The White Mountain Central Railroad is part of the popular family-owned Clark’s Trading Post amusement park deep in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. In operation since 1958, The White Mountain Central Railroad offers 30-minute excursions across the Pemigewasset River as part of your Admission Ticket. Your train ride takes you over a 1904 Howe truss-covered bridge that was moved to Lincoln from the Barre & Chelsea Railroad in Vermont.
Choices
Once a center for the logging and paper industries, the region now caters to tourists and skiers. The Clark Family added a 1.25-mile railroad to their amusement park decades ago and have acquired an impressive collection of geared steam locomotives. Admission to Clark’s Bears includes the train ride as well as other activities. During July and August, the train is usually powered by steam locomotive No. 6, a Climax geared engine built in 1920. At other times, a 1943 GE Diesel Switcher is used. The park includes a variety of rides, museums, and the featured event, the Bear Show!
When to go
Operations are daily from mid-June through the end of August and on the weekends in late May, early June, September, and October. The best foliage occurs in early October.
Good to know
Lodging, including motels and B&Bs, restaurants can be found in Lincoln and the surrounding communities. Make your reservations prior to your visit.
Worth doing
The White Mountain National Forest is worth visiting at any time of the year for camping, hiking, history, and scenic drives. In Fall driving Route 32 along the Kancamagus Highway from Conway to Lincoln offers great views and plentiful wildlife.
Don’t miss
The Star attraction of the park’s operating locomotive fleet is the BeeBee River Lumber Company’s woodburning, two-truck Climax which was rebuilt in 1976. Also operational are a Baldwin 2-4-2T, a Porter 0-4-0T, and the only known operating Reo Railbus. Other geared locomotives in the collection include an International Shoe two-truck Heisler and a Woodstock Lumber Shay. A Lombard log hauler is on display.
Getting there
From Interstate 93, take exit 33, go south 1 mile on Route 3 (Daniel Webster Highway) for GPS: 110 US Route 3, Lincoln, NH 03251.
Location: 3168 Base Station Road, Mount Washington, NH
Phone: 603-745-8913
Website: whitemountaincentralrr.com
E-mail: info@clarksbears.com
