Hocking Hills Train Ride: The Scenic Railway

The Hocking Hills train ride is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, a volunteer-run nonprofit that runs round trips of about 2 hours from Nelsonville to East Logan along the Hocking River. Regular weekend trains run May through October, with fall foliage, steam and Santa trains on top. In 2026, fall foliage tickets start at $22 for adults and $17 for kids.

It's an easy outing with kids or grandparents, one of the classic Hocking Hills family activities, and a good plan for a rainy afternoon.

Hocking Hills train ride at a glance

Here's the 2026 lineup from the railway's site, checked on October 26.

Kids under 3 ride free on a lap, and seniors and military (60 and up) pay a little less than adults. The railway also runs dinner trains and a Halloween train on select dates.

What you'll see from the train

The line runs about 12 miles between Nelsonville and a point just east of Logan, following the Hocking River and crossing it three times. Fall trains pull heated coaches when it's cold and open-air cars when the weather allows.

The railway's route guide points out the sights in order:

• The Nelsonville Cross, 65 feet tall, as you leave town.
• The old kilns of the Nelsonville Brick Company.
• Lock No. 19 of the Hocking Canal, at Johnny Appleseed Roadside Park.
• The roundhouse at Haydenville.
• Sand and gravel quarries before the turnaround at East Logan.

On fall weekends, trains stop at Robbins Crossing Historical Village when it's open.

The steam engine

The railway runs diesel locomotives and keeps one working steam engine: No. 3, a coal-fired 0-6-0 built by Baldwin in 1920 and restored in 2015. It runs the Fall Steam Specials and some summer trains.

If you have a train fan in the family, plan around a steam date. They're limited, and the railway recommends buying ahead.

A little history

The line opened as the Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad, and its first passenger train ran on July 25, 1870. It later became part of the Chesapeake and Ohio, and passenger service ended on December 31, 1949.

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway was founded in 1972 to restore and run historic railroad equipment. Santa trains started in the late 1970s, and the railway says they often sell out.

Tips for the ride

• Book online, then pick up paper tickets at the depot. The confirmation email isn't a ticket.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early, or 45 minutes to an hour with a wheelchair. Trains leave on time.
• Food and soft drinks are allowed on board, so pack a snack for kids.
• Wheelchair space is very limited because the cars are old, so buy a wheelchair ticket.
• Santa trains often sell out, so book those first.
• Schedules and engines can change without notice. Check the site the week of your trip.

The depot is at 33 West Canal Street in Nelsonville.

Our pick

For a Hocking Hills train ride with the whole family, book a Fall Foliage train on a weekend in late October, when the color is up and the Robbins Crossing stop is open. With small kids at Christmas, the Santa Train is the one to book early.

Bringing three generations? Our page on Hocking Hills family cabins shows how the cabin sleeps nine. For more ideas, see our guide to the Hocking Hills fall foliage and our guide to things to do in Hocking Hills.

Hocking Hills train ride FAQs

How long is the Hocking Hills train ride?

The Hocking Hills train ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway takes about 2 hours round trip, from Nelsonville to East Logan and back. The line runs about 12 miles along the Hocking River. Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes early to pick up paper tickets at the depot.

How much does the Hocking Hills train cost?

The Hocking Hills train costs $22 for adults and $17 for kids 3 to 12 on the 2026 fall foliage rides. Steam specials are $30 for adults, Santa trains $26, and the New Year's Eve train starts at $38. Kids under 3 ride free on a lap, and seniors and military get a small discount.

Where does the Hocking Hills scenic railway leave from?

The Hocking Hills scenic railway, officially the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, leaves from its depot at 33 West Canal Street in Nelsonville. Trains run to East Logan and back. Book online, then pick up paper tickets at the depot before boarding, since the email confirmation isn't a ticket.

When does the scenic railway run?

The Hocking Hills train runs regular weekend trips from May through October on the scenic railway. In fall, foliage trains run Thursday through Sunday all October, followed by steam specials in early November and Santa trains from late November to just before Christmas. A New Year's Eve train with fireworks closes the year.

Can you bring food on the scenic railway?

Yes, you can bring food and soft drinks on the scenic railway. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway allows both on board, which helps with kids on a 2-hour ride. Pack something easy to eat, and bring a layer in fall, since some cars are open-air when the weather allows.