Winnipesaukee are about enjoying the lake in the summer. There are lake cruises, jet-ski rentals, and plenty of beaches to relax on. But you’ll also find plenty of museums, breweries, wineries, and shops to enjoy.
Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region between Manchester and the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and the third-largest lake in New England after Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake. Surrounded by three mountain ranges, the wooded shoreline and crystal clear water of this spring-fed lake make it a popular resort and a place to rest and relax in beautiful surroundings and enjoy water sports of all sorts.
The lake is 69 square miles altogether—21 miles long (northwest-southeast) and from one to nine miles wide (northeast-southwest). It is home to at least 264 islands, half of which are less than a quarter-acre in size, and is indented by several peninsulas yielding a total shoreline of approximately 288 miles.
In short, this lake is massive. Additionally, there are some inhabited islands like Bear Island and Governors Island.
Visitors may explore the numerous villages on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee by boat or by car. Each one offers something unique. Weirs Beach has arcades and boardwalks, waterslides, a public beach, and an activity center. Meredith is a restored mill village where you can browse through antiques, art, and craft galleries. Wolfeboro is a picture-perfect village right down to its historic Main Street. Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Tuftonboro, Alton, Gilford, and Laconia all have their special flavor. All communities have public parks and docks and feature varied activities such as fireworks displays, and band concerts throughout the year.
Many moons ago on the northern shores of this beautiful lake there lived a great chief, Wonton, renowned for his great courage in war and the beauty of this fair daughter, Mineola. She had many suitors but refused them all. One day, Adiwando, the young chief of a hostile tribe to the south hearing so much of the fair Mineola, paddled over the lake and fearlessly entered the village of his enemies. Her father happened to be away at the time and admiring Adiwando’s courage the rest of the Indians did not harm him. Before long, he and the Indian maid were desperately in love with each other.
On his return, Wonton was exceedingly wroth to find the chief of the enemy in his camp and a suitor for the hand of his daughter; so much so, that he immediately raised his tomahawk and started to kill him.
Mineola, rushing in between them, pleaded with her father for the life of her lover and finally succeeded in reconciling them. After the wedding ceremony, the whole tribe accompanied the two lovers in their canoes halfway across the lake. When they started the sky was overcast and the waters black but just as they were about to turn and leave them the sun came out and the waters sparkled around the canoe of Mineola and Adiwando.
“This is a good omen,” said Wonton, “and hereafter these waters shall be called Winnipesaukee, or The Smile of the Great Spirit.”
Whether you want a relaxing boat ride or the adrenaline rush of driving a jet-ski, want to peruse local handicrafts or dive into history, or want to spend the afternoon wine-tasting or enjoying an ice cream, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Lake Winnipesaukee.
Lake Winnipesaukee is all about boating and there are numerous places to launch a boat and cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee. Launch your boat at one of the many launch sites on the Lake. If you don’t own a boat, you can rent one, charter one, or take a cruise on one of the many excursion boats on the Lake.
Laconia’s boat rental locations include East Coast Flightcraft, Irwin Marine, North Water Marine, and Winnisquam Marine. In Gilford, there is Fay’s Boatyard, Wolfeboro is home to Goodhue Boat Company, and Alton Bay has Lakeside Boat Rentals. Located in Meredith is Melvin Village Marina. Finally, in Moultonborough, there is Trexler’s Marina.
If you’d rather be closer to the water, Jet Ski rentals on Lake Winnipesaukee can be found at Wolfeboro Jet Ski Rentals, Weirs Beach Jet Ski Rentals, and numerous other places.
Lake Winnipesaukee is home to a truly unique lake cruise: the M/V Sophie C, an actual working mailboat and the “oldest floating post office in the country”. The boat travels from Weirs Beach to the islands of Lake Winnipesaukee delivering mail to their residents. And passengers can join for the ride.
On a cruise, you’ll visit a handful of islands and drop off and pick up the mail. Passengers can also fill out postcards, write letters, and mail them with a collectible stamp during the cruise.
This cruise is one of the most unique activities in New Hampshire.
The Mailboat Cruise costs $40 a person and lasts two hours. It only runs during the summer months.
Experience the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee during a narrated scenic tour aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington. Learn about the history of the region and local folklore surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in New England.
With daily departures from Weirs Beach and departures from Wolfeboro and Alton Bay on select days, it’s easy to fit a cruise on “the Mount” into your travel plans.
The 2½ hour cruise costs $42 (+$3.50 fuel surcharge).
