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The place
About AMC Highland Center & Crawford Depot
AMC’s Highland Center is a practical White Mountains base for visitors who want lodging, meals, trail advice, family walks, or educational programs around a Cog trip. The nonprofit lodge stands on the former Crawford House hotel site at the southern base of the Presidential Range.
The property includes an onsite store, library and game room, children’s natural playscape, trail information, and a rotating schedule of guided hikes, talks, films, and guest speakers. Some programs are complimentary for overnight guests; call for the schedule rather than assuming a specific activity runs every day.
During summer and fall, the restored Crawford Depot houses the Macomber Family Information Center with interpretive displays, staff guidance, a small store, and occasional excursion-train activity. Depot opening and outside train stops are seasonal and separate from the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
What stands out
Practical mountain base
Lodging, meals, gear, trail advice, and programs work for mixed-experience groups.
Restored rail depot
The seasonal Crawford Depot adds local railroad architecture and White Mountains travel history.
Short nearby walks
AMC lists the Ammonoosuc Lake and Red Bench Trail as an easy roughly 30-minute option from the property.
Pair it with the train
Why it belongs in a Mount Washington Cog Railway trip
Highland Center is on US 302 roughly eight road miles from the turn toward Marshfield. It works as lodging or a separate half-day stop; do not confuse occasional Crawford Depot trains with the Cog departure six miles up Base Station Road.
Before you go
Plan your visit
- SeasonThe Highland Center publishes full-service operation year-round; Crawford Depot information-center access is summer and fall.
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, and dinner follow published service windows. Dinner walk-ins are limited and advance notice is requested for package additions.
- Day useDay hikers may use designated main-lot parking for a fee or Crawford Depot parking for a recommended donation.
- AccessibilityAMC publishes wheelchair access for the lodge, Shapleigh Bunkhouse, dining hall, meeting rooms, and selected guest rooms.
- ProgramsGuided hikes and educational programs vary; use the monthly schedule or call before building an itinerary around one.
- Rail distinctionCrawford Depot can receive a separate excursion train on selected dates; it is not a Cog Railway boarding location.
Historic full-service alternative
Add Omni Mount Washington Resort
Compare the nonprofit outdoor lodge with the landmark 1902 hotel, dining, and resort activity program.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
Is Highland Center open year-round?
Yes. The lodge publishes year-round full-service operation; the Crawford Depot information center is seasonal.
Can day visitors use the property?
Yes for appropriate public services and programs, but parking, meals, and activities have their own rules or fees.
Is Crawford Depot a Cog station?
No. It is a restored station that can host a separate excursion train on selected dates.
Is the lodge wheelchair accessible?
AMC publishes wheelchair access for the main lodge, bunkhouse, dining hall, meeting rooms, and selected guest rooms.
Can I eat dinner without staying?
AMC takes a limited number of dinner walk-ins. Call ahead; lodging-package additions require advance notice.
Trust and accuracy
Sources
Source checked 2026-08-13. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.