Ohio Fall Foliage Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Last revised: January 30, 2025
By: Adam Burns
With the state's eastern half situated in the Appalachian foothills, Ohio offers some spectacular scenery, especially during the autumn season. Its rolling hills, deciduous forests, and open farmland provide for bucolic scenes that are difficult to beat.
Train rides tailored specifically towards viewing the fall colors have grown in popularity over the last 20+ years, particularly east of the Mississippi River where a vibrant display of reds, yellows, auburns, and greens come together from September through November (depending on your location).
With Ohio's rich railroading history, three different heritage railroads offer such trips every year.
Overview
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
(Peninsula): One of the nation's top heritage railroads can be found just south of Cleveland within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The scenery is outstanding; there are currently nine different stations from which to board traveling north from Akron along the Cuyahoga River. During your trip you can see the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath (operating from 1827 to 1913 it linked Lake Erie with the Ohio River), well-manicured properties, thick forests, local towns, and plenty of rural settings.
The 51-mile line actually began hosting public excursions more than a half-century ago when then-owner Baltimore & Ohio first did so in 1967. These continued intermittently for the next 20 years.
They eventually became so popular the National Park Service purchased the corridor in 1986 after then-Chessie System put it up for sale.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic features numerous specials throughout the year and offers guests the chance to experience the "Silver Age" of streamliners; service and accommodations are second-to-none making this train ride a must for anyone who enjoys rail travel.
While no fall foliage specials are offered they do host excursions throughout the autumn season.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
(Nelsonville): The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is located in Nelsonville, Ohio and operates 12 miles of the old Chesapeake & Ohio's Armitage Subdivision.
The railroad was the idea of three friends in the early 1970's who were initially able to secure a 3.5-mile segment of the C&O's ex-Monday Creek Branch between Carbon Hill and Nelsonville in 1972.
Following a bit of additional turmoil and maneuvering the organization began running over the current segment in the 1980's. The corridor, which once reached Athens and an interchange with the Baltimore & Ohio (now a bike trail), meanders along the Hocking River Valley the entire way.
They host a 2-hour Fall Foliage Train which departs the historic Nelsonville depot throughout October. During the trip you will cross the river, pass farms, and can even see the historic Hocking Canal (the 56-mile transportation artery operated in its entirety from 1843-1890).
You might also consider riding the HVSR other times of the year as they host many special events and even have an operating steam locomotive, Ohio Power 0-6-0 #3 originally completed in 1920.
Lorain & West Virginia Railway
(Wellington): The L&WV hosts a 12-mile round-trip (6 miles each way) fall excursion (the Fall Color Tour) during Saturdays and Sundays in October from Wellington to Sheffield, the current segment restored.
The organization is a unique one; its name comes from the original company which built the 25 miles from Wellington to Lorain. For years it was part of the Wheeling & Lake Erie, a regional system which served Ohio (Toledo-Wheeling, West Virginia and Cleveland-Zanesville).
Just after World War II the W&LE became a component of the even bigger New York, Chicago & St Louis (Nickel Plate Road) in 1949.
The current heritage railroad has a long-term goal of eventually reopening the entire 25-mile route for freight and excursions. The current trip takes you over northern Ohio's table flat topography dotted with farms and patchy woods making for a very nice trip.
Recent Articles
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train.
