Our First Fall Foliage Ride

With Connor, Janna, Theresa, & Aunt Marie

October 12, 2019

Sinéad and I were so impressed with our summer trip on the Conway Scenic Railroad that we immediately decided we needed to return for the fall foliage. Unfortunately, we did not realize just how popular the autumn rides actually were. Regardless, there was still economy seating available for an October weekend; so Sinéad took inventory of those who wanted to join us, and we grabbed what seats we could. We also took note that reservations needed to be made as soon as availability was made public for any chance to get 1st class or premium seating (which we soon discovered is well worth the extra cost for anyone over 4.5’ tall).

Theresa was also just as impressed with the original experience as we were and was quick to join in. We also got to enjoy the company of Aunt Marie and our friends Connor and Janna. We left early in the morning thinking we were affording ourselves plenty of time to make the train. We did not anticipate the amount of traffic flooding into the North Conway area, though. Theresa and I were the drivers, and we fortunately knew some alternate roads to bypass the majority of traffic. We also knew a decent location to park. Our feet covered the distance from the vehicles to the station, but we made it in just enough time. No chance for photos in front of the station, we were boarded nearly as quickly as we arrived.

We got ourselves settled in, but quickly realized the economy seating was intended for small children. I had to angle my legs to fit them between the seats, which made for some awkward negotiations with the people sitting across from me (as they also needed that same space). Sinéad is nearly a foot shorter than I am, and she too found the space too narrow between seats. It might not be a luxury we can afford very often, but I do believe we’ll plan only for 1st or premium class seating in the future.

Now that I’ve cleared the negativity, I’ll get on to how great this actually turned out! We thought we were choosing a weekend that was too early for peak foliage, but we were absolutely shocked just how perfect our timing was! It could not have been better! And, the wet spring and summer we had leading up to this day had only served to heighten that peak. The colors were vibrant and incredible! I could not believe just how perfect it all turned out!

I had brought my spare camera for Connor to use, and he did a great job! Trains are one of his favorite things, so this trip was perfect for him. I wanted him to have his own photographed memories from the trip, and he enjoyed getting to use the camera, and he took some great photos! I’ve included some of his photographs in the post.

One of the best parts of this train is that there is an open car people can take photos from. I ended up sitting next to a woman and her husband from Texas. She had always wanted to come up to the north east to see the foliage. I confirmed for her that she had managed to pick probably the best time ever to make it happen. She was roughly the age of my mother, but was squealing with excitement and delight (as if she we a kid again) when the trees parted and the views opened up.

Putting aside the cramped seating situation and the horrible traffic that nearly caused us to (literally) miss our train, this was a perfect adventure! (We’ll just conveniently pretend to also forget the dinner experience afterwards…)