Hocking Valley Crossroads Part 2 Riding the Rails
Hocking Valley Crossroads Part 2 Riding the Rails
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
With the restored Hocking Valley #3 steam locomotive, various themed weekends, and the classic Fall Foliage rides; they have been selling out weekends left and right.
A busy weekend in the summer heat in June capped out my wife and I's 18th anniversary weekend.
Simply go to their website for details and purchasing tickets.
https://www.hvsry.org/train-rides/
Our experience on June 22nd was simply amazing.
My wife Tanya and I were along for the East Logan ride.
I have befriended many of the staff on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway.
To my surprise, longtime friend and conductor Issac Miller greeted me on one of the two Baltimore and Ohio coaches.
The 1957 built diesel locomotive was painted in Chesapeake and Ohio colors; reflecting the Hocking Valley’s history.
The crew was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Issac Miller, another train crew member, was our narrator throughout the trip.
He shared many of the historical facts about the railroad and the region.
Most of the regularlly scheduled rides normally allow a layover at Robbins Crossing; an interpretive 1800’s village on the campus of Hocking College.
More information can be found at https://www.hvsry.org/ as well as current news on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/hvsry
Brief Info on Getting to Nelsonville
The station and ticket office resides off Business Route 33 on Canal Street.
There is ample parking not only near the station; but nearby parking lots near Rocky Boots and the village of Nelsonville
Whether you come from Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati or parts beyond; Getting off the main exit for Nelsonville off US Route 33 is the easiest way to get there.
Again, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway has operated 53 years this year.
There are also looking for volunteers to help with the railbound adventures
Jacob Durbin, longtime volunteer; had his 1st engineer's duty after completing training.
https://www.hvsry.org/volunteer
Another thing most people don't know...
Elegant dinner trains, robber trains, family activity, history and other theme rides await you in Nelsonville
https://www.hvsry.org/train-rides
Plus many dining choices in and around Nelsonville and Logan, you will not go hungry.
https://www.hockinghills.com/dining.html
Getting to the Hocking Hills and having a family outing on the rails would be a great option.
