by ayerjunction
HenryAlan wrote:I would enjoy seeing the spreadsheets, and also wonder about which lines are most interesting. I have ridden Needham, Providence, Midleborough, Newburyport, Lowell, and Fitchburg all or at least almost all of the way. Of the others, which hold the most visual interest? I'm thinking in terms of both scenic countryside and hidden industry/infrastructure that can't be seen from the highways.I would suggest to anybody wondering which line(s) to ride that they should do a virtual tour of the lines using Google Maps or the like. It may be beneficial to also scope out nearby establishments to grab a snack at or a restroom break. The best line for scenic is probably the Rockport line where some ocean views can be seen out the window or are a short walk from the Manchester or Rockport stations. If you want some fast running and a good chance of seeing Amtrak trains, the Providence line is best, although Amtrak runs at a lesser frequency on the Haverhill line and there is one train on the Worcester line. Freight trains are few and far between, but if you want to take your chances, the Fitchburg line west of Littleton, the west end of the Worcester line and the south end of the Providence line would be your best bets.