Deep in the heart of the Zaleski State Forest in southeastern Ohio lies one of the most hauntingly atmospheric remnants of America’s railroading past—the Moonville Tunnel. Overgrown trails, whispering woods, and a crumbling tunnel is all that remains of the forgotten coal-mining town of Moonville, yet its voices seem alive to this day. Paranormal investigators, thrill-seekers, and lovers of hidden history all find their way to this remote location, each hoping to catch a glimpse—or a ghostly whisper—of a bygone era. If you’ve ever dreamed of merging scenic hiking, historical exploration, and ghost hunting, the Moonville Tunnel might just be your next destination.
The History
The Rise and Fall of Moonville
Moonville was a tiny mining town established in the mid-1850s. It sprang to life when the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad (later acquired by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad) decided to cut through the dense woodlands of Vinton County, Ohio. The area was rich in coal and clay, resources critical to America’s industrial expansion during that period. The founders needed labor, and workers brought their families to settle what became the village of Moonville.
At its peak, Moonville had around 100 residents—a post office, a general store, a school, and a few homes. It was never a bustling metropolis, but it provided everything the miners and their families needed. Despite its isolation and small population, the town became a hub due to the train line running directly through it. And to accommodate the railway across Raccoon Creek, the infamous Moonville Tunnel was constructed in the 1850s.
The Role of the Railroad
The railroad was Moonville’s lifeline—and, ironically, its curse. The isolated stretch of track between towns like Hope and Zaleski ran through rugged forests and over treacherous terrain. The tracks were narrow and often bordered by steep cliffs, which made travel extremely dangerous. There were no roads nearby, meaning anyone needing to travel in or out of Moonville most often had to walk along the tracks.
This treacherous arrangement, combined with the steep embankments and numerous blind curves, led to numerous deaths over the years. Many travelers were struck by trains while navigating the track, especially at night. These tragedies laid the groundwork for the ghost stories that would eventually make Moonville Tunnel a staple in paranormal circles.
The Abandonment
As the coal industry waned and rail traffic decreased, so too did the necessity of a town like Moonville. The final residents had moved out by the 1940s, and the Moonville post office closed well before that. The town slowly faded back into the forest. By the mid-1980s, the railroad line was abandoned altogether.
Today, little remains of Moonville besides the tunnel itself and a few scattered foundations lost to the woods. The Moonville Tunnel, however, remains in surprisingly good condition and is now incorporated into the Moonville Rail Trail project, preserving it for hikers, history buffs, and ghost hunters alike.
The Haunt
The Ghost of the Tunnel
Where there’s tragedy and isolation, ghosts tend to follow—and Moonville Tunnel is no exception. The most frequently sighted apparition is known simply as “The Lantern Man.” Often believed to be the spirit of a brakeman (or sometimes a signalman), this ghost is said to appear holding a lantern, glowing eerily in the darkness of the tunnel. Witnesses over the years have reported seeing the swinging light floating through the tunnel and vanishing into thin air.
Legend holds that the man was either struck by a train while performing his duties or committed suicide by stepping into the path of an oncoming locomotive. His restless spirit is said to return time and again, doomed to walk the tunnel for eternity.
Other Ghostly Figures of Moonville
While The Lantern Man may be the most famous, he is far from alone. Paranormal investigators and local tales point to several other spirits said to haunt the area:
- The Woman in White: Believed to be the spirit of a young woman who was struck by a train while taking a shortcut across the tracks. She is often seen wandering near the tunnel’s edge or deep inside, dressed in flowing white garments.
- The Bully: A man who was reportedly thrown off a train after a drunken brawl and killed. His aggressive, sometimes physical spiritual presence is said to push or shove unsuspecting visitors.
- The Engineer: Railroad workers have claimed an engineer who died in a train crash near the tunnel still lingers, cloaked in ghostly steam and the mournful whistle of a phantom train.
Paranormal Investigations and Reports
The Moonville Tunnel has become a hotbed for paranormal research due to the consistent reports from visitors and investigators alike. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions often yield mysterious replies—disembodied voices, cries, and calls for help. Night vision and full-spectrum cameras have allegedly captured shadowy figures, cold spots have been documented regardless of ambient temperature, and some equipment brings back high EMF spikes with no rational source nearby.
Some courageous souls even report being followed by unseen footsteps echoing behind them in the tunnel, only to turn around and find nothing there. A foggy mist occasionally creeps through the tunnel on otherwise clear nights—many say it’s not just weather, but something otherworldly in motion.
Every fall, the area hosts the annual Moonville Ghost Walk, a popular event for both amateur ghost hunters and hardcore investigators. Guides recount legends, and experienced teams demonstrate investigative tools. It’s a perfect introduction to paranormal research for those just dipping their toes—or boots—into the unknown.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters and Explorers
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of scenic Ohio trails, or an experienced ghost hunter looking for your next investigation site, the Moonville Tunnel offers all the ingredients of a perfect paranormal adventure. The combination of verified historical tragedy, eerie isolation, and decades of consistent ghost sightings makes it irresistible for anyone with a thirst for the unknown.
Best accessed via the Moonville Rail Trail, the site is open year-round, with fall being especially atmospheric. Pack your flashlights, paranormal equipment, and a good set of hiking boots—and don’t forget your courage. Moonville may be a ghost town, but the tunnel is anything but lifeless.
Ready to step into the darkness? The spirits of Moonville Tunnel are waiting.