Building A FreakOut: The Conway Scenic Railroad

This is an activity for members who plan on arriving early for FreakOut. The Mountaineer Train only runs, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in June. Thursday is a busy day for FreakOut, Dixville Notch, Cog Railway and Club Motorsports. Saturday is the Concorso. So rather than eliminate the Mountaineer, a trip that some vacationers build their vacations around, we decided to slip it in for early arrivals on Tuesday.

The Mountaineer trip is our favorite Conway Scenic Railroad excursion. We choose to ride coach because you can open the windows and enjoy the beautiful mountain air. It also adds to the feeling of riding on an old-time train. The Mountaineer is the best way to experience Crawford Notch without flying overhead or hiking up the mountain. The track mostly follows, the Sacco River, and route 302 that flow through Crawford Notch. But while the river and route 302 flow through the base of the notch, the Mountaineer track runs above, along the side of the mountain, crossing over the Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge. The view is gorgeous!

We were not able to plan a trip and collect money at registration because the Railroad did not have 2023, pricing or schedule available. They now have the 2023 pricing and schedule and Luis has been working with the sales team.

The railroad has blocked a number of seats for us in Coach on the Tuesday June 6^th Mountaineer Excursion train. Do not book through the website. The block of seats and the discounted group rate will not be available on the site.

There is no outside food allowed on the train. We recommend an early lunch or the pre-ordered boxed lunches. Luis and I have decided to order the box lunches. Snacks are available in the dining car as well.

There are restrooms on the train.

We will board the train at the Attitash Whistle Stop.

Everyone must be present on the Attitash Whistle Stop loading platform no later than 11:50AM to board the train. The conductor will have your tickets when you board. You will be given a confirmation number when you book.

Please note:

Everyone needs to purchase their tickets in advance. The whistle stop is only a platform where the train makes a stop. There’s no ticket window.

We chose the whistle stop for its close proximity to the hotel and ample parking. The Attitash Whistle Stop is located at Attitash Mountain Village behind Matty B’s Mountainside Cafe; about 2 minutes from the Grand Summit Hotel. For those of you staying at the Attitash Mountain Village, you’re already there!

There are no provisions at the Attitash Whistle Stop to accommodate guests who are mobility impaired. Attitash passengers must be physically able to climb stairs and walk independently through cars to their designated seats.  Passengers who need boarding assistance should plan to board at the North Conway station. Please inform the rail road if you need to board at the North Conway station when you purchase your ticket.

On the return from Crawford Notch, the Mountaineer will pause at the Attitash Whistle Stop at approximately 3:50PM for guests to depart from the train.

I’ve attached a clip from the Mountaineer trip Luis and I and Kathy and Jim went on last May. It’s a bit like a home movie but you can check out some of the views.