Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Looking for a unique activity to try in the mountains of NH – have you considered rail riding? Rail riding is a growing activity in destinations where old railroad tracks aren’t being used, and the New Hampshire mountains have several areas with rail tracks.
I booked a trip on Silver Lake Railriders as part of our visit and stay at Huttopia in NH. The rides lasts about 1.5 hours and goes past beaver ponds and through the quiet forests of NH in Ossippee, NH (technically Silver Lake). If you are looking for something to do in the area – this is a great option. Below I share exactly how to book Silver Lake Railriders and what to expect.
Visiting NH? You might like:
- Saco River Tubing, NH: A Complete Guide to a Relaxing Day on the Water
- 11 Best Hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Looking to explore adventures around New England? I've spent almost my entire life living in New England and love to explore, photograph, and write about the region. You can find details of incredible hikes, hidden gems, delicious food and my top tips for traveling around the Northeast here and in my newsletter: Uncover New England.
Quick Look at Silver Lake Rail Riders
Located in Silver Lake, NH, just behind the historic Silver Lake Depot in the White Mountains. You pedal a rail bike along an old rail corridor once run by the Boston & Maine Railroad, then later the Silver Lake Railroad.
The tour is a 6-mile round trip: 3 miles out and 3 miles back, taking about 90 minutes total. Rides move at a slow, pace, around 10 miles per hour as you are moving as a group.
Along the way you pass woods and wetlands with plenty of wildlife viewing, including areas flooded by beavers running alongside the tracks. Past riders have spotted bears, eagles, and other wildlife along the route, although we only saw some birds.
Riders of all ages can join: if you can reach the pedals, you can do it. Runs daily from May through October, with tours departing multiple times a day.
There are cards for both 2 and 4 riders.
Book at trip at SL Railriders.
Silver Lake Railriders
What to Expect on a Silver Lake Railriders Trip
Silver Lake Railriders offers guided railbike tours along a section of rail corridor once run by the Boston & Maine Railroad and later the Silver Lake Railroad. Instead of a train, you and your group pedal your own rail bike directly on the tracks.
Tours run several times a day, with departures typically at 9:30am, 12:00pm, and 2:30pm, plus an added 5:00pm tour during peak summer months (you should check the website and book in advance).
Wildlife: Along the route you’ll pass through woods and wetlands, with several areas flooded by beavers running right alongside the tracks. Past riders have spotted bears, eagles, and plenty of other wildlife, so keep your eyes open. We didn’t catch any animals aong the way, but the beaver ponds have several lodges.
Rail bikes: The bikes are pedal-powered and designed for two or four riders at a time, so it works well for couples, friends, or families riding together. The pedaling on the way was much harder as you are going slightly uphill. On the way back it was almost possible not to pedal at all. Overall I would rate it a 4/10 in terms of physical activity.
Where is Silver Lake Railriders?
Silver Lake Railriders is located in Madison, NH, just north of Ossipee and close to North Conway, right in the heart of the White Mountains. Tours start and end behind the historic Silver Lake Depot and Post Office.
If you’re in the area, make sure to swing by the Madison Boulder (the largest glacial erratic in North America)
What to Pack
You should wear layers. There is a small space to store things on the cart but you don’t need much. Make sure you have close toed shoes AND water!
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Camera or phone
Common Questions About Silver Lake Railriders
How long is the Silver Lake Railriders tour? The tour is a 6-mile round trip and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What ages can ride? Riders of all ages can join — if you can reach the pedals, you can ride.
When is Silver Lake Railriders open? Tours run daily from May through October, with an extra tour added during peak summer months.
Do I need to book in advance? We went on a weekday and the tour was mostly full. If you are visiting in the high season, especially on a weekend, book in advance!
Is there parking at Silver Lake Railriders? There is plenty of free parking – pull all the way to the back of the parking lot.
What is the history behind the railroad? The route was once operated by the Boston & Maine Railroad and later by the Silver Lake Railroad, which ran heritage train tours from 2007 until 2025.