Castle in the Clouds is a 1913 mountaintop mansion in Moultonborough and one of Lake Winnipesaukee’s most popular attractions. It’s a great example of Arts and Crafts architecture in New England and has an aesthetic of living in harmony with nature. The mansion has 16 rooms and modern amenities for its time. It’s a beautiful house with gorgeous views of Lake Winnipesaukee from above.
And it’s way more than just a historic home to visit. There are over 5,000 acres of land with stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains, miles of hiking, and even an on-site restaurant. The estate also hosts weddings and other private events.
Self-guided tours of the mansion cost $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5 to 17, and $15 for seniors ages 65+. Visitors can tour the first and second floors of the mansion.
Guided tours of the basement cost $25 per person and include self-guided tours of floors 1 and 2. The basement tour shows guests where the servants lived who ran the mansion and they had the most interesting stories of all.
Note: Trolleys are the only means of access to the mansion. Trolleys depart the Carriage House every 15 minutes until 4:15 pm.
The Old Country Store in Moultonborough is one of the oldest continuously operated stores in the United States and has been in business since 1781. In addition to selling goods to the community, it’s served as a hub for town meetings, a library, and a post office.
Today, the iconic yellow building serves as a vintage shopping experience for travelers in the area. You can find locally made goods, antiques, and unusual souvenirs. They even have penny candy (not quite a penny a piece anymore, but still quite reasonable prices).
The Old Country Store is around the corner from Castle in the Clouds and makes a nice stop for after your visit.
Loon Preservation Center and Marcus Wildlife Sanctuary
The Frederick and Paula Anna Markus Wildlife Sanctuary is comprised of 200 acres of upland forests, marshes, ponds, clear-running streams, and over 5,000 feet of pristine shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the largest remaining areas of natural shoreline on the lake. These diverse habitats make this sanctuary home to a wide host of plant and animal species. Two walking trails wind their way through the Sanctuary.
The Loon Center, located on the north shore of Lake Winnipesaukee on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough was built as the new headquarters of the Loon Preservation Committee in 1993. In addition to staff offices, public meeting rooms, and a research laboratory, the Loon Center houses exhibits, displays, and the Loon’s Feather Gift Shop. The interpretive exhibits, presentations, and nature trails give over 10,000 yearly visitors an introduction to the natural environment of New Hampshire and promote a greater understanding of loons and the natural world.
For most people, the call of the loon is their first introduction to the species. Loon calls have a distinct, haunting quality that has enchanted humans for centuries. In popular culture, these calls have become a symbol of the wilderness. Loons are most vocal from mid-May to mid-June. They have four main calls which they use to communicate with their families and other loons. Each call has a distinct meaning and serves a unique function.
The best time to visit Lake Winnipesaukee is in the summer months from June through August. This is when the lake is busiest and at its most expensive but when else can you swim, relax on the beach, and go boating underneath the bright sunshine?
The busiest time of year is mid-June when bikers from around the country descend on the lake for Laconia Motorcycle Week. This can be a fun time to visit the lake but know that it will be very crowded with lots of motorcycles roaring.
Fall can be another wonderful time to visit Lake Winnipesaukee with beautiful fall foliage surrounding the lake. And we enjoyed visiting Lake Winnipesaukee in late-September, a warm yet uncrowded time as most kids are back in school.
Winter is a very different trip, but hey, there’s a reason why Lake Winnipesaukee is a favorite New England winter getaways. Lake Winnipesaukee is an ice fishing mecca with competitions taking place in February. This can be a great time to enjoy bargain-basement accommodation rates—with a side of ice skating. There is also a sled dog race held in February.
How still it is here in the woods. The trees Stand motionless, as if they did not dare To stir, lest it should break the spell. The air Hangs quiet as spaces in a marble frieze. Even this little brook, that runs at ease, Whispering and gurgling in its knotted bed, Seems but to deepen with its curling thread Of sound the shadowy sun-pierced silences.
General stores, snowy peaks, and tons of maple syrup to pour on award-winning pancakes
State nicknames say a lot about a place and when it comes to New England, nature reigns supreme. Maine is the Pine Tree State, Massachusetts is the Bay State, Vermont is the Green Mountain State. Although New Hampshire’s is known as the Granite State, a lesser-known but equally as important moniker is the White Mountain State. The latter speaks to its arguably most visit-worthy area.
The White Mountains—home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast—offers up the staples that travelers come to New England for: general stores, maple syrup, rolling landscapes.
