The highest mountain in the northeastern United States is no stranger to exploration. I’ve been fortunate to do it myself and humans have been venturing to the summit of Mt. Washington for centuries. Early explorers were often hearty individualists who risked losing their lives due to the mountain’s unpredictable environment. These days, the mountain is much more accessible and many visitors ascend to the summit via an invention that is one of the New Hampshire firsts in the nation.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway was the vision of Sylvester Marsh, who came up with the idea after an ascent of Mt. Washington in 1852.
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
Marsh's plan was largely laughed off and not taken seriously, but the railway was eventually constructed and it opened in 1868.
Mount Washington Cog Railway/Facebook
The railway can be seen here ascending the west side of Mt. Washington. While more gentle than the east side, the grade is still quite steep.
Ken MacGray/Flickr

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An early photograph shows a cog train along Jacob's Ladder. This is the steepest section of track on the mountain.
Henry G. Peabody/Wikimedia Commons
Passengers are treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world once they reach the summit.
Robert Linsdell/Wikimedia Commons
During winter, the trains do run, but only partway up the mountain and only in good weather conditions.
Mount Washington Cog Railway/Facebook
Descending the mountain offers just as much eye-popping scenery as the trip up!
Mount Washington Cog Railway/Facebook

To learn more about why this unique experience has earned its place on the list of New Hampshire firsts, and to book your trip, visit Mount Washington Railway Company and follow The Mount Washington Cog Railway on Facebook.

More ways to see the best of New Hampshire without having to drive yourself include this fall foliage cruise and a trolley tour of historic Portsmouth.

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The Mount Washington Cog Railway, 3168 Base Station Rd, Mount Washington, NH 03589, USA