A volunteer-run nonprofit that has operated for over 50 years, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway sends vintage passenger cars along 156-year-old track through the Hocking River valley — one of the most scenic and historically layered train rides in the Midwest.
The Basics
All trains depart from the Nelsonville Depot at 33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville, OH 45764 — behind the Rocky Outdoor Gear Outlet Store. The depot (built 1982) contains the ticket office, gift shop, and restrooms. Free parking in three nearby lots (mostly gravel). Reservations: 855-32-DEPOT or hvsry.org.
The signature East Logan Round Trip covers a 22-mile round trip in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes at a leisurely ~20 mph. The route follows the Hocking River, passing Hocking Canal Lock No. 19, the company town of Haydenville, gravel mining operations, and a lumber facility. On-board narration provides historical context. Most weekend trips include a 30-minute layover at Robbins Crossing historical village.
Schedule and Pricing
Regular season (Memorial Day weekend – end of September): Every Saturday and Sunday, departing at 1:00 PM.
Fall foliage season (all October + November 1): Expanded to Thursday–Sunday. Weekday departures at 1:00 PM; weekend departures at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The most popular season — book early.
Standard East Logan pricing: Adults (13+) $22, Children (3–12) $17, Seniors/Military (60+) $20. Children under 3 ride free on a lap.
Themed Rides in 2026
Steam Train Specials (March 28–29, May 16–17, November 7–8): Rides behind an authentic 1920 coal-fired 0-6-0 steam locomotive. $30/person. The most popular specialty rides.
Easter Bunny Train & Egg Hunt (April 4): $26/person all ages.
Elegant Dinner Train (April 11 + additional dates TBA): A four-course fine dining experience served aboard vintage rail cars during a 3-hour round trip. $95/person. The most upscale experience on the railway. Not wheelchair accessible due to antique car design.
Pizza and Pop Express (April 18, 6 PM): Pizza from Little Italy of Nelsonville served on the train. $38/person.
Ohio's Friendliest Train Robbery (six dates, June–August): Interactive mock holdup with bandits on horseback chasing the train. $27/person. Family favorite.
Fireworks Express (July 4): Takes passengers to Thunder in the Valley — southeastern Ohio's largest fireworks display.
Halloween Train (October dates TBA): $27/person.
Santa Trains (Thursdays & Saturdays through December 21): A nearly 50-year tradition. Fully decorated train with Santa visit. $26/person. Books out fast — the most in-demand seasonal ride.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Express (December 31): $38/person.
Robbins Crossing Historical Village
Located on the Hocking College campus in Nelsonville, Robbins Crossing is a living history village representing southeastern Ohio life from 1830 to 1880. Founded in 1986, it features authentic period log cabins relocated from the surrounding region — including the Kidner House General Store (1867), Gladden House (1842), and Anthony House (~1825) — along with a blacksmith shop, cooper's shop, and one-room schoolhouse.
Students and community volunteers in period clothing demonstrate blacksmithing, wood stove cooking, woodworking, and basket weaving. The village maintains period-appropriate gardens and farm animals cared for by Hocking College's Agroecology students.
Robbins Crossing is open Saturday–Sunday, 10 AM–4 PM, Memorial Day weekend through end of October. Group visits by appointment (740-753-7219). The railway stops here for a 30-minute layover on most weekend trips.
Adjacent to Robbins Crossing, the Hocking College Nature Center is open Friday 3–6 PM and Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–6 PM, featuring live animal programs.
Plan Your Trip
Combine a train ride with a trail hike and a cabin stay — the complete Hocking Hills day.