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Halloween Express
FEATURED: All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Halloween Express!
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Boo! All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Halloween Express! Join us for this family-friendly, entertaining Halloween party train ride through the Conway Valley. Your little witches, ghosts, and vampires will have a spooky fun time!
Halloween is my favorite holiday during my favorite time of year. The chill in the air, shorter days, and longer nights lend themselves to all things spooky. From my childhood days dressing up on chilly Halloween nights as superheroes or Star Wars characters, to the days I remember taking my two daughters trick-or-treating, I just love this season.
Even now, as an adult, I look forward to walking the aisles of local stores, browsing the latest Halloween yard and home décor. Combine my love of Halloween with my admiration for trains, and you can see why I’m excited about the Conway Scenic Railroad’s latest offering.
New for 2025, the Halloween Express is a fun-filled onboard experience! This not-too-scary, just-under-an-hour excursion on vintage railcars transports families back in time with festive Halloween magic.
On board, you’ll meet favorite Halloween characters handing out treats. Every child—whether a ghost, goblin, princess, or rock star—will receive a bag to stow their goodies. After the ride, families with a child’s ticket can choose a complimentary pumpkin (while supplies last).
The Halloween Express boards at the North Conway Station, 38 Norcross Circle, in the center of North Conway, N.H. Trains depart at 12:00 noon, 1:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:15 p.m. on October 18–19 and 25–26, 2025.
Conway Scenic Railroad’s Mountaineer is the railroad’s most scenic journey. As a TV show host, I’ve taken this ride several times and incorporated the experience into New England Traveler. Let me just say: it’s amazing any time of year, but in fall it’s absolutely spectacular. The White Mountains explode into a cacophony of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Click the link to experience ‘The Mountaineer’:
New England Traveler: Great Trains of New Hampshire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNG5ZQ1UG8E
The Mountaineer is an American classic that recreates the feel of a 1950s transcontinental voyage. It offers magnificent views of the Mount Washington Valley and follows the Saco River to its headwaters at Crawford Notch.
The Mountaineer/Winter Mountaineer now runs all year long (except for a short hiatus in Mud Season when they are performing track work. Mountaineer excursions are scheduled up to Thanksgiving, then switch to the Winter Mountaineer for weekends (mostly Saturdays, select Sundays and Holidays) through about mid-March. This is a change. Back in the day, the Mountaineer (then known as the ’Notch Train’ stopped running around Columbus Day, and didn’t resume until late June.
Expanded schedule: More departures and more operating days throughout autumn. Departures now include 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with 11:30 a.m. trains on select days.
More Dome seating: Premium Dome seats—especially popular during foliage season—are more available than ever, particularly on 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. departures.
This new ticket allows passengers to layover at Crawford to explore the trails and scenery of Crawford Notch. Take the 9:00 a.m. Mountaineer, enjoy about 4 ½ hours to hike and explore, then return on the afternoon train.
Itinerary:
8:45 a.m. – Board the Morning Mountaineer at North Conway.
10:45 a.m. – Arrive at Crawford Station.
3:15 p.m. – Board the Afternoon Mountaineer at Crawford Station.
6:00 p.m. – Arrive back in North Conway.
Another excursion I’ve featured on New England Traveler is the Valley Train, a one-hour heritage journey popular with families since 1974. This trip recreates the experience of traveling town-to-town on a passenger train in the mid-twentieth century. The sights, sounds, and rhythms of vintage railcars make it feel like stepping back in time.
A highlight is the passenger car Gertrude Emma, built in 1898 by the Pullman Palace Car Company. This Victorian-era First Class car features a rear platform once prized by politicians for whistle-stop tours. For a small additional fee, you can even ride on the open platform for an unforgettable view.
Click this YouTube link for a TV episode featuring the Valley Train:
New England Traveler: Mount Washington Valley Adventure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTVb4N77LBA
Whether you choose the spooky fun of the Halloween Express, the spectacular fall foliage views aboard the Mountaineer, or the nostalgic charm of the Valley Train, you’re in for an unforgettable ride. Each journey takes you back to a simpler time—a time when luxuries like air conditioning and smartphones were still science fiction.
Plan your adventure today, and when you book, be sure to tell them that The New England Traveler sent you.
All aboard!!!