Head to Mount Washington for a scenic ride aboard a legendary cog railway followed by general store hopping to stock up on local cheese, fudge, and booze. Whatever you choose to do during your time in the White Mountains, you’ll always be surrounded by glorious peaks that give the region its name.
Hot tip: New Hampshire has no sales tax, so stop at the various NH Liquor and Wine Outlets hugging the highway. When in New Hampshire!
Sure, seeing the mountain with the tallest peak in the Northeast is cool, but stepping foot on it? Bragging rights granted.
Mount Washington is one of 13 mountains that makes up the Presidential Range with more than half its peaks named after US presidents. Being the tallest of them all, Mount Washington is equipped with a cog railway built in 1868 that brings passengers up the mountain. While the summit isn’t reachable in the winter due to weather conditions, a train can get you to Waumbek Station, located at an elevation of 4,000 feet (about two-thirds up the way).
If you prefer to drive, Marshfield Station is a fully accessible stop that stays open to visitors all year round, situated at an elevation of 2,700 feet. You’ll still get some pretty snappable views, plus you can pop into the Cog Railway Museum for a quick history lesson and refreshing bevvy.
From the opposite (Pinkham Notch) side of the mountain, you can drive up the six-and-a-quarter-mile-long Mount Washington Auto Road or ride a van operated from Great Glen Trails. Climbers have the choice of several trails but should be aware of the mountain’s unpredictable and sudden weather changes.
Nothing feels better than getting to the entrance of a general store knowing that on the other side, shelves of jarred jams, homemade fudge, maple sweets, and every trinket you could imagine await you. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Zeb’s General Store in North Conway where maple syrup greets you at the door.
Speaking of maple syrup, Fadden’s General Store and Maple Warehouse in North Woodstock makes the good stuff in their very own backyard. Harman’s Cheese & Country Store in Sugar Hill produces their own cheese including their famous “really-aged cheddar” that, as the name suggests, has been aged for a really long time: more than two years. Locals eat this stuff up.
Eat award-winning pancakes, syrup, and other goodies. The syrup talk is not over, my friends (it never is when you’re in New Hampshire), especially when there’s still pancakes to discuss—and in the White Mountains, that means Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill. This spot isn’t just good: Polly’s won a James Beard Foundation Award in 2006. Go big with a fluffy stack of pancakes drizzled in maple syrup and don’t forget a dollop of their homemade maple spread.
Another place to get your breakfast fix: Benton’s Sugar Shack in Thornton which serves the perfect plate of face-sized pancakes and crispy bacon alongside their homemade maple syrup (so you can buy your syrup and eat it, too).
Switching forms of sugar, the next stop is Chutters in Littleton, home to the world’s longest candy counter of 112 feet with over 500 varieties to choose from.
And, if you’re making your way to Lincoln, pop by Moon Café & Bakery for some of their warm, gooey brownies that pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa.
While the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods is tucked away from the main drag, it’s almost impossible to miss it with Mount Washington hovering over like a halo. Once you walk into the lobby, you’re transported back to 1902 when the hotel first opened. It’s even rumored that the owner’s wife, Carolyn, still lives in the hotel (don’t worry, a friendly tenant), and ghost aficionados jump at the opportunity to book her old quarters in Room 314.
For unwinding, there are two heated pools (one indoor, one outdoor), hot tubs, a spa, and outdoor fire pits for s’more-making. Grab dinner at the Main Dining Room which underwent renovations last year. And when you’re starting to itch for adventure again, you can book an onsite activity like a canopy zip line.
Seventy miles south of Bretton Woods, Castle in the Clouds is home to Lucknow, an Arts and Crafts-style 16-room mansion built in the Ossipee Mountains in 1914. The 135-acre estate provides one of the most stunning views of Lake Winnipesauke, surrounding mountains, and over 5,500 acres of conserved land.
Enjoy self-guided tours of the mansion and guided tours of its basement. The on-site Carriage House offers dining in its highly-acclaimed restaurant in vintage horse stalls and amidst panoramic lakeside views on the terrace. You can also spend time walking or hiking along 28 miles of trail managed by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust taking in the beauty while weaving along brooks and streams and exploring seven different waterfalls. For those that prefer horseback, Riding in the Clouds offers trail rides, carriage rides, and pony rides.
The largest lake in New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee is the focal point of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region which also includes nearby—and far less developed—Squam Lake and Newfound Lake. Winnipesaukee is a beehive of summer activity surrounded by water parks, beaches, fast food, and family-oriented attractions.
