Scenic Railroads in Ohio

With 8 scenic and heritage railroads in operation, Ohio ranks among the better rail-touring destinations in the country. The variety is real: you'll find steam, steam & diesel, diesel, and heritage trolley/streetcar, spanning everything from intimate family loops to full-day mountain excursions. Ride lengths run from 20 min to 1.5 hrs, meaning you can find a comfortable fit regardless of how much time you have.

The standout ride in Ohio is the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, based in Nelsonville. A diesel excursion, it takes passengers a family ride along the 150-year-old Hocking Valley right-of-way following the Hocking River, with a stop at Robbins Crossing village. The journey lasts approximately 1.5 hours. It operates Weekend before Memorial Day through end of October, plus holidays. Tickets are $22-$30. It is the single best introduction to Ohio's rail scene and should be the first booking on any itinerary.

Fall is the premier season for rail touring in Ohio. 3 of the 8 lines run foliage specials or highlight autumn color in their marketing — and for good reason. Leaf-peeping excursion seats on steam trains routinely sell out weeks or even months ahead; if fall is your target window, treat ticket purchases as part of your route planning, not an afterthought.

The breadth of experience across Ohio's excursion lines is a genuine draw for rail enthusiasts. Among the 8 operations you'll find 2 steam-hauled excursions and 1 electric or trolley operation — a depth of heritage not assembled in most states. Steam trains in particular command a devoted following. The smell of coal smoke, the rhythmic exhaust note, and the sheer mechanical spectacle of a working steam locomotive are experiences that a diesel engine, however historic, simply cannot replicate.