Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville, Ohio

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Nelsonville, Ohio · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesWeekend trains May to October, plus fall, Halloween, Santa and New Year's Eve specials

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a volunteer-run nonprofit that has carried families along the historic Hocking Valley coal line out of Nelsonville since 1972, using restored diesels, vintage coaches, open-air cars and a 1920 Baldwin steam locomotive.

  • Train rides since 1972
  • Line first built in 1869
  • 1920 Baldwin steam engine No. 3
  • Open-air cars in warm months
  • Santa Train for nearly 50 years
  • Free parking at the depot

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway at a glance

Hours
Regular trains weekends May to October; fall foliage trains Thursday to Sunday in October (weekdays 1 pm, weekends 11 am and 2:30 pm); depot opens two hours before the first train
Admission
Fall foliage fares: adults $22, seniors and military $20, ages 3 to 12 $17, under 3 free on a lap
Train rides
About 2-hour round trips; Steam Specials from $30, Halloween from $27, Santa Train from $26, dinner trains from $95
Seasonal events
Fall Foliage Trains, Halloween Train, Fall Steam Train Specials, Santa Train, New Year's Eve Train and Fireworks, Fall Elegant Dinner Trains, Easter Bunny Train, Robbery Trains
Plan for
About 2 hours for a regular ride
Best for
Families with kids of any age and fall color seekers
Best ages
All ages
Parking
Free
Accessibility
Select cars are accessible with wheelchair lift assistance at the depot; buy a wheelchair ticket, as space is very limited.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Hocking Valley Scenic Railway? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Nelsonville.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

From coal and brick trains to family excursions

Railroading came to Nelsonville because of coal. When big deposits turned up in the mid-1800s, wagons and the Hocking Canal proved too slow, so in 1862 backers founded the Mineral Railroad to build a line from Columbus to Athens. Renamed the Columbus and Hocking Valley in 1867, it reached Lancaster with passenger service in 1869, and on August 17 of that year the first freight train from Nelsonville rolled into Columbus with a cannon on board, fired as it neared each town. Service to Athens followed in 1870, and the region's salt, coal and later its famous brick traveled out on its rails.

The company grew into the Hocking Valley Railway in 1899, the largest independent railroad located entirely within Ohio, linking Toledo and Lake Erie with the Ohio River towns of Pomeroy and Gallipolis. It merged into the Chesapeake and Ohio on April 30, 1930, as the Hocking Division. Passenger trains east of Columbus ended on December 31, 1949, many depots came down, and freight through Nelsonville finally stopped in the early 1980s.

In the late 1960s a group of enthusiasts bought a Lake Superior and Ishpeming 2-8-0, No. 33, and in 1972 the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway was founded as a 501(c)(3) to restore, maintain and operate historic equipment. Volunteers have run trains out of Nelsonville ever since, and they have restored a long list of locomotives and passenger cars along the way.

Diesels, open-air cars and a coal-fired steam engine

Trains leave from the depot at 33 West Canal Street in Nelsonville. The railway owns six vintage diesels, three of them running, and one fully operational steam locomotive, plus passenger cars built between 1916 and the 1960s. Enclosed coaches are heated when needed, and three open-air cars join the train in warmer months. You might ride behind GP7 No. 5833, a 1952 Chesapeake and Ohio Geep restored to its original look with help from the C&O Historical Society, or GP10 No. 701, which came from Ohio Central in 2003 in trade for the old No. 33.

Out on the line, the train follows the Hocking River past the remains of Hocking Canal Lock No. 19, with glimpses of the valley's working industry, including gravel mining and a lumber yard. Fall trips run to East Logan, and weekend trains can stop at Robbins Crossing Historical Village when it is open. Most regular rides last about two hours.

Don’t miss

  1. 0-6-0 steam locomotive No. 3Built by Baldwin in 1920 from spare parts, including a boiler meant for a Grand Trunk engine that was never built, it once moved coal for Beech Bottom Power Company and now pulls the Steam Specials.
  2. GP7 No. 5833A 1952 Chesapeake and Ohio diesel that spent years on the South Shore Line before returning and joining the railway in 1986.
  3. The open-air carsThree cars that ride open to the valley breeze in warm weather, a favorite for fall color.
  4. Hocking Canal Lock No. 19The remains of a lock from the canal that the railroad replaced, visible from the train.
  5. Robbins Crossing Historical VillageA pioneer village stop on many weekend trains, subject to availability.

