Description
The Frankenstein Trestle is one of the most beautiful spots in New Hampshire. It is located in Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountains. It’s a unique spot along the old Maine Central Railroad. The trestle is named after Godfrey Frankenstein, a German-born painter who lived in Crawford Notch during the 1800s and painted there.
The Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad Company developed the track and the trestle in 1867. The construction of this railroad through Crawford Notch was a huge accomplishment during the 1800s. After several years, it was deeded to the Maine Central Railroad in 1888. For nearly a century the Maine Central Railway used the tracks. In 1983, usage of the tracks diminished and they were abandoned. The railroad has been used by the Conway Scenic Railroad, which operates passenger excursion trains, since 1995. The Frankenstein Trestle was built in 1893 to replace the original wrought iron trestle which was built in 1875. The current trestle was reinforced in 1930 and 1950 to handle heavier train loads.
Hiking to the ironic trestle is a must for anyone exploring Crawford Notch. The most popular trail is the 4.9-mile Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Loop, which includes the trestle and the iconic Arethusa Falls. The trail provides a variety of activities and is best used from March to October. Dogs are welcome to use the trail but must be kept on a leash.
The trestle can also be viewed from the Conway Scenic Railroad, learn more at conwayscenic.com.
Don’t forget to explore Arethusa Falls and Coliseum Falls which are located along the loop trail. Additionally, if you’re looking for more great spots in New Hampshire, check out the GoXplr New Hampshire map at goxplr.com/map/new-hampshire
Location
- Address: Crawford Notch Rd
- Town: Hart’s Location
- State: New Hampshire
- GPS: Lat 44.15505 Lng -71.36637
- Parking notes: There is a small parking lot at the Frankenstein Cliffs Trailhead which can hold about a dozen cars. Additional parking can be found a few hundred yards away just off Crawford Notch Road. This parking lot is far larger. It can hold about 50 cars.
- Parking directions: HERE
- Location directions: HERE
Francine Poirier –
Views from Crawford Notch
Francine Poirier –
Conway Scenic Railway shot from Frankenstein Cliffs
Jose fernando –
Taking a picture of this train, as it was coming by, was really something! Loads of people on board this train. I’ve never seen so many people on here smiling and waving @irishmantravelling and I, as we were photographing this moment. I probably took over 100 photos, but this is the one that stuck to me the most. Conditions were super bright, with no clouds directly in front of the path of the sun but it is what it is. I used a CPL filter to cut down on some of the atmosphere, glare, and not to mention give the colors a POP!
Sony A7III • Sony 16-35mm GM • NiSi Enhanced CPL