All Aboard for an Amazing Scenic Railway Experience

A wooden depot sits along the track at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. An American flag waves in the wind. The huge locomotive is positioned on the track with multiple train cars hooked and ready. Customers of all ages are climbing aboard the train car of their choice. Excitement is in the air! This is the scene as I rounded the corner at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s entrance. It is a beautifully orchestrated experience everyone should add to their Bucket List. The nostalgic magic is intoxicating.

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Located in Nelsonville, Ohio, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit organization offering rides throughout the year. Volunteers are dressed in full, railroad attire and make the experience very pleasant.

Want to dress for the occasion? Shop here for hats, bibs and shirts.

Train Ride Experience

Currently, train rides will take you on a trip through the Hocking Hills region, giving you the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of the fall foliage. Arrive early if you want to sit in one of the open-air cars, as those seats fill up fast. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Open-air cars will be put away for the season on the first of November. The restored cars are 75-100 years old and each one gives you a different experience.

Views from the window

As you ride, you will get to view small towns, historical sites, old kilns, an old canal lock and unique architecture. A lot of what you will see gives you insight into the region’s long history of brickmaking. During the summer months, some of the train rides head south where you will have the opportunity to see Robbin’s Crossing. This adorable pioneer log village includes a general store, a blacksmith shop and several homes.

Some of the sights along the way can be later accessed by car for a closer look. Haydenville is an adorable tiny town that is neat to walk the streets. You can learn about the church, the company homes, and the Round House on the ride and through the depot’s reading material. Getting up close to these structures then gives you a whole new appreciation. Click here for field trip ideas.

If you turn at the gas station near the HVSR, and follow that road out of town, you’ll see the two kilns that were viewed and talked about on the train ride. Now set as a Brick Park, these are mere remnants of the brickmaking heyday that boosted this region’s economy for decades.

Thematic Rides on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

Thematic train rides are offered throughout the year. Some, such as the Santa excursion, sell out soon after tickets become available. These rides have become family traditions for past and current generations. Other rides include the New Year’s celebration, the Easter Bunny train, the Robbery train and many others. Check out the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway for a full calendar of events and ticket prices.

There aren’t many things more nostalgic in the railroad world than to ride a train pulled by a steam locomotive. These iron dinosaurs are still making their appearance every other weekend throughout the fall. A word to the wise: wear old clothes, a hat and eye protection if you are riding on the open-air cars.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Facts and Information

A few fun facts:

• HVSR owns the oldest Jeep 7 in Ohio
• When you go over Bridge 595, you are 59.5 miles away from Columbus
• HVSR has the oldest running standard gauge steam engine in Ohio. It was built in March of 1920
• The depot is a replica of the depot in Rising Sun, Ohio

There’s a good reason HVSR is Ohio’s 3^rd most sought after train ride experience. It’s fun, educational, entertaining and nostalgic. It supports a small-town economy and a non-profit organization. While you are in Nelsonville, you’ll want to stop at the Rocky Boots Outlet. It shares a parking lot with the HVSR. The headless horseman (riding the iconic ram) is all decked out and there is also a cute wagon which makes a great photo location. A meal at Rhapsody Restaurant is always a delicious meal option. Run by the culinary department from Hocking College, this restaurant sits in Nelsonville’s historic town square.

Nelsonville is part of the Appalachian Byway of Ohio. Starting your day with a train ride and heading east is a great day trip excursion. You can also start the road trip in Clarington, Ohio and head west, ending with an evening train ride. For complete details on the ABO/Route 78 click here.

Volunteer Opportunity:

As stated earlier, the HVSR is run by volunteers. There are a multitude of jobs that need filled. If you’ve ever dreamed of working on the railroad or with trains, this may be a perfect opportunity. You can read the full list of positions on the website. The first Saturday of the month is work and restoration day. Experienced and unexperienced alike are welcome. Training is available and the need for a young generation of train enthusiasts is much needed.

Comment below on which ride you decide to take! Posting event pictures are an added bonus that all will enjoy.