The train operates on approximately of track between Lebanon, Mason and Monroe – all cities in southwestern Ohio. For most trips the LM&M runs south from Lebanon Station in downtown historic Lebanon to Hageman Junction. The train runs along the
right-of-way of the
Cincinnati, Lebanon and Northern Railway (CL&N), a historic passenger and freight line that began operation in 1881 with
narrow gauge track ( between the rails). Three years later it was rebuilt to
standard gauge. The CL&N was later acquired by the
Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) that operated both freight and passenger trains over the line between Dayton and Cincinnati. The passenger service over this line was primarily commuter trains that took people who lived in
Warren County to jobs in Blue Ash, Norwood, Cincinnati and Dayton. The PRR discontinued Cincinnati passenger service over this line in 1931 after the opening of
Cincinnati Union Terminal. Continuity of the original right-of-way between Lebanon and Cincinnati was broken when interstate highway I-71 was constructed during the 1960s. Segments of the original CL&N/PRR trackage are still in operation as of 2008. The LM&M's track from Lebanon to Hageman Junction is currently owned by the city of Lebanon and
Genesee & Wyoming (current owner of the
Indiana and Ohio Railway) owns the remaining track. While the I&O continued to operate freight over the entire line, with the LM&M having
trackage rights to operate passenger trains, in 2021 the I&O officially ended their status as designated operator of the Lebanon Branch, being replaced by CRC/LM&M. ==See also==