Costumes, Santa and a train that waits for the Easter Bunny

Regular fall rides are open to all ages, and children under 3 ride free on a lap. Kids 3 to 12 get a lower fare. Food and soft drinks are allowed on board, which makes the two-hour trip easier with little ones, and the open-air cars give curious kids a better look at the river and the valley.

Special trains are made for families: the Halloween Train encourages costumes and has treats, the Santa Train brings a visit from Santa on a decorated train, and the Easter Bunny Train runs in spring. Parking at the depot is free.

Plan your visit: tips for Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

  • Pick up paper tickets inside the depot: your confirmation is not a ticket.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, or 45 minutes to an hour if anyone needs wheelchair boarding.
  • Seating is first come, first served on most trains.
  • Food and soft drinks are allowed on board.
  • The railway may swap locomotives or cars without notice.

The Santa Train has been a Hocking Valley tradition for nearly 50 years, with a decorated train and a visit from Santa, and the year ends with a New Year's Eve Train that stops near midnight for fireworks. In October, the Nelsonville Halloween Train runs on four dates with treats and costumes encouraged. See more options in our guides to Christmas train rides in Ohio and Halloween train rides in Ohio.

Volunteer members since 1972

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run mainly by volunteer members, who staff the depot, crew the trains and restore the equipment. You can help by riding, donating through the website, subscribing to the newsletter or asking at the depot about becoming a member.

Southeast Ohio rail trips to pair with Nelsonville

The Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad in Mount Perry is about 29 miles north, and the Buckeye Lake Museum railroad exhibits are about 35 miles away. The Byesville Scenic Railway is about 51 miles east. Browse more Ohio train museums and rides to plan a weekend.

Every train museum in Ohio

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of a conductor in a blue suit shaking Rally's paw on the train
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

One grandmother wrote that the Hocking Valley crew helped her family from the ticket window right onto the train. That reminds me of Mr. Conductor in our book, in his blue uniform, reaching out a hand to Rally at the door. Rally rides with Mom and Dad, but a kind stranger still makes the moment. Our train books for toddlers page has more stories like it.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

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More for train families

Work or volunteer at Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway: 20 questions families ask

How much are Hocking Valley Scenic Railway tickets?

As of October 2026, fall foliage tickets are $22 for adults 13 and up, $20 for seniors 60 and up and military, $17 for children 3 to 12, and free for children under 3 on a lap. Special trains cost more: the Halloween Train starts at $27, Steam Specials at $30 and dinner trains at $95.

What is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway schedule?

Regular trains run on weekends from May through October. As of October 2026, Fall Foliage Trains run Thursday to Sunday through October plus November 1, leaving at 1 pm on weekdays and 11 am and 2:30 pm on weekends. Special trains run for Halloween, steam weekends, Santa and New Year's Eve. Check hvsry.org for dates.

Where is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

The depot is at 33 West Canal Street in Nelsonville, Ohio 45764, about 15 minutes south of Hocking Hills State Park. All trains board there. The depot opens two hours before the first train of the day, and staff at (740) 753-9531 can help with directions on operating days.

How do I book Hocking Valley Scenic Railway tickets?

Book online at hvsry.org, where each ride has its own page with fares and dates, or call reservations at 855-32-DEPOT. When you arrive, go inside the depot to pick up paper tickets, because your confirmation alone will not get you on the train. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

Does the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway have a dinner train?

Yes. Fall Elegant Dinner Trains serve fine dining on board as the train travels through Southeast Ohio, starting at $95. As of October 2026, fall departures are at 6 pm on October 17 and November 7. The railway says to watch its social media for other dinner trains it may add.

When is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Christmas train?

The Santa Train runs during the holiday season and has been a tradition at the railway for nearly 50 years. The train is decorated inside and out, and Santa visits riders along the way. As of October 2026, fares start at $26. Dates are listed on hvsry.org and tend to fill, so book early.

