Moonville Tunnel
The Adventure…
Located in the backwoods of Vinton County, the Moonville Tunnel is a remnant of a by-gone era. The town of Moonville was built in coal- and iron-rich southeast Ohio in the mid 1800s. By 1870, the town was at its peak and was home to more than 100 people. The town’s population almost exclusively consisted of miners and their families. There was a row of houses along the railroad tracks, a sawmill, a general store, and a saloon. In its early days the residents of Moonville worked in the Hope Furnace nearby, but later on they turned almost exclusively to mining coal underground. The coal was then used in the many iron furnaces in the vicinity, usually the one at Hope, where weapons and artillery for the Union Army were made during the Civil War. According to legend, the tunnel is visited by the ghost of the Moonville Tunnel. The legend is based on historical fact but has been distorted by telling and retelling over the years. Check out the links below for the many haunting stories!
Learn More…
VintonCounty Convention and Visitors Bureau
104 West Main Street
McArthur, Ohio45651800.596.4459
740.596.5033Websites:
www.hauntedhocking.com
www.forgottenoh.comE-Mail: info@vintoncounty.com
Getting There’s Half the Adventure…
Moonville Tunnel is located in Zaleski State Forest in Vinton County. It’s a little tricky to find…but that’s what makes it an adventure! From State Route 278 turn onto Wheelabout Road just south of Lake Hope. When the road forks, bear left onto Hope-Moonville Road. Follow Hope-Moonville Road until you cross Raccoon Creek on a rusty one-lane bridge with metal frame sides. Immediately following this bridge, the old railroad tracks cross the road. They are distinguishable as a razor-straight gravel path in both directions. Park here and walk down the tracks to the left. Before long you will come to the torn-down trestle. There are three ways to get down to the creek, all of varying steepness. They are all on the right. The most advisable one is the steep incline right next to the end of the tracks, mainly because it gives you the view across. At the bottom you cross the creek easily on a rock path and then climb again. Get back on the old railroad bed and the tunnel is mere feet from you. (Directions from forgottenoh.com)
Click HERE to View the Map
Nearby Adventures…
Art & Culture
The Art Barn – New Plymouth, Vinton County
Passion Works Studio – Athens, Athens County
Stuart's Opera House – Nelsonville, Athens County
Kennedy Museum of Art – Athens, Athens County
Nelsonville Historic Square Arts District – Nelsonville, Athens County
The Dairy Barn Arts Center – Athens, Athens CountyHistoric Sites & Places
Hope Furnace – Lake Hope State Park, Vinton County
Alice's House Historical Genealogical Society – McArthur, Vinton County
Vinton Iron Furnace – McArthur, Vinton County
Robbins Crossing – Nelsonville, Athens County
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and Museum – Nelsonville, Athens County
Athens County Historical Society and Museum – Athens, Athens CountyParks, Forests, & Outdoor Activities
Zaleski State Forest – Vinton County
Lake Hope State Park – Vinton County
Waterloo Wildlife Area – Athens County
Wayne National Forest – Vinton and Athens Counties
Tar Hollow State Park – Vinton County
Wellston Wildlife Area – Vinton County
Fox Lake Wildlife Area – Athens County
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