Frankenstein Trestle, Crawford Notch

Frankenstein Trestle along the Maine Central Railroad in the White Mountains, New Hampshire.
Frankenstein Trestle – White Mountains, New Hampshire
 

Frankenstein Trestle, Crawford Notch – Frankenstein Trestle is located along the old Maine Central Railroad in New Hampshire’s Crawford Notch in the White Mountains. And the historical marker for the trestle is located along Route 302 near the Dry River Campground. The trestle is named for Godfrey Frankenstein, a German born artist who spent time painting in the Crawford Notch area during the 1800s.

The railroad was chartered in 1867 as the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad Company, then leased to the Maine Central Railroad in 1888, and later abandoned in 1983. Since 1995 the Conway Scenic Railroad, which provides passenger excursion trains, has been using the track. The building of this railroad through Crawford Notch was a major accomplishment during the 1800s.

Frankenstein Trestle along the Maine Central Railroad in the White Mountains, New Hampshire. Chartered in 1867 as the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad Company then leased to the Maine Central Railroad in 1888 and later abandoned in 1983. Since 1995 the Conway Scenic Railroad, which provides passenger excursion trains has been using the track.
Frankenstein Trestle – White Mountains, New Hampshire
 

The trestle you see today was built in 1893 to replace the original wrought iron trestle built in 1875. The trestle was then strengthened in 1930 and 1950 to handle the heavier train loads. It is an amazing piece of railroad history!

Frankenstein Trestle along the Maine Central Railroad in Crawford Notch State Park of New Hampshire.
Frankenstein Trestle – White Mountains, New Hampshire 
 

The Frankenstein Trestle and the Willey Brook Trestle are just two of the many highlights along the Conway Scenic Railroad. If visiting the White Mountains region, consider taking a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad for an interesting adventure. And hikers who are not interested in riding the scenic railroad can hike the Frankenstein Cliff Trail to get an up close view of the trestle.

To license any of the above images for publications, click on the image. And you can view more images of the trestle here.

Happy image making..


 

Frankenstein Trestle Prints | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
 

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Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and credits include; Backpacker Magazine, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and The Wilderness Society.

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34 Responses to “Frankenstein Trestle, Crawford Notch”

  1. Panorea

    Hey I am planning on visiting soon. Do you have any recommendations about parking, best trails and best spot along the hike to see the train? How often does it run? Thank you in advance!

    Reply
  2. Manideep

    Hi, I am interested in going there this weekend to see the foliage, do you have any suggestions on where to park and how to get up there?

    Reply
  3. Angely

    Hi, I am interested in going there this weekend to see the foliage, do you have any suggestions on where to park and how to get up there?

    Reply
  4. Amol

    Enjoyed the photos on the website!! Can you pls help sharing info about reaching Frankenstein trestle ? In case you know about Will Brook Trestle as well. TIA.

    Reply
  5. Della

    Can you send me email the direction and how to parking to willy brook bridge ? I planning to go to this monday thank you

    Reply
  6. Sasha

    Hi,

    Can I have some infor on where to park aand how to go there?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Matt m

    Hi i plan to go this weekend, wondering how to get to the train tracks, any info would be greatly appreciated 

    Reply
  8. Marsha

    Hi Erin

    I hope to be visiting around Oct 11-12 and would love to see this location.  I've been warned about the steep hike and read with interest your earlier post that it is 1/2 mile up the Frankenstein Cliff Trail to the Trestle.  If you can send me any further detail and parking tips, I would be most appreciative.

     

    Thank you!

    Marsha

    Reply
    • Erin Paul Donovan

      Hi Marsha,

      I sent you an email about the parking and hiking to the trestle. Let me know if you didn’t get it. It is a great trestle!

      Have a great time visiting the area!

      Reply
  9. Nidhi

    Hi Erin, 

     

    i am planning to hike upto the frankenstein cliff. can you please suggest where to park and how to get the view from the trestle?

     

    Thank you,

    nidhi 

    Reply
  10. Omar

    Nice photo. Can you share any bike related info? I plan to hike it in October. Thanks  

    Reply
  11. Hinal Parmar

    Hey, I am planning to visit this spot over the weekends to capture falls view, will you be able to guide how to get there and parking scenario. 
    thank you 

    Reply
  12. Yash

    Hello,

    I am planning to visit on October 10th. I am a drone photographer, can you please let me know how long would it take to hike the Frankenstein Trestle and what time trains arrive please? That would be so helpful. I am planning to take drone video of the train. 

    Reply
  13. Andi DiLascio

    Hi Erin,

    We are planing a trip, how often does the train go? Do we need in advance tix? What is the best time to do the hike for the foliage? We live in Boston so it's an easy trip for us. 
    thanks a ton ! 

    Reply
  14. Tom Riggs

    Hey Erin, 

    How often does the Conway Scenic Railroad use the Frankenstein trestle?  Daily?  Several times per day?  

    Reply
  15. Barb Coyle

    Thank you for posting this… Drove 3 hours to hike this yesterday and the directions were spot on! Gorgeous place… Did not see any trains but already planning a return trip! 

     

    Reply
  16. Ainsley Marsh

    Hi Erin, I love that photo of the Frankenstein trestle. How long is that trail. I have heard comments of people who get up at 2:30a. I would love to capture that trestle in the fall.

    Ainsley

    Reply
    • Erin Paul Donovan

      Hi Ainsley,

      It is only about a 1/2 of a mile up the Frankenstein Cliff Trail to the Trestle. Just remember it is an active railroad during the snow-free months. And walking on the tracks is prohibited (trespassing).

       

      Reply

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