TRAVEL


North Conway, New Hampshire Set in the heart of the White Mountains, this heritage railway is one of the country’s most beloved fall train rides. October is peak foliage season here, with


CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD


blazing red maples and golden birches lining the route. Vintage cars, including dome cars and


dining coaches, roll past brilliant maple stands and over mountain trestles that have been in place since the 1870s. The highlight ride is the Mountaineer, a


five-hour journey through Crawford Notch. You’ll pass cliffs, rivers, and the famous Frankenstein Trestle. The train stops in a few small towns, and


North Conway itself is a worthy destination with its preserved 1874 station, local shops, and country inns.


MOUNT WASHINGTON COG RAILWAY


Bretton Woods, New Hampshire Just 30 miles from North Conway, the Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a very


different experience: a dramatic, three-hour round trip climb to the top of the Northeast’s highest peak. This is the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, built in 1869, and the ride is both steep and scenic. In October, the lower slopes are ablaze with color while the summit offers panoramic


views across multiple states — on a clear day, even into Canada. The base station also has a museum and café, and you’ll have time to explore at the summit before heading back down. Just note, if you are planning a trip for later in October, you’ll want to check the weather report as the train will not go to the summit once winter conditions set in.


GREAT SMOKY


MOUNTAINS RAILROAD Bryson City, North Carolina This scenic railway winds


through the Great Smoky Mountains — one of the most visited national parks in the country.


The Nantahala Gorge


Excursion is the top fall choice, featuring river crossings, colorful tunnels, and breathtaking views of Fontana Lake. Bryson City, where the trip begins and ends, is a charming small town with a Main Street that looks like something from a Norman Rockwell painting. If you’re a train buff, visit the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum next to the depot.


70 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | OCTOBER 2025


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