Explore the haunted Moonville Tunnel just south of Columbus, Ohio, where ghostly legends of railroad workers mingle with stunning forest trails. Discover the rich history of the ghost town of Moonville, hike through lush Zaleski State Forest, and uncover hidden gems like the Hope Schoolhouse and the old furnace. Perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a spooky yet scenic adventure close to home.

Exploring the Moonville Tunnel: A Spooky Adventure South-East of Columbus

Our next adventure took us south of Columbus to the infamous Moonville Tunnel, nestled right outside the Zaleski State Forest. I first heard whispers about Moonville Tunnel and the ghost town of Moonville back in my college days at Ohio University in Athens. Legend has it that the tunnel is haunted by the spirits of old railroad workers who were tragically struck by trains in the 1800s. Some say you can still see strange lantern lights flickering from within the tunnel—the eerie glow of those poor souls trapped in time.

My wife and I were intrigued, hoping to catch a glimpse of any spooky happenings. But even if we didn’t, we knew the area promised a lovely hike steeped in history. So, off we went.

The Road to Moonville: A Step Back in Time

Getting to the tunnel was an adventure itself. We drove down Route 33 towards Athens, then veered off about twenty minutes before reaching the city, passing through the sleepy community of Haydenville. This tiny town felt like a portal to fifty years ago, with a vintage charm that was peaceful—and just a little spooky. The community church and local playground were the only big landmarks in sight. While my wife might not fancy living in such a quiet place, I could definitely see the appeal. It was the perfect eerie prelude to our ghost town adventure.

Deep Into the Forest

After leaving Haydenville, we followed winding back roads through Lake Hope State Park and Zaleski State Forest. Everywhere we looked was lush greenery. The thick foliage cast shadows so dense the road ahead often felt dim despite the afternoon light. Eventually, the paved road gave way to gravel, and we lost cell signal entirely. The tree canopy above was so thick it blocked out a significant amount of the sunlight. The sudden darkness was undeniably eerie.

Still, we pressed on, confident the parking lot was just ahead. And sure enough, the gravel road opened up to a small parking area. It wasn’t deserted—there were a few cars and distant voices on the trail—so while the spooky vibe was real, it wasn’t overwhelming.

Crossing the Rusty Bridge

Our hike began by crossing an old, wire-fenced bridge. It reminded me of the famous Pont des Arts in Paris, where couples would leave locks as symbols of their eternal love. Here, though, the rusty, run-down bridge in the middle of the Ohio forest gave off a much creepier feeling than romantic. What was meant to be sweet felt more unsettling—a fitting tone for what awaited.

The Tunnel: A Mouth in the Forest

A short gravel path led us to the Moonville Tunnel itself. Surrounded by towering trees and thick foliage, the tunnel appeared like a giant dark mouth ready to swallow us whole. Though it was around 5 p.m. with some daylight left, the cloudy sky and dense canopy made it feel like twilight.

As we approached, the usual sounds of the forest—birds chirping, leaves rustling—suddenly fell silent, as if the tunnel was sucking all life out of the woods. Undeterred, and seeing a family with a small child enter on the other side, we stepped into the tunnel.

Inside the Haunted Hollow

The temperature dropped immediately—cooler and damper than outside. While I’m no ghost hunter, I know sudden chills are often linked to paranormal tales. Of course, it’s simply because the tunnel blocks out the sun, but it was fun to imagine otherwise.

The inside was massive and covered in graffiti—some art surprisingly good, though the vandalism did take away a bit of the eerie mystery. Emerging from the other side, the forest sounds rushed back, and warmth returned with the filtered sunlight. We continued our hike for another mile and a half, but the bugs were relentless (pro tip: bring plenty of bug spray!). With no clear end to the trail in sight, we turned back, passing through the tunnel again and returning to the car safely. No ghosts, no glowing lanterns, but plenty of spooky vibes to keep the legend alive.

A Serendipitous Discovery: Hope Schoolhouse

On our way home, we accidentally missed our turn—thankfully! Instead, we stumbled upon the historic Hope Schoolhouse, a one-room school built in the early 1900s. Though the original burned down in the 1930s, it was rebuilt and remained in use until the 1940s. Restored in 1998, it now serves as a museum with exhibits on local history.

Unfortunately, we arrived just as the staff were leaving, but informative boards outside gave us a glimpse into the past. It’s definitely worth a visit for history buffs.

Lake Hope and the Old Furnace

We also stopped briefly by Lake Hope, a modest but beautiful body of water framed by forests and rocky shores—perfect for hiking and water sports. Across the lake, we spotted a boathouse renting kayaks and paddleboards. If time had allowed, we would have stayed longer to paddle around.

Before leaving, I wanted to see one last relic mentioned at the Hope Schoolhouse—the old furnace that once powered the town. Built in the 1800s and decommissioned in 1874, the furnace structure looked like a mini pyramid standing alone in the forest. It was impressive and surprisingly well-maintained, with plenty of signage explaining its history.

Final Thoughts

The hike itself is easy, mostly shaded, and great for a casual day trip. The section around the tunnel is a small part of the much larger Zaleski State Forest Backpacking Trail, which offers more varied and challenging terrain if you’re prepared.

If you’re looking for a quick, historical hike with a side of spooky Halloween vibes, Moonville Tunnel is an excellent choice. Just don’t forget your bug spray—and maybe a flashlight if you’re brave enough to visit after dark.

If You Go: Quick Tips for Visiting Moonville Tunnel and Surrounding Areas

• Bring bug spray! The area, especially near the tunnel and forest trails, can have relentless bugs.
• Wear sturdy shoes. The trail includes gravel roads and uneven forest paths.
• Pack a flashlight or headlamp. The tunnel can be very dark, even during the day.
• Check cell service. You’ll likely lose signal once you hit the dense forest areas.
• Go with a buddy. The spooky vibe is real, and it’s safer (and more fun) to explore together.
• Respect the graffiti—but tread lightly. The tunnel is covered in art, but avoid adding your own to preserve the history.
• Visit during daylight. The forest canopy makes it feel darker earlier, and night visits can be tricky.
• Plan extra time for nearby sites. The Hope Schoolhouse and Lake Hope are nearby gems worth checking out.
• Parking is limited. Arrive early or be prepared to share the small lot with other visitors.

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