The Moonville Rail Trail is a 10-mile rail trail in Vinton and Athens counties, following the former Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad corridor through some of the most atmospheric forest in southeast Ohio. The trail is maintained by the nonprofit Moonville Rail Trail Association and operated by the Vinton County Park District. It's open year-round to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, and it's one of the few trails in the region that's accessible after dark — making it a standout destination for fall and night hiking.
Trail Overview
The trail extends from the community of Zaleski on the west to Mineral in Athens County on the east. The most popular segment — and the one most hikers are looking for — runs from the Moonville Tunnel trailhead east to King's Hollow Tunnel, a distance of approximately 2.7 miles one-way (5.4 miles round trip). This section has a crushed limestone surface east of the tunnel and is generally flat with minimal elevation change.
The full trail experience beyond this core segment varies. West of the Moonville Tunnel, the trail surface is unimproved, with some sections requiring road walking on lightly-traveled gravel roads (Shea Road, Wheelabout Road) where missing bridges cross Raccoon Creek. The eastern section from the tunnel to Mineral is on improved crushed limestone with new creek bridges installed in 2021.
Trailhead Access and Parking
Moonville Tunnel Trailhead (primary): Accessible via Hope-Moonville Road (County Road 18) off SR 278. GPS coordinates: 39.308286, -82.324418. Designated gravel parking area. This is the most popular and convenient starting point.
Zaleski Trailhead (western end): At the end of Mill Street in Zaleski. This provides access to the western, unimproved portion of the trail.
Mineral (eastern end): Access point for the eastern section. Less commonly used by day hikers.
From Old Man's Cave, the Moonville Tunnel trailhead is approximately 30–40 minutes by car. Take SR 664 south to US 33, then SR 278 south.
What You'll See: Tunnel to King's Hollow
Starting from the Moonville Tunnel parking area, you walk about 0.2 miles along the maintained rail-trail path to reach the tunnel itself.
Moonville Tunnel: A brick-lined railroad tunnel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tunnel is approximately 100 feet long and completely dark inside — bring a headlamp or flashlight. The brickwork is intact and photogenic, with graffiti layers spanning decades. The tunnel was part of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad (later the Baltimore & Ohio, then the Chesapeake and Ohio), which served the small mining and sawmill communities along this corridor.
Ingham Station: About a mile east of the tunnel, you'll pass through the site of this former railroad community. Little remains above ground, but interpretive signage marks the location. Ingham Station was a stop where foot traffic intersected the rail line — the roads in this area were prone to seasonal flooding, making the railroad corridor the easier path.
Moonville Cemetery: A small historic cemetery visible from the trail, containing graves of residents from the former mining community. Please be respectful of the site.
Iron bridges: Rebuilt wooden bridges stand where railroad trestles once carried trains across creek valleys. These crossings are some of the most atmospheric points on the trail, especially in fall when fog settles in the low areas at dawn.
King's Hollow Tunnel (King Switch Tunnel): The turnaround point for the popular out-and-back route. This 120-foot structure is carved through rock and lined with massive 12x12 wooden beams — a completely different construction from the brick Moonville Tunnel. The wooden beam lining gives it a mine-shaft character that's visually striking.
Trail Surface and Difficulty
The tunnel-to-King's Hollow segment is rated easy to moderate. The crushed limestone surface is firm and generally well-maintained. Elevation gain is minimal — this is a rail trail, so grades are gentle by design. The trail is wide enough for two hikers to walk side-by-side.
After rain, sections near the tunnel and along creek corridors can become muddy. The wetland areas on either side of the trail hold water, creating habitat for birds, amphibians, and insects but also meaning mosquitoes are active in warmer months. By late October, this is less of an issue.
Fall on the Trail
October through early November is the most atmospheric season on the Moonville Rail Trail. The forest corridor blazes with color — sugar maples, oaks, and hickories line the route. The tunnel entrance framed by fall foliage is one of the most photographed compositions in southeast Ohio. Morning fog in the corridor creates a layered, moody atmosphere that changes by the minute.
The trail is also one of the best dark-sky corridors in the region. The Vinton County location, far from any significant light pollution source, makes clear fall nights exceptional for stargazing. The flat, open trail corridor provides wider sky views than the enclosed gorge trails in the main Hocking Hills state park.
Practical Notes
- Cell service: Spotty to nonexistent through most of the trail corridor. Don't rely on GPS navigation once you're on the trail — know the route before you go.
- Water: No potable water sources along the trail. Carry everything you need.
- Restrooms: None at the trailhead or along the trail.
- Dogs: Permitted on leash.
- Bikes and horses: Permitted. The trail is shared-use, so stay alert for other users on busier fall weekends.
- Hunting season: The trail passes through Zaleski State Forest, where hunting is permitted in season. Wear blaze orange during fall hunting seasons (archery begins in late September, gun season in late November).
Safety: The tunnel is pitch-dark inside. A headlamp or flashlight is mandatory. The floor is uneven. Let your eyes adjust before entering, and watch your footing. If you're hiking after dark, carry a backup light source.
Nearby: Lake Hope State Park
Lake Hope State Park is approximately 15 minutes from the Moonville Tunnel trailhead. The Peninsula Trail (2.8-mile loop along Lake Hope's shoreline) and Hope Furnace Trail (3.2 miles) offer additional hiking options that pair well with a Moonville visit. The Lake Hope Dining Lodge serves hickory-smoked meats and wood-fired pizza — though note it will be temporarily closed November 2, 2026 through January 4, 2027 for HVAC upgrades.
