Cog Parking!

[Skidmarks]

If everything lines up in my world I plan to do some westside schussing on Sunday.

According to the Mt Washington Cog Railroad people they will be running trains this weekend at 9 and 2 going part way up the Mountain. I asked and they won't take skiers and you can't get off the train.

I would hope skiers won't be taking those prime parking spots away from paying customers as that would certainly cause conflict and get us kicked out. Where do you think it's going to be safe to park? Any other good alternative access points you would care to share?

I can see the S*i* "merde" hit the fan when some dumb ass (could be a local) gets up early and parks front and center and the lot starts to fill before their paying customers come.

Since many of you guys have been skiing the Westside for so long I hope you have some sage advice.

[boardman]

Seriously, I doubt the parking lot will be overrun with Cog riders. Just park farther down - there's enough parking there for a thousand cars! And be nice to the tourons! ;)

[RR]

There is some sort of understanding between the WMNF and the Cog about the lots, but once they are running trains that goes out of the picture.

Sorry to say, if the hiker lot is open, that's where we have to park if we want to keep good relations with the good folks at the Cog Railway.

They have been rather friendly, all things considered. It would be a shame to stress their goodwill on general principles as well as unwise to risk access in particular by any sort of pushiness on our part.

.. And be nice to the tourons! x2! Smile and look professional. It will make them feel good to meet a real Mountaineer ;)

Boardman is probably right about parking in the lowest lot, or at the back row of the next to lowest lot.

[boardman]

Rob, where is the "hiker lot"? I've never gone hiking up there; only been coggin' before it's been open.

[RR]

Rob, where is the "hiker lot"? I've never gone hiking up there; only been coggin' before it's been open.
Sorry to say...it's a half mile down the road! The Ammo trail was extended to it. It's reached via the first junction on the Ammo. There's probably some snow on it now and for a week, but a half a mile on either end of a big day is a tough mile, no matter how you do it.

[stoneman]

With the new snow, i wonder if they will actually open this weekend. Undoubtedly they could if they wanted. And that forrest service lot may not be plowed.

[skimtwashington]

It's probably too early in season( not many vacationers!) for them to get near even half full with paying customers...so I don' think It's a real concern right now. Is there a sign(uh-oh..) requesting people not taking train , but day hiking only, to park in an alternative lot?

Cog management needs to make this clear(If there presently is nothing posted)- if that's an issue with them(?). I'm happy to follow the rules, as long as I know what they are.

But at least the thread here shows concern for courtesy. Gracias!

[bristlecone]

The times I have been there when the cog is running, they were collecting $5 from hikers and having us park in the lowest lot on the right. Doubt they'd be collecting $ this early, but if we parked at the bottom that would be about right. We just have to give up our instinctual preference for the alpha parking spot and walk a few steps more. The courtesy would keep us welcome.

[skimtwashington]

The times I have been there when the cog is running, they were collecting $5 from hikers

What? :eek:

[bristlecone]

That was more high season, late June/July as I remember.

[Seeker]

Thanks for posting! Hoping to get up there this w/e, so we want to be sure to pay attention to this.

[surfsnowywaves]

What? :eek:

It's their parking lot. I ain't surprised.

[riverc0il]

The times I have been there when the cog is running, they were collecting $5 from hikers and having us park in the lowest lot on the right. Doubt they'd be collecting $ this early, but if we parked at the bottom that would be about right. We just have to give up our instinctual preference for the alpha parking spot and walk a few steps more. The courtesy would keep us welcome.
That is my understanding as well. Honestly, they could probably be charging skiers all the time. I bet they could pull in a really good profit for access to their property during prime spring skiing season, especially on good weekends. I hope if/when they start charging, that skiers pony up, park in the lower lot, and say "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!" And mean it, too. Better than having to hike in from the ART parking lot.

[djming]

Or, just get there real early, before they can hit ya up for $$ :p

[Bob T]

Ever since "the" storm the cog lot has been off the hook at times with people overnighting in their cars, apres big-day festivities, etc. Much more so than years past. It's been a blast, but I've been wondering if cog management is getting nervous. Once the west side season winds down I'm of half a mind to contact them and discuss the situation. If access to that lot was ever jeopardized due to the perception of increased liability or who knows what we would all be seriously SOL. At the very least it seems like a reasonable diplomacy.

