Welcome to the home page of the Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad. We are located in the beautiful rolling hills of Southeastern Ohio. We are on the Western edge of the Appalachian Mountains and are often referred to as the foothills of that region. The heritage of our local culture derives it's strong backbone from the many different families that immigrated here in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Skilled craftsman and labors settled here to work the coal and limestone mines. The railroads came to move their products throughout the USA. Most of our line dates back to this era when men and horses moved the dirt for the Right Of Ways. Our southern most line, which currently ends locally, used to run right through the heart of the Pottery Captial of Crooksville and Roseville Ohio.

East Fultonham was once a major interchange for several railroads. It's yard was host to a complete facility capable of a total steam engine rebuild. It boasted a round house and foundry for heavy overhauls. Sadly these building are nothing but memories today but it is our hope to someday duplicate these building to historical accuracy.

Once operational our routes will include a combination of 10 mile through 26 mile round trip excursions through wooded hills originating at the yard in East Fultonham towards the old "FS" switch, then return and St. Rt. 668 near Mt. Perry and return. "FS" switch is where our world of past connects to the current stream of traffic on the Ohio Central Railroad owned by Genesee and Wyoming Inc.. The "FS" switch or "Fultonham Spur" was installed by the Pennsylvania Roadroad in the 1930's to allow passage from "Columbia Cement" to Zanesville and their Pan Handle Route. This added their name along side of New York Central to the roster of railroads that have served our area.

You will pass through the edge of the American Electric Power "Wildlife" area, which is reclaimed mine land from the 1960's. It's total regrowth stands as an example to their commentment to return the land to a natural enviroment. You will also wind around a hillside overlook of an old grist mill and dam built in the late 1800's. This is a wonderful photo opportunity no matter which season you choose to ride. You then pass through the old "Columbia Cement" plant, which was a major employer for this community for generations. Many of todays highways were constructed by the products produced here. As you near the eastern side of our yard in the summer you'll hear the families and their children playing and swimming at "Lake Isabella". The 5 miles from "FS" switch to the yard makes several elevation changes from a climb of 80 total feet from the switch, back down 65 total feet into the yard.

Special Announcement As of September 2009 the ORDC (Ohio Rail Developement Commission) has granted the addition of 8 miles to our line. We will be able to offer excursion rides from the East Fultonham yard to St. Rt. 668 near Mt. Perry Ohio once that portion of the line is cleared and inspected.

The ZWSR is currently in the rehab phase of our startup. The first 5 miles are cleared of 14 years of overgrowth and we are starting the clearing process on the additional 8 miles granted by the ORDC. We hope to see you someday soon, but until then please visit our website and follow our progress.