The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers a historic-feeling adventure in the rolling hills of Ohio. Founded in 1972, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a volunteer-operated organization that runs train rides for the public. Their mission is to preserve and restore historic railroad equipment to engage, inform, and entertain children and adults in a fun way. Find out why this historic Hocking Hills train ride captures the imagination of anyone who jumps aboard.
Historic Train Ride
The current route for the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway takes it from Nelsonville to Logan, once part of the original Hocking Valley Railway’s Athens Branch. The Hocking Valley merged into the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in 1930. The historic railway offers a unique, fun glimpse into local history while providing a unique, family-friendly experience.
Seasonal Fun
Adventure is part of the fun of riding a historic railway. Each year, Ohio boasts an exciting train ride to thrill all ages at different times. Springtime brings The Easter Bunny Train followed by a summer Fireworks Train, Christmas and Holiday Santa Train, Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery, and more. Every season boasts something new and exciting to thrill families and individuals who love the historic setting of a train in the hills.
Local Attractions
In Hocking Hills, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is the number one attraction in Athens County. Around the area, there are lots of places to grab a bite to eat and explore before or after a ride on the railway. Don’t forget to check out great deals at Rocky® Outdoor Gear Outlet Store. Nearby is the Stuart Opera House and plenty of beautiful scenery to hike, bike, and explore on 19 miles of trails on the Hockhocking-Adena Trail between Nelsonville and Athens. Wayne National Forest offers more adventure with horseback rides and mountain biking.
Stay Local
For visitors who want to stay overnight and enjoy more exciting adventures in the hills, look no further than the old western-style Smoke Rise Ranch. Over 2,000 acres of ranch land is located 10 miles from the railway. A working cow ranch with cowboys offers horseback riding, cabin, and camping rentals with hiking trails and a playground. Smoke Rise Ranch is part of the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Friendliest Train Robbery, perfect family-friendly fun for visitors.
Enjoy Hocking Hills
A Hocking Hills train ride is like a trip to the past, a time long ago when rail travel and transit were more prevalent. Even today, visitors can harken back to that historical age with a modernized version of a train right in Hocking Hills. Stay awhile and take in area sights like Old Man’s Cave, Lake Logan, and Cantwell Cliffs. Zipline the canopied treetops or stay and rest at area B&Bs. Whatever your heart desires, stay awhile in Hocking Hills and explore all it has to offer in a truly amazing landscape.
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