ride the rails Founded in 1972, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is Ohio’s top nonprofit scenic railway. According to the group’s Web site, the organization is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and operation of historic railroad equipment for education and entertainment.
The railway’s route runs between Nelsonville and Logan in southeast Ohio and offers diesel-powered rides. According to director Larry Blake, 2006 was a record-breaking season.
“By providing train rides to the public, we receive funding through ticket sales to restore, maintain and operate historic equipment,” he said.
In addition to regular runs each Saturday and Sunday May through November at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., the railway is especially known for its innovative specialty trains. Here are a few of the special train rides. For complete details, visit www.hvsry.org
Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery occurs June 13 at 6 p.m. and again Sept. 19 and features “robbers” on horse back charging the train as it comes to a halt under cannon fire. Then a deputy marshall chases the bad guys through the train. Fares for this fun-filled trip are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens 60 and over, and $16 for children age 3 to 12. Children under three ride free. Advance reservations are recommended.
Fourth of July Trains and Fireworks Shuttle in July uses the railway as a shuttle to and from the event. Prior to the 10 p.m. kick-off, three shuttles depart the Nelsonville Depot at 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Parking is free and the train ride is $3 per person round-trip.
Caboose Train Once a year, all the privately-owned cabooses may be ridden in a special train comprised completely of "cabeese." Railfans will enjoy several photo run-bys during the excursion which lasts approximately 3 hours and travels to the end of the line in East Logan. This year's excursion is scheduled for Sept. 5 and departs at 11 a.m. Cost is $27 for adults, $18 for children ages 3 to 12 and children under age 3 ride free but must sit on guardian's lap. Advance reservations are suggested since seating is very limited on this unique train. Fall Foliage Trains Take a leisurely trip on a passenger train dating back to the 1920s and hear about Hocking Valley history. The fall train rides run every Thursday and Friday from Oct. 1 to 30. Reservations are recommended. Cost is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (60 and over), $11 for children ages 3 to 12 and children 3 and under ride free but must sit on guardian's lap.
Santa Trains are specials offered every Saturday and Sunday for four weekends starting Thanksgiving weekend. In decorated cars and depot, Santa will visit each child on the train and pass out candy canes. Christmas carols and poems will be played over the public address system. Costs are $16 adults, $14 senior citizens, $12 children age 3 to 12. Children under 3 years old ride free.
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is located on U.S. Route 33 at Hocking Parkway in Nelsonville, less than 1 hour and 30 minutes southeast of Columbus. Call 800-967-7834 on weekends during operating season, 740-753-9531 or visit www.hvsry.org Photo credits: Sue Hebner and Jim Hebner To comment on this article, contact info@ourohio.org
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