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I've never been on the Cog, but have wanted to try it. But if it's noisy and smokey as MRV states, I'll probably avoid it now! We've driven up once, but we've also climbed in the winter a couple of times.
I've never actually ridden on the Cog Railroad. But I've hiked Mt. Washington more than a few times and visited the base station and its museum. Back in the old days when workers had put in a shift at the top they would ride a sled on wheels, kind of like a luge, to the base using the railroad track. I seem to remember reading that the fastest time down was 2 minutes, give or take. I still can't imagine what that must have been like. The mountain is storied for well over 100 deaths resulting from a combination of adverse weather and lack of planning on the part of many. Tuckerman's Ravine is strewn with the markers of many who were lost. When you're out on a hike, it kinda makes you stop and think. It's a one-of-a-kind place, for sure. They say that on the clearest of days you can see the Atlantic and I can see Mt. Washington from a mile or two up the road from my house, which makes me believe that I'm somehow closer than a five hour drive to the ocean.
I lived in Colorado for a few years and the locals would scoff at lowly Mt. Washington, but truthfully, even though I've been on the highest roads in Colorado, none of them ever felt so high as Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington just feels like it means business. It can be beautiful and it can be terrifying. But usually it just feels ominous. The weather changes so fast and so violently it's like you're in another world.
I lived in Colorado for a few years and the locals would scoff at lowly Mt. Washington, but truthfully, even though I've been on the highest roads in Colorado, none of them ever felt so high as Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington just feels like it means business. It can be beautiful and it can be terrifying. But usually it just feels ominous. The weather changes so fast and so violently it's like you're in another world.
Well that sounds kinda scarey maybe I'll pass on the Cog
For my FIRST time EVER with crampons, ice ax, etc...I did pretty good. But we only made it half way. Everything they say about the weather is true, and then some. The second time, as we were taking a break at Lion's Head, I watched this young guy, probably about 170lbs, get blown around like he was a toothpick. I decided to cut my losses and call it a day!
Sorry - meant to say - even with the crazy weather, the views were outstanding. It was pelting ice the second time we were there, with 60mph winds, and negative wind chills. But it was stunning.
The Cog is worthwhile to check out and a part of historical New England. For history buffs Vermont used to have mountain hotels served by carriage roads in the late 1800s into the 1900s. The mountain atmosphere was considered to be theraputic. The one on Mt Mansfield lasted until 1964 when the last structure burned down.
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. I didnt know that you could drive up to the top too. We might try that.
maybe I'll pass on the Cog
But if I get scared, I am coming after you....hahaha
