◀ Westbound to Willey Siding | Frankenstein Trestle | Eastbound to Milepost 79 ▶
The high steel trestle was built in 1893 to replace a wrought iron trestle of 1875, and was strengthened in 1930 and 1950. Named for American artist Godfrey N. Frankenstein (1820–1873), the adjacent cliff and gulf were formidable barriers to completion of the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad, later the Maine Central, which connected Portland, ME, and the Great Lakes. Trains used the trestle until 1983. It now carries excursion trains through Crawford Notch.
A Maine Central steam locomotive crosses Frankenstein Trestle in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire. The undated photo, believed to have been taken in the late 1940s or early 1950s, was captured by Alan Thomas. The image shows the classic curve of the 188-foot-high steel trestle, one of the most dramatic and enduring landmarks on the former Maine Central Mountain Division. © Alan Thomas On 1 October 2010, the Frankenstein trestle spans the steep valley walls of Crawford Notch, surrounded by waterfalls brought on by heavy rain. The Conway Scenic Railroad crosses this historic structure on its route through the Notch. © David Brossard Conway Scenic Railroad GP38 No. 252 crosses the towering Frankenstein Trestle in Crawford Notch. The photo captures one of New England’s most recognisable railway landmarks, where trains traverse the 188-foot-high steel span against the rugged backdrop of the White Mountains. © Conway Scenic Railroad On 3 September 2017 the Conway Scenic’s Red Ball Special runs from North Conway to Hazen’s, seen here crossing Frankenstein Trestle, one of the two great bridges built by the Maine Central through Crawford Notch. © Thomas Coulombe Boston & Maine F7 locomotives Nos. 4266 and 4268 head east across Frankenstein Trestle on the former Maine Central Mountain Subdivision during the 470 Railroad Club Special in 2022. The pair of classic bulldog-nosed units, resplendent in their maroon and gold livery, make a striking contrast against the autumn foliage of Crawford Notch, with 6,288-ft Mount Washington rising in the background. © Dave Blaze Rail Photography On 28 October 2023 the 470 Excursion passes over Frankenstein Trestle with GP38s 255 and 252 pushing on the rear. © Grady McKinley Conway Scenic Railroad No. 255 leads The Mountaineer across Frankenstein Trestle on Sunday, 10 August 2025. © Doug Boudrow ◀ Westbound to Willey Siding | Frankenstein Trestle | Eastbound to Milepost 79 ▶
