The Ghostly Tales of Ohio’s Moonville Tunnel

Deep in Zaleski State Forest, partially obscured by the overgrowth, lies one of Vinton County’s most mystifying landmarks: Moonville Tunnel. Built in 1856, it was part of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, a line that trains used to transport iron and coal out of the region. Ownership of the railroad changed hands several times over the years, and it eventually ceased operations in 1987.

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Editor’s Note: This story was published in 2023 but was most recently updated in October 2025 to note that Caleb Appleman, who was interviewed for this story, is no longer with the visitor’s bureau. The story was also updated to include the 2025 date of the Midnight at Moonville event. 

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Today, the route trains once followed is a roughly 10-mile rail trail that passes through the forests of southeast Ohio. Many visitors to the area, however, are immediately drawn to the tunnel thanks to local legends and lore about ghosts that haunt the site.

Many of the supposed specters are said to be former miners and railroad workers who met their untimely demise on or around the tracks. Curious visitors can hope to catch a glimpse of The Engineer’s swinging lantern, smell the sweet floral fragrance of The Lavender Lady or even have a run-in with The Bully.

When we talked to him in 2023, Caleb Appleman, the former executive director of the Vinton County Visitor’s Bureau, says a visit is interesting even if you don’t believe the ghostly tales. The annual Midnight at Moonville event organized by the bureau each October (Oct. 11 in 2025). 

“Ultimately, whatever you’re expecting to find,” Appleman said, “whether it’s ghosts or nature or history, [is what] you’re going to get out of your trip there.” Hope-Moonville Road, McArthur 45651, visitvintoncounty.org