Zaleski State Forest Moonville Tunnel Rail-Trail
Historic rail grade to Ohio's most famous ghost town
The old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad carved this route through southeastern Ohio’s rugged hills in the 1850s, and today the abandoned grade makes for prime overlanding through Zaleski State Forest. You’ll follow the Raccoon Creek watershed for 18 miles of rolling terrain, passing the crumbling stone arch of Moonville Tunnel — all that remains of a coal town that vanished decades ago. The tunnel itself sits halfway through the route, with foundations and old mining equipment scattered in the surrounding woods.
This is moderate terrain requiring high-clearance vehicles for creek crossings and muddy sections during spring runoff. Stock 4WD handles it fine in dry conditions, but the rocky creek beds and steep approaches to the tunnel demand attention. Best tackled April through October when water levels drop. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest. You get genuine Appalachian mining history mixed with solid technical driving through Ohio’s forgotten coal country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | McArthur, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — a bone-stock Wrangler or 4Runner will get through fine. Lifted rigs have an easier time on the rougher hollow sections, but it's not a requirement.
When does Zaleski State Forest open and close this route seasonally?
April through October is the reliable window. Spring can bring soft, muddy conditions on the rail grade, and some sections get genuinely boggy after heavy rain — fall is the best overall bet for solid ground and color.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp in Zaleski State Forest?
No permit is required to drive or hike the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed within Zaleski State Forest under Ohio DNR rules — no fee, no reservation, but you're responsible for knowing the designated zones and following leave-no-trace rules.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I actually expect?
The tightest spots are through the creek-bottom hollows where the old rail grade gets overgrown and the surface turns to soft dirt or mud — water crossings can be axle-deep after rain. Nothing technically extreme, but it'll punish low-clearance vehicles and catch inattentive drivers off-guard.
Is there reliable water or fuel near the trailhead, and how bad is cell service on route?
Top off fuel in McArthur before you go — there's nothing close to the trailhead. Cell service is genuinely spotty throughout the forest, so download offline maps and don't count on GPS or calling out if something goes sideways.
Trail track
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