The 10-mile Moonville Rail Trail is a favorite among hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The trail takes visitors through the beautiful woodlands of southeast Ohio, including Zaleski State Forest; the communities of Zaleski and Mineral; and the Lake Hope State Park wetland areas. The corridor holds water on both sides of the trail, creating a wetland area that is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Additional points of interest along this trail are two unique and 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 Moonville Tunnel is brick-lined and has a long history of train accidents, earning the tunnel a reputation for being haunted.

The trail and its tunnels are open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but it is important to remember that the surrounding Zaleski State Forest is closed after dark. Paranormal investigators are welcome. Small events such as weddings or photography sessions are allowed on the trail, but access to the visiting public cannot be restricted; call the Vinton County Park District at 740-596-7013 to request permission.  All pets must be controlled by their owners using leashes. Motor vehicles, camping, fires, spray painting, and littering are prohibited.



About the Moonville Rail Trail Association

The Moonville Rail Trail Association (MRTA), a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was established in April 2001 with the purpose of building and maintaining a rail trail freely open to the public. The mission of the MRTA is to maintain, promote, and expand a muscle-powered trail system in Southeastern Ohio that provides outdoor recreation opportunities for locals and visitors; preserve the surrounding natural environment and historic railroad infrastructure; educate the public about the region’s rich history; and promote economic development.

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoonvilleRailTrail.

Contact the MRTA at:

Moonville Rail Trail Assoc.
P.O. Box 513
McArthur, OH 45651
info@moonvillerailtrail.com

Have a question about the rail trail? Call the Vinton County Park District at 740-596-7013.

Board of Trustees

The MRTA is governed by a 13-member Board of Trustees, volunteers who serve without compensation. The 2023 board consists of:

  • Mary Jane Kelley, President (term expiring 2024)
  • Mary Ann Borch, Vice President and Secretary (term expiring 2025)
  • Sharon Conner, Treasurer (term expiring 2025)
  • Rich Dahn, Historian (term expiring 2024)
  • Brian Blair (term expiring 2024)
  • Vic Cole (term expiring 2024)
  • Sherry Conner (term expiring 2024)
  • Floyd Largent (term expiring 2024)
  • Ralph Prater (term expiring 2025)
  • Susan Spinelli (term expiring 2025)
  • Glenn Stout (term expiring 2025)

The association meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month at Hope Schoolhouse on Wheelabout Road, opposite the dam at Lake Hope State Park. Members and guests are always welcome to attend meetings. The Annual Meeting is held every April.

Membership

The Moonville Rail Trail Association is made up of volunteers and members who pay annual dues.  The organization welcomes anyone willing to volunteer time and energy to help maintain the trail and preserve its historic railway tunnels.

We are seeking new volunteers to help:
  • Maintain the trail
  • Manage social media
  • Track membership
  • Plan and staff events
  • Fundraise

To get involved, attend one of our monthly meetings or download a brochure and membership application.

Accomplishments:
  • Secured approximately 10 miles of unused railroad bed for the Vinton and Athens County Commissioners
  • Installed 11 bridges
  • Received approximately 9 grants
  • Raised public awareness
Future plans:
  • Install the two final bridges
  • Connect the trail to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway
  • Extend the trail south toward Lake Alma State Park
  • Host annual events and activities
  • Ongoing public relations and marketing efforts

Donations

If you would like to contribute funds for trail maintenance and tunnel preservation please consider making a donation through PayPal using the the button below.

Donate with PayPal button

Moonville Merchandise

The MRTA sells Moonville-themed merchandise to raise money for ongoing trail maintenance and preservation efforts. Merchandise is available for purchase at the Vinton County Visitor Center and Hope Schoolhouse Welcome Center. Products include t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, tote bags, bumper stickers, trail maps, and more.