Trains aren’t very popular anymore, but there is something old-fashioned and maybe even a little magical when it comes to traveling by trains. It may take you longer to get to your destination, but train trips are a one of a kind experience.
The Mt. Washington Cog Railway
The idea of the railway was first talked about in the 1850s and many thought it was impossible. But by 1869, the Mt. Washington Cog Railway was complete. The rail line reaches the summit of New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington. Over 100 years later, it is still the 2nd steepest railway in the entire world. The tracks head three miles straight up from the base and peaks at about 6,000 feet. When the train reaches the top, travelers have the opportunity to explore the mountain for about an hour. But the windows throughout the train give passengers a breathtaking view of the mountainside of New Hampshire.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
If you remember Harrison Ford’s The Fugitive, you will recall this train as the one that crashed to allow Ford’s character to escape. But the train trip is usually never that dramatic. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs through the beautiful Smoky Mountains in North Carolina for 53 miles. Along the way, passengers can experience Bryson City and the Tuckasegee River. The train also offers a seasonal Halloween trip that is complete with a Pumpkin Patch. Or if you are more into Christmas, you will have to check out their Polar Express train.
The Ethan Allen Express
Traveling to the gorgeous state of Vermont, the Ethan Allen Express is named after the Revolutionary War hero, Ethan Allen. The train travels 241 miles from New York City to Vermont and the trip lasts for almost 6 hours. Travelers can experience the charm of New England while riding the train and it a great form of transportation to get to Killington for some skiing.
Feature image courtesy of ashevillecabins.com.
Categories: Fun Stuff, Sightseeing, United States
