If you’re the kind of outdoor adventurer who also fancies themselves a ghost hunter, there is a terrific (and terrifying) trail in Ohio that’s bound to become your new favorite haunt. In Southeast Ohio, Moonville is the Buckeye State’s very own ghost town, and not only that, but it’s home to an abandoned tunnel that’s rumored to be haunted. A former rail line, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources converted the Moonville Tunnel into a rail trail for biking and hiking, and it’s a chilling adventure that might just scare you silly!
In Southeast Ohio, Moonville is a town that’s long captured the imaginations of ghost hunters and intrepid explorers.
Marina Richter/AllTrails
As with so many ghost towns across the U.S., Moonville sprung up as a result of the railroad. There was a boom and then a bust; when it was all said and done, the only remnants of Moonville were the old schoolhouse, a cemetery, and an abandoned train tunnel.
Stoney L/AllTrails
The tunnel is rumored to be haunted; the ghosts of deceased and disgruntled railroad workers not resting in peace.
Moonville Tunnel/Google Local
Moonville Tunnel, however, is no longer abandoned. Today, visitors can hike portions of this abandoned railroad line, which has been converted into walking and biking trails.
Moonville Rail Trail Association/Facebook
This 10-mile rail trail takes visitors through the beautiful woodlands of Southeast Ohio, including Zaleski State Forest, the small towns of Zaleski and Mineral, and the wetlands of Lake Hope State Park.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Facebook
Of course, the most unique feature of this rail trail is its two historic tunnels. King’s Hollow Tunnel (also known as King Switch Tunnel) is a 120-foot structure carved through the rock and lined by a series of 12×12 wooden beams. The other tunnel is the notorious Moonville Tunnel, one of the most haunted places in Ohio!
Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Facebook
For those looking to embark on a short-and-sweet haunted hike, the Moonville Tunnel Rail Trail has a 1.2-mile trek that goes deep into the belly of the beast. Or, in this case, the Moonville Tunnel!
Midnight at Moonville Festival/Facebook
While this is a popular path for birding, hiking, and walking, you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. In fact, if you listen closely, you might even catch wind of a spirit or two!
Emily B/AllTrails
Not only has this abandoned tunnel been transformed into a rail trail, but it’s also become a celebrated part of Vinton County. The Midnight at Moonville Festival is a Halloween-themed festival featuring a paranormal investigation, live music, and the opportunity to hang out with fellow Ohio ghost hunters.
Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Moonville may be rumored to haunted, but this rail trail truly is one of the most unique and frightfully fun hikes in Ohio.
Moonville Tunnel/Google Local
Would you be brave enough to hike this haunted rail trail in Ohio? What a delightfully spooky adventure in the Buckeye State!
Marina Richter/AllTrails
Stoney L/AllTrails
Moonville Tunnel/Google Local
Moonville Rail Trail Association/Facebook
Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Facebook
Midnight at Moonville Festival/Facebook
Emily B/AllTrails
Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Looking for another rail trail in Ohio? The Valley Trail is a hidden gem just outside Cincinnati that, as far as we know, isn’t haunted! But you never know…
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Address: Moonville Rail Trail, Ohio, USA