What do people say in Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Santa Train reviews?

The railway's site shares visitor reviews praising its helpful crew and family atmosphere, including a grandmother whose 3-year-old grandson danced to the music on board. For Santa Train reviews in particular, look at Google, TripAdvisor and the railway's Facebook page, where families post photos after each season.

Does the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway run a Halloween train?

Yes. The Nelsonville Halloween Train runs on four dates in 2026: October 23, 24, 30 and 31, with a new experience this year. Treats are available, costumes are encouraged and the ride suits all ages. As of October 2026, tickets start at $27 on hvsry.org.

What is Hocking Valley Scenic Railway No. 3?

No. 3 is the railway's 0-6-0 steam locomotive, built by Baldwin in March 1920 for Beech Bottom Power Company. It was assembled from spare parts, including a boiler meant for a Grand Trunk engine that was never built, and it hauled coal and ash before retiring. It now pulls the Fall Steam Train Specials.

When does the steam train run at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

Steam runs on special dates only. As of October 2026, the Fall Steam Train Specials are set for November 7 and 8, offering a round trip along the Hocking River behind the 1920 coal-fired locomotive. Tickets start at $30. The railway may change motive power without notice.

Is there an engine house at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

The railway's website does not describe public engine house tours. It does maintain and restore its six diesels, its steam engine and its passenger cars in Nelsonville, and its locomotive histories are on hvsry.org. To ask about seeing the shop, call the depot at (740) 753-9531 on an operating weekend.

Is there a Hocking Valley Scenic Railway map?

The railway's site includes a Google Map for the Nelsonville depot. The route follows the Hocking River from Nelsonville, past the remains of Hocking Canal Lock No. 19, with fall trips running to East Logan and weekend stops at Robbins Crossing Historical Village. Ask at the depot for a route overview.

How long is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway ride?

The fall foliage ride lasts about two hours round trip. Special trains vary, so check the details on each ride page. Add time at the start, since you need to collect paper tickets at the depot and should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, or longer if you need wheelchair boarding.

Is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway good for toddlers?

Yes. Rides are open to all ages, children under 3 ride free on a lap, and food and soft drinks are allowed on board. Visitor reviews mention small children enjoying the music on the train. The open-air cars are fun in warm weather, and coaches are heated when it is cold.

Is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway wheelchair accessible?

Partly. Selected cars are accessible with wheelchair lift assistance at the depot, but the antique equipment means wheelchair space is very limited. Buy a wheelchair ticket for anyone who needs it, at $20 for fall rides as of October 2026, and arrive 45 minutes to an hour early so the crew can board your party.

Can you have a birthday party on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

Yes, through a charter. The railway rents whole trains for birthdays, weddings, school trips and corporate outings, arranged at least a month ahead, and cars can be rented for parties. Groups of 30 or more on regular weekend trains must book two weeks ahead. Email hvsr.nelsonville@gmail.com or call (740) 753-9531.

Does the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offer group discounts?

Not on regular or special event trains. The railway does not offer group rates on scheduled rides, Easter Bunny Trains, Robbery Trains, Santa Trains or the New Year's Eve Train. Groups can instead charter a train, and bus drivers and tour guides ride free. Cancellations need at least 72 hours' notice.

What is the New Year's Eve train at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

The New Year's Eve Train and Fireworks ride is a party on the rails with pizza and pop or wine and cheese. The train makes one stop around midnight so riders can watch fireworks and welcome the new year. Reservations are required, and fares start at $38 as of October 2026.

Who runs the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972, run mainly by volunteer members. They restore, maintain and operate the historic equipment for public education and entertainment. You can support them by riding, donating online, subscribing to the newsletter or asking at the depot about membership.

What other train rides are near the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway?

The Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad and the Mt. Perry Scenic Train are both about 29 miles away in Mount Perry. The Buckeye Lake Museum railroad exhibits are about 35 miles, the Byesville Scenic Railway about 51 miles, and the Ohio History Connection railroad collection in Columbus about 53 miles.

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Kelsey Cecil
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