MEREDITH TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Autumn Over Ashland Summit: A 4‑Hour Fall Foliage Special from Meredith to the Common Man
A 4‑hour coach train from Meredith climbs Ashland Summit, crosses scenic trestles and farms, and brings you to the Common Man Inn & Spa for a hot buffet lunch — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Autumn Over Ashland Summit: A 4‑Hour Fall Foliage Special from Meredith to the Common Man.
The Granite State Railway’s popular Fall Foliage Special is a four‑hour coach excursion that departs Meredith Station at 11:00 a.m., travels north over Ashland Summit and the Ashland High Trestle, passes working farms and tree farms, and arrives in Plymouth at the Common Man Inn & Spa where riders disembark for a hot buffet lunch and time to visit the inn’s gift shop before returning to Meredith.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Summit, Trestle and Working Farms
The route climbs and crests at Ashland Summit, crosses the Ashland High Trestle and threads past working properties including Bonnie Brae Deer Farm and the Glove Hollow Christmas Tree Farm in Bridgewater — quintessential New Hampshire fall scenery.
Lunch and Local Goods at the Common Man Inn & Spa
The train’s destination is Plymouth’s Common Man Inn & Spa; passengers leave the train to gather in the dining room for a hot buffet lunch, then browse an extensive gift shop stocked with products made in New Hampshire before reboarding.
A Four‑Hour Fall Special — Book Early
This is a compact, midday four‑hour outing that departs Meredith at 11:00 a.m.; the service is popular and advance reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
What the day feels like
What the Ride Feels Like
Board at Meredith Station and settle into a coach for a scenic, four‑hour round trip: a steady climb over Ashland Summit, the brief exposure of an elevated trestle crossing, glimpses of farms and tree lots as the train threads north, then the pause in Plymouth at the Common Man Inn & Spa for a hot buffet and time to explore before the return.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this train suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Small coolers with a packed lunch are permitted; alcohol is not allowed aboard. Snacks, ice cream, soft drinks and bottled water are available for purchase from the operator’s gift shops in Lincoln and Meredith.
Tickets are not mailed; after purchase you will receive a confirmation email — show that confirmation to the Ticket Agent at the station to receive your train ticket.
Some passenger coaches have restrooms, but guests are advised to use station restrooms prior to boarding when possible.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are there restrooms on the train?
There are restrooms available in some passenger coaches; however, guests are recommended to use the stations’ restrooms before boarding.
Can I bring food on the train?
Yes — you may bring small coolers with a lunch. The operator also sells snacks, ice cream, soft drinks and bottled water at its gift shops. Please remove all items you bring from the train. Alcohol is not permitted aboard.
Can we bring our dog or pet on the train?
Seeing Eye Dogs and service animals are welcome; personal pets are not permitted on the train.
Are strollers allowed onboard?
Strollers are not permitted on trains.
How will I receive my ticket after purchase?
Physical tickets will not be mailed. After purchase you will receive a confirmation email; present that confirmation to the Ticket Agent at arrival to receive your ticket.
Is assistance available for passengers with mobility needs?
A wheelchair lift is available as needed; wheelchairs must not exceed 24 inches in width. If you require assistance for boarding, call the operator in advance so staff can make necessary accommodations.