The west side of the lake is the most developed especially around kid-friendly Weirs Beach and more trendy Meredith while the eastern resort town of Wolfeboro is quieter. Water sports are abundant with sailboats, kayaks, and motorboats vying for water space with the historic cruise boat, M/S Mount Washington.
The Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough protects breeding waters of these treasured birds and offers visitors a chance to learn about them. Nature and wildlife is also the focus of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center which operates nature cruises on this well-protected lake that was the setting for On Golden Pond.
Worth Pondering…
I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
If you haven’t considered the possibility of an epic east coast road trip, we’re here as your guide
Getting on a plane can seem daunting, but taking a road trip beyond the four walls of your home is quite embraced, as long as it’s socially-distanced. If you want to take a weekend trip or an extended road trip, read on for your guide to East Coast destinations that are ideal for a summer or autumn road trip, ordered from North to South.
Remember to travel with caution, follow good health practices, and behave responsibly when outdoors or around other people. As always, be safe, have fun, and enjoy!
New Hampshire is bursting with a variety of landscapes to choose from. If you’re looking to get outdoors and stay active, New Hampshire is your state. Lake Winnipesaukee is the sixth-largest in the country. The lake’s beaches are perfect for relaxing in the sun or for the more active, swimming and sailing are a few of the water sports you can take advantage of on Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer.
Arguably one of the most popular destinations in all of New Hampshire, White Mountain National Forest is home to endless hiking trails, wild species, and views galore. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, it is worth the few hours of driving. Be sure to bring your camera and stop at the ranger station before beginning an excursion because they will fill you in on all of the things to keep an eye out for on your trek.
Massachusetts is a state that many yearn to visit in the summer. With every type of scenery from picturesque islands—think Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket—boasting sailboats to a city with an old, cobblestone street vibe, you can do and see it all in Massachusetts.
It would be remiss to visit Massachusetts without at least dropping in on the bustling city of Boston. Boston is a city with old-time charm and a lot of history. As you walk through the town you encounter cobblestone streets, old buildings, and the waterfront of the harbor. Be sure not to miss iconic stops like Fenway Park, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, USS Constitution (Old Ironside), and Boston Public Garden for gorgeous park views. For the history buffs out there, pick up a map of the Freedom Trail for a self-guided history lesson.
Before leaving this incredible city, we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend more incredible New England breweries based in Boston. Of course, the well-known Samuel Adams Brewery is a must-see. If you’re in the mood for incredible craft beers and deliciously fluffy pretzels (made from the actual hops of the beer) then Harpoon Brewery is for you.
Founded in 1639, Newport, Rhode Island is considered to be the shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. A haven for religious dissenters, a critical Colonial Era port city, a thriving artists’ colony, a summer playground for America’s barons of industry during the Gilded Age, and home to the U.S. Naval War College, Newport is a destination like none other.
Possibly best known for its timeless mansions, the Cliff Walk is a must-see upon entering Newport. Beautiful estates like the Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, and more are available for walking tours. You can purchase tickets for one or multiple estates at the Breakers upon arrival and you can walk or drive amongst each one. Along the Cliff Walk, you will also pass the beautiful Salve Regina University.
Upstate New York is like a whole new world from the concrete jungle that we know as New York City. Full of quaint small towns with boutiques and beautiful scenery, Upstate New York is not a destination to be missed.
Saratoga is most notably known for the Saratoga Race Course. Although races may not be happening during this time, consider simply making the trip to walk around the massive grounds or perhaps wait until horse racing is back in action to visit. During the summer, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is in full swing, making for the perfect summer activity. And of course, the sweeping hills of New York contain many well-known wineries and Saratoga is no exception.
Saratoga National Historical Park has a number of attractions and activities that happen throughout the year. Visit the site of the historic Battle of Saratoga, take tours at the Schuyler House, check out the Saratoga Monument, walk through Victory Woods, and explore the battlefield. Before you go, check the park’s official website for alerts. As always, be safe, have fun, and enjoy!
The Corning Museum of Art is celebrating 50 years and as many museums allow back visitors, they’re doing so with extra safety precautions and in a unique way. The museum, which showcases a first-hand look at glassblowing and 3,500 year-old glass on exhibit, is now scheduling online virtual reservations. Guests will be temperature checked when they walk in, masks are required for both guests and even the glassblowers who run the workshops and capacity is limited to allow social distancing. Normally, there’s a make your own glass workshop but they’ve had to adapt—there’s now individualized packages for the materials for families to get involved.
