All aboard! It’s time for a breathtaking ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad.

The southern valley route of this historic New Hampshire railroad — North Conway to Conway — is already open on spring weekends, and daily runs start May 18. The 55-minute, 11-mile round trip offers views of the Mount Washington Valley and the Saco and Swift rivers.

The northern valley route, which opens May 18, follows the Saco River from North Conway to Bartlett through the White Mountains. The 21-mile round trip lasts 1 3/4 hours.

Railroad buffs will appreciate the steam and early diesel locomotives that pull the valley trains, which offer open-air and enclosed vintage coaches, including a first-class, Pullman parlor-observation car, the “Gertrude Emma.” Riders in the parlor car can listen to narrative provided by an attendant and purchase light snacks.

A dining car, the “Chocorua,” offers full meals to passengers on lunch- and dinner-time runs of both trains, including a romantic sunset run along the northern route.

Later in the season the notch train, powered by two diesel electric locomotives, climbs from North Conway all the way to Crawford Notch across the Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook bridges, both built in the early part of the century.

Daily trips start June 22, and after Sept. 1 the train continues a few miles farther to Fabyan for leaf-peepers.

The 50-mile round trip lasts about five hours. Limited first-class and cafe car seating are offered. Those not in the cafe car can order a box lunch. Reservations are strongly recommended for this train, which has only one departure daily, at 11 a.m.

For information on special events, schedules, fares and reservations, call 1-800-232-5251.