It doesn’t matter how many times, a snowmobile trip through New Hampshire’s White Mountains is always an unforgettable experience. It’s better yet when an open vista reveals the stunning greatness of the highest peak in the Northeast United States. Chances are you’ve driven the family truckster up the Auto Road or hiked the 6,288-foot summit of Mt. Washington in the summer, but did you know there is a way to access Mount Washington by snowmobile? Experience the ultimate climb: Snowmobile to Mount Washington Cog!
This particular climb to the clouds may not exactly fulfill every sledder’s longing fantasy. But it still delivers high marks on the adventure scale. This quest centers around one of the top destinations in all of New England. Yes, we are talking about the Mount Washington Cog Railway. It is now open in the winter. It is also trail accessible via your cog-driven snowmobile.
Snowmobile to Mount Washington Cog!
Those lucky enough to have ridden the Mt Washington Cog, the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, understand the historic thrill. They experience it much as President Ulysses S. Grant did in the summer of 1896. However, few have yet to experience the Mount Washington Cog Railway in the splendor of winter.
It doesn’t get much better than combining a snowmobile trip with a ride up the Cog Railway. It’s like pairing peanut butter and jelly. We made our trip on a brilliant February day, with temps in the high 20s’ and light winds. Non-snowmobile passengers curiously stared as we boarded the train in full riding gear. We were certainly better dressed for conditions than anyone else on the old wooden cars.
The Cog website describes the trek best: “Throughout the winter, the trains ascend to the newly redesigned and expanded Waumbek Station. Located in an alpine meadow below tree line at roughly 4000-feet, clear conditions provide spectacular panoramic vistas from the southern Presidentials to the Canadian border.”
Breathtaking Views of the Presidential Mountains
The view of the frosted summit from the Waumbek platform on Mount Washington is simply breathtaking. Wispy clouds seemed to hang on the peak, like blowing sheets on a clothesline, before breaking free and drifting away.
A few hearty skiers zipped down along a nearby trail. Children and adults roasted marshmallows and made s’mores over the campfire, already blazing upon arrival. We were so busy taking photos and pointing out distant landmarks that we missed out on the complementary hot chocolate.
It goes without saying that the actual choo-choo ride up and down is unlike anything you’ve experienced. During the hour-plus adventure, the knowledgeable Cog staff described the history and mechanical genius of the Cog. They also shared details of the surrounding natural beauty.
Lucky for us, the adventure didn’t end at the Base Station. It hosts a dining area, museum, gift shop and restrooms. Once back, we saddled-up and snowmobiled down the Cog Trail to the intersection of Corridor 11 North. This junction offers a stunning view of Mount Washington, which alone is worth the trip.
How To Snowmobile to Mount Washington Cog
NH snowmobile Trail 11, also known as Jefferson Notch Road in the summer, is a premium ride. Multiple switchbacks and an awesome kink at the midway point towards the Presidential Rail Trail (Corridor 12). I caution you to watch for fleets of rental sleds, puttering along at 5 MPH.
Planning a snowmobile ride to the Mount Washington Cog Railway is easy. There are multiple ways to access the trail leading up to the Base Station, both from the north and south. Check the SledNH Trail Map app to plot your trip and locate trailer parking areas.
I’d also recommend you check the Cog schedule and reserve tickets in advance at thecog.com, as they can sell out. I’ve ridden the Mount Washington Cog multiple times in the summer. This was by far the best train ride in my lifetime.
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