Fall Train Rides in Ohio – Hop Aboard to See Fall Foliage in All Its Glory!

Fall is one of my favorite times to get outside and see nature. Like everyone out there, we’re looking for something new to do this year that is close by so I searched to see if there are any scenic train rides in Ohio.

To my surprise, there are quite a few fall train rides in Ohio. Some are all about the fall foliage while others have spooky themes for Halloween fun. And don’t miss the train rides in Ohio with dinner!

fall train rides in Ohio

We can’t wait to see fall in Ohio from these railway views. All aboard!


Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway train rides explore beautiful southeastern Ohio from the comfort of a railway car. The fall months are so popular that they’ve added two special Fall Foliage train rides each week during the month of October. You can catch these fall train rides in Ohio on Thursdays and Fridays at 1PM as well as Saturdays and Sundays (11am and 2:30pm). Train rides last 2 hours.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway train cards on the tracks

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is located in Nelsonville, Ohio. It is run by an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, and operation of historic railroad equipment. Beyond the Fall Foliage Train Rides, there are also other themed events throughout the year including the Elegant Dinner Train, New Year’s Eve Train and Fireworks, All Caboose Train Ride, the Santa Train, Ohio’s Friendliest Robbery Train, and more.

Looking for a special evening out? Their Elegant Dinner Train is a 3 hour round trip excursion through historic southeast Ohio back-country from Nelsonville to East Logan and return.

Be sure to watch their website and Facebook page for ticket releases.

Located at 33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
Website


The Silver Lariat Dome train car
The Silver Lariat Dome, photo credit: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Enjoy scenic train rides in Ohio with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. They offer a large variety of train rides including:

National Park Scenic Excursion: This sight-seeing tour is a “ride your own way / choose your own adventure” excursion that includes multiple options.

Canvas and Wine: Sip on delicious wine as you let your creativity flow amidst breathtaking landscapes. This unique experience is exclusively for those aged 21 and over, making it the perfect outing for friends, couples, or solo adventurers seeking inspiration and an unforgettable artistic experience. 

Tales on the Rails: Climb aboard for a night of chills and thrills as the train winds through the moonlit Cuyahoga Valley. A local storyteller will spin haunting ghost tales and share eerie lore.

Murder Mystery: Their popular Murder Mystery train events transport you into a world of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. As the train winds its way through the scenic beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, professional actors will set the stage for an unforgettable “Who Dun It?” experience.

Craft and Bingo: Part of their “Family Fun Loop”, this event includes a Family Bingo paired with a make-and-take craft for kids of all ages.

The Great Pumpkin Cookie Express promises a sweet adventure for the whole family. Decorate delicious cookies while enjoying a scenic ride through the valley. With frosting, sprinkles, and sweet toppings galore, this hands-on experience is perfect for families looking to make memories together.  So grab an apron, take your seat, and get ready for a rolling adventure filled with laughter, sweetness, and a dash of magic on the rails!

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a nonprofit organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Website


Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad

The Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad, located in southeast Ohio, offers scenic passenger train excursions along the rail line known as the Glass Rock Spur.

They operate on Saturdays and Sundays starting in the first weekend of August and continuing through the end of October. They have a few train excursions in November and the Santa Train in December.

They offer a variety of fall train rides including:

The Train Robbery Show (offered Sept 20-21, 2025) includes an old timey 1800’s train robbery with horses.

The Pumpkin Train will be running in the month of October. Hop on the train and ride out to the pumpkin patch where children 13 and under can get a pumpkin. This train is schedule to run weekends in October.

And more! Including a Wine Tasting (Sept. 26, 27), A Coal Miner’s Story (Nov. 1), and a special Veterans Day Train Ride (Nov. 8).

Located at 5700 OH-204, Mt Perry, Ohio 43760
Website


an Ohio Railway Museum train car on bridge
photo credit: Ohio Railway Museum

Ohio Railway Museum

The Ghost Trolley is a spooky fall train ride for families (not overly frightening). This October train ride will be offered on the following dates for 2025: Oct. 10-11, Oct. 17-18, and Oct. 24-25, and Oct. 31.

These fall train rides in Ohio are hosted by the Ohio Railway Museum. In the Winter, the Ohio Railway Museum also hosts a Letters to Santa event. While you’re there, stop in the museum to see an assortment of equipment and artifacts from locomotives, streetcars, interurbans, and more.

Located at 990 Proprietors Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
Website

You Might Also Like: The Best Fall Festivals in Ohio

Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad

Located in Lebanon / Warren County, Ohio, LM&M offers the only family friendly train ride experiences in southwest Ohio.

In the autumn months, their route turns into one of the prettiest fall foliage train rides in SW Ohio. The Turtle Creek Valley Flyer stays close to Turtle Creek and crosses over many bridges. Imagine the splendor of the fall leaves from that view!

The Pumpkin Express train ride is offered on Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 18/19 and Oct, 25/26.

Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad train on tracks
Image Credit: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad Website

Throughout the year, the LM&M Railroad hosts a variety of train ride experiences including the Princess Express, Murder Mystery Train, Summer Steam Train, Pizza & Beer Train, the LM&M Rare Mileage Excursion, and more.

Located at 16 E. South Street, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
Website


Cincinnati Dinner Train

Dinner with a view! The Cincinnati Dinner Train is a 3.2 hour trip that takes passengers throughout Cincinnati and along the downtown riverfront. These train rides in Ohio may not meander through the countryside, but their fall views are just as stunning in the urban landscapes. Autumn foliage and a four course dinner are the perfect recipe for your next date night!

The Dinner Train operates every Saturday throughout the year, with the exception of January and February. Book your ride for October to see the city’s fall splendor. They recommend booking 8 to 10 weeks in advance to make sure you snag a seat before tickets are gone.

Located at 2172 East Seymour Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237
Website

a view of the Cincinnati Dinner Train set for dinner
NY Central Tables for 4, image: Cincinnati Dinner Train

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About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!

2 thoughts on “Fall Train Rides in Ohio – Hop Aboard to See Fall Foliage in All Its Glory!”

  1. We are interested in taking a train ride and would like some more information on which ones are best and may need a bit of help to book it. Thank you so much

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