The Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad runs north from Akron through Cuyahoga National Park along the Cuyahoga River. This river was a major travel corridor for Native Americans in the area, and steam engines were introduced in 1880. Today, the railroad is owned by the National Park Service, which operates the Cuyahoga to preserve cultural history of the region, according to the railroad's website. Along the route, guests will observe meadows, marshland, the river and a variety of wildlife including deer, fox and owl. The railroad also allows riders to experience a way of life rarely seen in modern America. Visitors can explore a unique canal museum, life on a 19th century farm and the valley's history. Starting in Akron, the trains travel north with stops in Botzum, Indigo Lake, Peninsula Depot, Boston Mill, Brecksville, Canal Visitor Center and Rockside. Throughout the year, the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad hosts a variety of special events, including the Maple Sugar Festival and rides with the star of the popular children's show "Thomas the Tank Engine."
Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad
P.O. Box 158
Peninsula, OH 44264
800-468-4070
www.cvsr.com
The Ashtabula, Carson and Jefferson Scenic Line (AC and J) runs along one of the last remaining stretches of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway's Franklin Division. The original railway was built between 1871 and 1872 to service the Ohio communities just south of Ashtabula with passenger and freight trains. The AC and J Scenic Line began operating in 1991 as a way to give residents and tourists the experience of train travel, according to the company's website. Today, the AC and J line features weekend passenger trains and a variety of special events. Weekend train rides depart at 1 and 3 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and travel a 12-mile stretch between Jefferson and Carson through woods and farmland. Special event trains include the Pumpkin Train, which includes free popcorn and pumpkin picking for kids, and a fall foliage train ride. The Wild West Weekend places families in the middle of a train holdup by Old West outlaws. During Magic Weekend, kids are entertained by a magician during the ride. Veterans are treated to free train rides on Veteran's weekend. During Christmas, families can enjoy a train ride with Santa.
Ashtabula, Carson and Jefferson Scenic Line
P.O. Box 517
Jefferson, OH 44047
440-576-6346
www.familytrainrides.com
The Hocking Hills of Ohio are rich with nature and history, with nine state parks, four nature preserves and the Wayne National Forest. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad runs through the Hocking Hills region and is dedicated to preservation and operation of historic train equipment in order to entertain and educate the public, their website states. The modern operation began in 1972, when a private company purchased the Athens branch from the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Today, the company operates scenic tours departing from the Nelsonville depot and traveling to the towns of Haydenville and Logan. Certain trains also visit the historic log-cabin village of Robbins Crossing, a restored settler's village depicting life in the 1850s. Additional Hocking Valley special events include Ohio's Friendliest Train Robbery, Fireworks Trains and Santa Trains.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
P.O. Box 427
Nelsonville, OH 45764
800-967-7834
www.hvsr.com
