On August 27, 2016, I finally decided to ride a train for the very first time in Nelsonville, Ohio.
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (HVSR) is an all-volunteer organization that keeps the old tradition of traveling on the train alive! There are even historical train collections inside the depot that were donated by the community. The route travels through the Hocking River Valley between East Logan and Nelsonville. I was able to experience everything first hand and even got to ride in the locomotive. My photojournalism capstone course at Ohio University is what lead me to this single day project. Little did I know, I would end up getting photographed myself. Check out The Valley Flyer to read about my visit that includes some of my photos from the trip and if you're ever in the area and need a relaxing activity to do, I would recommend taking a train ride.
"The folks that volunteer at our railway are the nicest around."
The HVSR was founded in 1972 to maintain the historic railroad equipment in order to educate the general public. The East Logan train is the longest of the regular weekend trains, a two-hour round-trip. It passes through the town of Haydenville, which was the last company town in Ohio according to their site. Passengers can hop off at Robins Crossing for a half hour to check out the log cabins around the area, refuel on water or snacks, and learn about reptiles provided by Hocking College. Other sights include one of the remaining Hocking Canal locks, an active gravel mine, the Hocking River and the hills of the Hocking River Valley.
Some workers have been there for almost 10 years. “I have always loved railroads," said Bob ‘Lenny’ Lennertz who wears many hats at the railway from running the train to doing the finances. "The folks that volunteer at our railway are the nicest around plus, I enjoy the camaraderie and telling our customers about the history of the railway and equipment we use.” The HVSR has grown thanks to these passionate workers and is one of the primary tourist railroads in Ohio. Known as the “Buckeye Route” and “Columbus’ Railroad,” the HV was the largest independent railroad located entirely within the state of Ohio. Passenger service ended on the south lines of Columbus on December 31, 1949, and many depots ultimately tore down. According to their website, the only surviving HV depots today are Prospect, Canal Winchester, Carroll, Haydenville, and Wellston.
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