There are several ways to reach the summit of the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi, but the most historic—and arguably the most memorable—is aboard the Cog Railway. A beloved tourist attraction for over 100 years, the railway was originally built to transport visitors to the top of Mount Washington, using a steam and coal-powered engine strong enough to conquer the mountain’s steep inclines and notoriously harsh weather. In recent years, the cost of operating the traditional coal engines has risen significantly, prompting the introduction of a biofuel-powered alternative that runs more efficiently. For those seeking a nostalgic experience, the original coal and steam engine still operates once daily, though tickets must be reserved well in advance and come at a premium price. During peak season, the Cog Railway runs 10 to 15 trips daily, making it easy to book your seat and enjoy the ride. When we visited in 2015, we had the opportunity to review the experience—and I must say, their staff ranks among the best we've encountered in our 15 years of travel and review work. 

397 Center Street Wolfeboro, NH (603) 569-4554