All aboard: Three of Ohio's favorite fall foliage train rides

Fall Train RidePhoto byPeter Toporowski/Pixabay

You’ve seen Ohio’s colorful fall foliage by car and on foot. But have you ever witnessed the beauty by train? When you’re ready to see the season’s hues, here are a few railroads offering unforgettable autumn adventures:

Lorain & West Virginia Railway

Founded in 1906, the Lorain & West Virginia Railway was built to serve the steel mill in Lorain. The line was abandoned in 1977. Today, the Lorain & West Virginia Railway offers excursions the entire family can enjoy.

Don’t miss the ever-popular fall foliage tour. The train leaves the station at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and returns to Wellington about 60 to 90 minutes later. Other October rides include Bluegrass and Wine on the Rails.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

Every year, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway invites everyone to enjoy fall’s rich hues as the train chugs along the tracks. Sit inside or take in the scenery from an open-air car.

Starting in October, the foliage rides depart on Thursdays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m. You can also take in the scenery from the Nelsonville East Logan train. It departs on the weekends, and may include a stop at the Robbins Crossing Historical Village.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Climb aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to witness the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s especially stunning during fall, and the National Park Scenic Excursions offer a fun way to explore nature and cityscapes from the seat of a vintage railcar.

This exciting two-hour adventure departs from both the Peninsula Depot and Akron Northside Station. Tickets can easily be purchased online.