The Scenic Mountain Railway in North Conway, New Hampshire

The Scenic Mountain Railway, located in North Conway, New Hampshire, is the keynote attraction in this rural town, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers train rides of varying lengths, all of which depart from their station.

The Notch Train is a diesel powered train that takes riders through Crawford Notch where you see sheer, granite mountain faces and panoramic mountain views. It's a five-five and a half hour, round-trip train ride that takes tourists across Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge to Fabyan Station or Crawford Depot. The train conductor provides a history of the train as well as the scenes that tourists see throughout the ride. There are climate controlled coach and first class seats on this train. The trains were built in the mid-fifties for trans-continental service in the United States and Canada, so riders are provided with an authentic train experience. There is a limited on train snack service, including sandwiches, sodas, candy and chips.

The Valley Train ride is a diesel ride that takes riders to either Conway or Bartlett, New Hampshire. The Conway train ride is eleven miles and fifty-five minutes, round trip. The train travels South, past local farmlands and over Moat Brook, the Saco River and the Swift River. The Valley Train to Bartlett is one hour and forty-five minutes, round-trip. You see farmlands, the Saco river and the Ellis river. On both trips, you get the opportunity to see the engine run around to the other side of the train in order to turn you around. There is also a limited snack service on this train offering soda, candy and chips.

If lucky enough to get a reservation, riders can enjoy dining on the Dining Car Chocorua. This car was built in 1929 and was built specifically for use as a coach car on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad lines. The meals are fantastic and are prepared on board the train, as riders enjoy the scenery. You may be seated at a table of four with other riders if you have a party that is less than four. Lunch includes a selection of an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert. The dinner menu includes an appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert. The dinner car seats 47 and is climate controlled. The car has its own liquor license, but don't go overboard or you're hiking it back home.

Fares can be found on the company's website, as can the schedules.