Draft:Moonville Tunnel
 Entrance to Moonville Tunnel (2020) | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Location | Brown Township, Vinton County, Ohio, USA |
| Status | Abandoned (open to foot traffic) |
| System | Former Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad |
| Operation | |
| Opened | 1857 |
| Closed | 1988 |
| Technical | |
| Length | 253 ft (77 m) |
| No. of tracks | Single |
Moonville Tunnel is a 285‑foot, brick‑lined railroad tunnel constructed in 1857 by the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad near Zaleski, Vinton County, Ohio. It is the longest surviving tunnel of its kind in the region and a key feature of the Moonville Rail‑Trail, a 10‑mile mixed‑use trail in Zaleski State Forest.[1][2]
History
[edit]The tunnel was completed in 1857 to transport coal and iron ore from southern Appalachian Ohio to Cincinnati. It served the nearby mining settlement of Moonville until the railroad was decommissioned and tracks removed in 1988.[3]
In 2021, the tunnel and adjacent King's Hollow Tunnel were listed on the **National Register of Historic Places**, recognized for their engineering significance and community history.[4]
Folklore
[edit]Since the late 19th century, Moonville Tunnel has gained a reputation as one of Ohio’s most haunted sites. Numerous visitors report sightings of a spectral "Lantern Man", said to be the ghost of a brakeman or engineer who died on the tracks. Other reported apparitions include the "Lavender Lady" and railroad workers.[5][6]
Moonville Rail‑Trail
[edit]The tunnel now forms part of the Moonville Rail‑Trail, a 10‑mile gravel/dirt route managed by the Vinton County Park District and Moonville Rail‑Trail Association. The trail connects Zaleski and Mineral, passing through Lake Hope State Park and multiple historical sites.[7]
In December 2020, a new pedestrian bridge was installed across Raccoon Creek to enhance safety and trail continuity.[8]
Visiting
[edit]The Moonville Tunnel is accessible via trailheads off Hope–Moonville Road and King's Hollow Trailhead. It is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and welcomes hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Visitors are advised to practice caution, especially near tunnel entrances and unstable structures.[9]
Tourism
[edit]Moonville Tunnel draws visitors year-round, with peak activity in the fall and during full moon weekends. The site is popular with hikers, photographers, ghost enthusiasts, and regional trail users. The tunnel is a focal point along the Moonville Rail-Trail, a multi-use path through Zaleski State Forest maintained by the Moonville Rail-Trail Association and Vinton County Park District.[10]
Nearby trailheads, signage, and a recently installed pedestrian bridge over Raccoon Creek have improved visitor access and safety. Trail expansion projects continue to draw ecotourism to the area.[11]
One of the region’s most immersive experiences is offered by Uncle Buck’s Riding Stable & Dance Barn, a horseback outfitter based nearby in Zaleski. Guided trail rides, including a 2‑hour Moonville Tunnel Ride, bring visitors directly through the tunnel and adjacent forest. The stable also operates a western-themed saloon and offers lodging options for travelers and equestrians.[12][13]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Moonville Tunnel". Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Tunnel History". Vinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Tunnel History". Vinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Rail‑Trail". Moonville Rail‑Trail Association via Vinton County. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "The 'Haunted' Moonville Tunnel". Criminal Element. 2020-01-10. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Tunnel Legends". Vinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Rail‑Trail". Moonville Rail‑Trail Association via Vinton County. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "New bridge built on Moonville Rail Trail". The Athens Messenger. 2020-12-29. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Rail‑Trail". Moonville Rail‑Trail Association via Vinton County. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Rail-Trail Association". Vinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "New bridge built on Moonville Rail Trail". The Athens Messenger. 2020-12-29. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "The Moonville Tunnel Ride". Uncle Buck’s Riding Stable. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
- ^ "Moonville Cabin at Uncle Buck's". Vinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2025-07-10.