Where is the moon tunnel in Ohio?
Zaleski State Forest
Moonville Tunnel in Zaleski State Forest is one of few reminders of the ghost town of Moonville. In 1856, Samuel Coe gave the Marietta and Cincinnati (M&C) Railroad permission to construct a railroad line across his property.
What happened to Moonville Ohio?
Over succeeding decades, the community declined, especially during the early 1900s as coal deposits were no longer available. In 1947, the final family left Moonville, making the community a ghost town. Today, only the foundation of the old schoolhouse, a train tunnel, and the community cemetery remain.
Who died at moonville tunnel?
The accident is said to have resulted in the death of the engineer, Frank Lawhead, as well as the death of a fireman and the injury of six others: “Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 5. – Two freight trains ran together on the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, near Moonville, on the eastern end of the road, yesterday.
What is the story behind moonville tunnel?
The tunnel was part of a railroad that was constructed in 1856 to transport coal through southeastern Ohio. The town of Moonville was populated almost entirely by coalminers who worked at the nearby Hope Furnace. This iron furnace, rumored to be haunted as well, was used to make weapons for the Civil War.
How many people died at Moonville tunnel?
One trestle stood over Raccoon Creek less than 50 yards (46 m) away from the tunnel mouth. By 1920, six people lost their lives on the bridges or within the tunnel.
How long is the moonville Rail Trail?
16-mile-long
The Moonville Rail Trail is a 16-mile-long tourist destination in Vinton and Athens Counties that takes visitors through the beautiful woodlands of southeast Ohio, including Zaleski State Forest.
How long is the Moonville tunnel?
The 100-foot long tunnel was built around 1857 with the formation of the Cincinnati and Marietta Railroad. The protruding brick letters on each end of the tunnel spell the name “MOONVILLE.”
How long is moonville tunnel?
Get to know this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Zaleski, Ohio. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 33 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Are there bears in Zaleski State Forest?
Wildflowers and trees like oak and hickory abound while the grouse and wild turkey management areas fill the forest with life. Deer and beaver are frequently spotted and even the occasional black bear has been seen.
Is Zaleski Backpack trail open?
The forest is open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, but legal campers are allowed to be there overnight. Parking for the backpacking trail is located off OH-278 across from Lake Hope State Park.
Can you camp anywhere in Zaleski State Forest?
Camping is only permitted in designated campsites. All campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis and there are no reservations. Hikers must register prior to entering the trail at either trailhead location.
Is Zaleski Backpack Trail open?
Where is Moonville tunnel?
Moonville Tunnel is located on Hope-Moonville Road in the Zaleski State Forest near Zaleski; Vinton County. The old foundations for the train trestle that once spanned Raccoon Creek. The west end of Moonville Tunnel.
Is Moonville still a ghost town?
Today, only the old schoolhouse’s foundation, a train tunnel, and the community cemetery remain. Despite being a ghost town, Moonville remains well known due to its reputation of being haunted. Believers say that ghosts of railroad workers struck down by a train in the Moonville Tunnel still wave their lanterns in the abandoned tunnel.
What happened to the railroad line in Moonville?
The rail line was abandoned in 1988 and the rails were pulled up. Today the only remnants of Moonville are the tunnel and town cemetery. The old rail bed has been transformed into a trail for horseback riding, bicycling and hiking.
Who wrote the ghost of Moonville tunnel?
The Ghost of Moonville Tunnel: Moonville’s ghost also inspired this orchestral piece composed by Scott Michal. The song also debuted in 1998 and has been likened to The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Bald Mountain.