Though railroads are still a common mode of transportation in some areas of the country, the vast majority of railways in the United States are now used for transporting goods and raw materials. However, the end of the 20th century has seen an increase in scenic railway tours and passenger trains, primarily due to overcrowding on airlines and highways. Today, these railroad excursions can be found throughout the country.
Mount Washington Cog Railway is an excursion to Mount Washington's peak in the White Mountain Range. This railway has been conducting tours up the mountain, the highest summit in the northeast, since 1869. Both steam and diesel engines are used, and the trains operate from May to November. At the top of the mountain, tourists can visit the Tiptop House and the Observatory Museum, while also enjoying the scenic panoramic view. Attractions at the railway's base include the Marshfield Base Station, a gift shop, a restaurant and museum. The entire trip lasts approximately three hours, and guests should arrive at the station about thirty minutes before departure.
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Base Road off Route 32
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire 03575
603-278-5404
thecog.com
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the Tweetsie Railroad has offered scenic train rides for over 50 years. Two vintage trains, the #12 Tweetsie and the #190 Yukon Queen, provide passengers with a Wild West adventure amidst the mountain backdrop. Both trains are historic, coal-fired steam engines. Over the years, the Tweetsie Railroad has added other attractions for visitors enjoy. A theme park, complete with rides and live entertainment, and ten restaurants and snack bars are now located on-site. Passengers can also purchase souvenirs from one of Tweetsie's seven shops. The Tweetsie Railroad operates from the end of April to October.
Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane
Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605
800-526-5740
tweetsie.com
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad transports over 100,000 passengers each year through the Royal Gorge in the Rocky Mountains. The train ride through the gorge is approximately 24 miles long. The railway operates daily from March until the end of December. Travelers have different train packages to choose from, including special lunch trains where a meal is served, murder mystery train rides, wine dinner trains and the Santa express train that runs during the holiday season. The Royal Gorge Railroad train also has dome cars that are enclosed in glass. For passengers over the age of 13, this railway offers an opportunity to ride with the train's engineer.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
401 Water Street
Canon City, Colorado 81212
888-724-5748
royalgorgeroute.com
