We start out from North Station following what is known as the New Hampshire Line. MBTA's Lowell Line trains follow this route, as do the few weekday Haverhill Line trains that use the Wildcat Branch.
The AMTRAK train will run express, bypassing local commuter stations such as West Medford, Wedgemere, and Winchester Center (all W's!)
The Mishawum station used to be a major stop, but it has been downgraded to serve only a few rush hour trains. It was replaced by a much larger station one mile to the north called Anderson-Woburn. This station not only has a lot with easy access from Route 128, but it also has express buses directly to Logan International Airport. As of July 1st, this station became a stop for the DOWNEASTER.
In Wilmington (another "W"), we slow down and bear to the right at a junction. We are now entering the Wildcat Branch. This connection will take about five minutes to traverse. It literally does run through people's backyards, but I have not heard of any complaints. Maximum speed used to be just 20 mph, but recently the speed was raised to about 40 mph.
Near North Wilmington, we join the old Boston & Maine West line, shared with Haverhill commuter trains.
Now running north towards Haverhill, we run next to the Merrimack River, which at various times is on the right and then the left. Look on the left for a branch to Stony Brook.
Some of the stations we pass are in industrial areas, as you will notice the rather large mill buildings.
Near the Bradford station, the MBTA has its layover yard for the Haverhill Line. Then we cross the Merrimack River for the last time, and enter Haverhill.
In Haverhill, we will have to walk to the other side to catch the inbound MBTA train. We have roughly 22 minutes here, so you can visit a nearby variety store for candy or soda, Mark's Greek Restaurant, a White Hen Pantry a few blocks west, or simply sit in a small park just east of the station.