Zaleski State Forest Moonville Rail-Trail Connection
Railroad ghost towns and forest camping
Following portions of the old Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad through Zaleski’s 28,000 acres, this route connects the ghost settlements of Moonville, Mineral, and Hope Furnace via maintained forest roads and abandoned rail grades. The highlight is the restored Moonville Tunnel, where the 1856 brick structure echoes with stories of train wrecks and the headless brakeman who supposedly still walks the tracks. Forest Road 6 challenges drivers with seasonal creek crossings and steep grades climbing out of Raccoon Creek valley toward the fire tower overlooks.
Easy to moderate difficulty suits stock high-clearance vehicles, though mud holes after rain can trap the unprepared. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with fall colors making this one of Ohio’s most scenic forest drives. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the forest with a free permit. The 16-mile loop provides a perfect introduction to Ohio overlanding, where you can camp beside babbling creeks and wake up to wild turkey calls in country that feels worlds away from Cincinnati’s suburbs just two hours north.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 16 mi / 25.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1050 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | McArthur, OH |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ohiodnr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or high-clearance SUV handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 2WD truck or SUV is the minimum and handles the gravel surface fine under normal conditions. You don't need a lift or lockers — this is an easy scenic drive, not a rock crawl. After heavy rain the gravel can get soft, so AWD or 4WD adds a margin of comfort.
When does Zaleski State Forest close or become impassable?
The trail is best April through November. Winter months bring mud, ice, and occasional road closures by ODNR after significant storms. Spring thaw (March-April) can make the gravel soft and rutted, so check conditions with ODNR before heading out early season.
Do I need a permit to camp in Zaleski State Forest?
Yes, a free permit is required for dispersed camping in Zaleski State Forest — get it through the Ohio DNR Forestry office or contact them directly before your trip. Developed camping at Zaleski Backpack Trail campsites also requires registration. Don't skip it; enforcement does happen.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The trail is rated easy and nothing on it is technically challenging — the water crossings are the main variable. Depending on recent rainfall, low-water crossings can rise enough to give a stock vehicle pause. The crossings are shallow under normal conditions but scout them on foot first if you're unsure after rain.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any cell service on the trail?
McArthur, OH is the closest town with fuel, roughly 10-15 miles from the trail — fill up before you head in. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent through most of the forest, so download offline maps and don't count on being able to call out in an emergency.
Trail track
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