Pennsylvania is known for its popular cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that contain a ton of historical value and things to do. However, the Keystone State is quite large so where you end up may depend on how far you’re willing to travel and what you want to see and do.
Gettysburg National Military Park is a must-see for any fall excursion, providing the perfect, scenic backdrop for visitors experiencing this historic battlefield. Explore the sights and sounds of battlefield reenactments, monuments, memorials, and true history. Gettysburg offers guests a part of the nation’s past all year and provides optimal trekking treasures in the fall.
Virginia’s Historic Triangle is full of living history and fun for the whole family. Located in Coastal Virginia between the James and York rivers—Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg together are named the Historic Triangle for their historical significance and close proximity.
The area includes five historic sites and attractions from the first English settlement at Jamestown, to the end of the Revolutionary War at Yorktown, and the founding of a new nation at Williamsburg. The sites are easy to visit when traveling along the scenic Colonial Parkway and many offer discounted tickets and packages when you visit more than one.
While Williamsburg is great for all ages if you have younger kids you really can’t go wrong here. This town is an extremely interactive way to engage your little ones in the rich history of America. Williamsburg served as the capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and acted as the center of political events leading to the American Revolution. You will be transported back in time through “townspeople” willing to tell their stories and include you in interactive experiences that tell a tale of Williamsburg long ago.
Worth Pondering…
We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer’s wreckage. We will welcome summer’s ghost.
There is nothing that compares to the freedom of the open road, especially when following it takes you to some of the most magnificent scenery and interesting places in the United States and Canada
July means independence. Or, more accurately, watching
people eat an inhuman amount of hot dogs before drinking and playing with
fireworks to celebrate independence.
All of this is great fun, but it only gets you to the fourth
day of the month. After that, you’ve got four weeks when the weather is nicer,
the pace is slower, and half of America is on vacation. So why not take some
time off as well?
To help you plan your mid-summer getaway, we found places with some amazing stuff going on. Here are the best places to travel this July. And be sure to catch up on all our recommendations for the best places to visit in April, May, and June.
The Canadian Rockies stretch 900 miles northwest from the Montana border. The lakes and peaks combined create gob-smacking scenery at any time of the year. But since an RV/car is indispensable for visiting the Rockies, accessing their beauty is easiest in the warmer months, when the highways are clear of ice and snow.
Banff and Jasper are the two most popular destinations for visitors to the Rockies. They are connected by a 140-mile Icefields Parkway that offers unobstructed mountain views on both sides.
If you doubt the Appalachians can hold their own with any other mountain range on the continent, travel this 469-mile stretch of road from Rockfish Gap, Virginia, to Swain County in North Carolina. Coupled with sweeping views of some of the oldest mountains on earth, you’ll see 300 miles of forest, tons of wildlife, rock tunnels, and two national parks (Shenandoah and Smoky Mountains).
Along the way, you’ll find the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia, Chimney Rock in North Carolina, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate in Charlottesville, Virginia.
For outdoor-adventure types in the east, no place beats New Hampshire in July. White Mountain National Forest is more green than white this time of year, with some of the best mountain biking and off-road cycling trails in the country.
Kayaking and canoeing along Squam Lake makes for a calm, serene mountain getaway. Or hit Newfound Lake in the state’s Lake Region for the largest freshwater swimming beach in the state.
Nowhere in New England compares to the Gilded-Age splendor
of Newport, a coastal town set upon cliffs dotted with some of the most
spectacular mansions of the 19th century. The must-do activity here is,
obviously, touring the Newport Mansions, but that’s far from the only draw.
Newport also hosts the annual Newport Regatta, one of the
biggest sailing races in America bringing with it the best sailing parties.
Held in July, the Regatta is the ideal time of year to visit, but even if you
miss it there are still plenty of wide, sandy beaches to lounge on for the day,
and a surprisingly good wine region just on the outskirts of town.
This isn’t just Blue Ridge Parkway, Part II. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 816 square miles unto itself, and you won’t see much of it from where the Blue Ridge Parkway drops you in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Actually, for this trip, we’d recommend coming into the park from the other entrance in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and taking in all the touristy goodness of the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and ski area, the Ripley’s Aquarium, and, in nearby Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton’s own amusement park, Dollywood. The latter has has roller coasters and other thrill rides, but the Southern cooking, country music, musical revues, barbecue and bluegrass festivals and more that make it more than just some fair-food-and-cheap-thrills theme park.