Do any of you have experience with cog management that suggests this is a good or bad idea?

Thanks,
lurker guy bob.

[Rider.Steve]

If access to that lot was ever jeopardized due to the perception of increased liability or who knows what we would all be seriously SOL. At the very least it seems like a reasonable diplomacy.

Thanks,
lurker guy bob.

Bob T's right,

"Perception of liability" is what it's about: fear of law suits from rail trestle falls and personal assaults, burning dumpsters, cars ramming structures, cars exploding, botched drug deals leading to violence. Actuaries figure out the risks and lawyers advise on the mitigation. The answer is "no trespassing", go figure!

In the face of such spectors, I cynically wonder what benefit reasonable discussion with the Management would have.

Honestly, the greatest liability to the Cog is touristas driving up to look for a head when the establishment is closed, and desperately peeing on the side of the building - serious mildew-starter!

[stoneman]

We all just behave & let sleeping dogs lie.

[RR]

We all just behave & let sleeping dogs lie.While on one level I think Bob's idea is intrinsically a good one, I have to wonder if Stoney isn't correct.

It never does any good to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near one. But, it you leave his treasure alone, even old Cog will do more dreaming than mischief!

[LPNH]

We all just behave & let sleeping dogs lie.

Oh ya, In and out leaving no trace- behaving like no one ever knew I was even there. When I was a kid growing up quite a few blue moons ago my father always told me when I was working for someone else always work with the mindset that I actually owned the business and never just "expect" a paycheck but rather earn it and be mindful of other peoples needs.
This kind of reminds me of that thinking where when I access this area from this point or for that matter anywhere at all that I would travel to seek out wonderful turns.... if it were my property what would be the courteous and expected travels I would hope all would exercise for the kind privilege of such great access.
As for the sleeping dog I am very very sure that if I agitate that dog doing something stupid he'll wake, bark and bite. In the mean time if anything changes in policy its certain they will have it posted real well where Id have to be blind to not see their adjustments. Right now all I can do is go in and out respectfully. I am sure that a real high percentage of active participants of this board go in and out of there with nothing more than a wide smile and some great photos to show their kids so they can one day share those experiences with them.

[gucci]

Be prepared! $5
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7TEu48Jo2HY/S92Br6bRNCI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/cSg7bO2OSv8/s1600/cog-pass.jpg

[boardman]

That's a bargain. I'm with Rivercoil - smile, pay the $ and say "thank you, have a nice day."

[RR]

That's a bargain. I'm with Rivercoil - smile, pay the $ and say "thank you, have a nice day."x3
Visit the gift shop and smile!

[shogunnamedjust]

5 bucks a car, there gonna clean up, literally I hope. will they follow through on the clean up project with this extra funding? well worth it if they do.

[ILOVE2SKI]

What happens when you get there at 530 am to hike? I don't mind paying to park especially 5 dollars but just curious...

[riverc0il]

As a best practice, I think leaving a $5 in an envelope under the wiper blade would be good form.

[skimtwashington]

Damn...!

I think leaving a $5 in an envelope under the wiper blade would be good form..

No... good intent...bad form(why?).......some stranger/tourist may walk away with your 5 bucks...and you get towed. They need a drop box for early hikers... or room under the door to slide an envelope.

will they follow through on the clean up project with this extra funding?

Will they? Will they at least clean up the piles of old ties left all along the tracks?

[Skidmarks]

They got mine and it was a great day!

[RCL1]

but for $5 a car they could put in a porta-potty down there.

[skimtwashington]

it will be a PAY porta-potty!

Smog Railway: Blackening Mt Washington for almost 150 years! We create the need for a 'wash' in Mt Washington.

[skimtwashington]

the drive is $18+.........!

Here's a benefit to weekday flight over on the Cog side....
Choo-choo is only open on weekends this month, according to their website
So...free parking during the week?!