Can't park at Cog Railway?? Risk being towed?

[giggy]

Ok - maybe someone can shed some light on this as I can't get a straight answer from Cog. I called them and asked if they were letting people park and they said not in the winter. The 5$$ fee is only for summer hikers?? I was planning to go up ammo trail or jewel this weekend. I then said - can I park there for the day? She said you can park below? I said below what? She said below our lot. I was hoping someone could shed some light on this as to where I could park without worrying all day if my car will be towed. Is street parking possible? I just haven't been in that area in winter before' and ually park in the trailhead area - which I am sure isn't being plowed.

I think the cog is crazy to not allow parking there for hikers. They would probably make $$. That being said - I have heard that the cog is allowing parking (I called late this fall and got an entirely different answer).

thanks for the help!!

 

[Jim lombard]

She said you can park below? I said below what? She said below our lot.

As you drive in there is a large gravel parking lot on the left, this might be what they mean. Last year this was all plowed but as I said in another thread the Ammo trailhead lot was also partially plowed out enough to park maybe 6 cars. I wouldn't park anywhere on the road in winter. I can't imagine the Cog would bar people from parking there, they have a HUGE lot. But then again they're not what I would call "hiker" friendly all the time.

 

[^MtnMike^]

In the summer if you pay to use the Cog parking area they tell you to park "below" the Cog parking lot (not up near the building, but at the base of the hill near the parking lot entrance). Maybe she meant that?

Only other thing I can think of is that she meant the actual trailhead for the Jewel/Ammo trails about 1/3 of a mile down the road...?

^MtnMike^

 

[Sherpa John]

Base Road CLOSED in Winter

Base road is CLOSED in winter and for the specific use of Snowmobiles only. I do believe there is a parking lot somewhere just past the mount Washington hotel and the town houses entrances. There is a gate. This might be why shee mentions being towed.

So.. keep in mind... in winter... BASE ROAD IS CLOSED

 

[Tramper Al]

?

Base road is CLOSED in winter and for the specific use of Snowmobiles only. I do believe there is a parking lot somewhere just past the mount Washington hotel and the town houses entrances. There is a gate. This might be why shee mentions being towed.

So.. keep in mind... in winter... BASE ROAD IS CLOSED

I'm sure you were trying to be helpful, but it just isn't so simple. Winter operation of the Cog and the re-routing of snowmobile traffic onto Mt. Clinton Rd are just two reasons why people are asking these questions.

 

[SherpaKroto]

giggy: I was going to direct you to the Other Thread but since you started that one also, that would just be mean , The Cog will run the ski train this winter, so the road will be open. Park in the dirt lot, just at the bottom of the hill immediately below the main lot. We were directed to park on the right as you drive up, but I am guessing that either side is fine. (Note: by parking on the right, you won't have to worry about driving "up" to the road when you leave - it will be all downhill)

 

[Jim lombard]

Thanks for clearing this up Sherpa.

 

[hillman1]

Sherpa--best avatar yet!

 

[Sherpa John]

I'm sure you were trying to be helpful, but it just isn't so simple. Winter operation of the Cog and the re-routing of snowmobile traffic onto Mt. Clinton Rd are just two reasons why people are asking these questions.

Ah yes... foolish me. How dare I forget The Bretton Express by running the SKI train up the side of our beloved white monster. And thank you to Sherpa Kroto for debriefing us with the correct information. One huge kick in the arse to me.

 

[JOD]

shouldn't be a problem parking

I talked to one of the owners, WP, of the Cog/Bretton Woods/Mt. Washington Hotel at the Boston ski show, and asked him specifically about parking in his parking lot for hiking up the west side of Mt. Washington. He advised me there shouldn't be a problem. Hikers should be good neighbors and not make a nuisance while enjoying the area. The base road is a state road and the state will keep it clear. I first met Wayne 15 yrs ago. He's always been a great guy. Don't ruin it.

O'D

 

[Mike P.]

With base Road being open I would not be surprised at all (almost expect it will) if the hiker lot is plowed more this year as more people will head up Monroe & Washington this way than in prior years.

IMO for me, I feel better determining if I'm cold Vs. if I'm in an area prone to Avalanche. I've read my share of avalache info put have not dug snow pits & would trust the snow rangers 100%. Given that if the Avy Danger for the Ravines was Extreme & the wind was due north, I'd probably skip Ammo for a day or two also.

 

[giggy]

Ok thanks all - I know this is the first year doing this (ski trains- I think) so its all new. Sorry for continuing to post about this - I am real anal about my pre-planning and like all my t's crossed and I's dotted prior to going- and the cog gave me two very different answers both times I called.

Sounds like it shouldn't be a problem. I just fear coming back late and dealing with w/ a towed car after being in the bush all day and seeking warmth.

thanks

 

[Mike P.]

Right now I doubt the hiking lot is impassable even if not plowed. I hear Sunday Monday may bring more snow though.

When are you planning on going? Continue to read the trail condition reports on this site as I expect many winter hikers are going to be tackling at least Monroe this way & maybe Washington too as IMO less avy danger on Ammo & Jewell. The Ice along the Ammo was very scenic when I was there in late November. (at 7:30 AM the cog lot was empty except for me & a fox.)

 

[giggy]

Planning on this weekend - maybe. Doing something this weekend. If weather is pristine- might go for jefferson via castle or via edmunds col. If its so so might try ammo or jewell. Weather looks decent for sat so far...

I have had better luck on washington than jefferson - in fact jeff is the only pressie I haven't made the summit in winter - and damn detemined to get it this year!! I heard they got at least a foot over the last few days.