The Moonville Tunnel is one of those locations you’ve possibly heard about since you were fairly young. Everyone has those spots in town that are SOOOO haunted. They usually involve a dare for the brave to spend the night, or merely even to visit after the sun has succumbed to her slumber. Many of these stories are just that, stories that have been crafted over the years by mischievous minds… but there may be some validity to this haunting.
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History of the Moonville Tunnel
In the 1800’s coal and clay were hot commodities. The area that would become Moonville was full of this necessity, but there was no feasible way to transport it. In 1856 Samuel Cole and the Ohio & Marietta Railroad struck up a mutually beneficial deal to build a railway on his property. Construction of the railway began and the formation of Moonville came shortly after. Once things were put in motion, around 100 families set up residency in Moonville. The town consisted primarily of coal miners who worked at the nearby (also haunted) Hope Furnace. By the 1900s things started to progress and the mines became obsolete. The work dried up they started shutting down. Once there was no longer work, people left, and sadly these forgotten dreams created a ghost town.
Hauntings
The Moonville Tunnel is not going to have the prolific touting of ghosts such as an asylum or prison of course, but it still should not be discounted. There are haunted happening all along the Zaleski Forest at various locations throughout!
– The most common sighting is that of a brakeman who fell from the train and died. Today he appears holding a glowing orange lantern. There are some accounts where he is seen, and others where only the bobbing orange glow of the lantern can be seen.
– A woman has also been seen and the scent of lavender often accompanies her. She’s known to throw pebbles at those entering the tunnel.
Plan Your Visit
Check the hours of the park before you go in case they have changed! For the Moonville Tunnel specifically, there is a small parking area. Once you arrive, you walk across the love lock bridge onto the trail (or you can walk across the creek below.) The forest is very beautiful so if you go by day there are miles of walking trails that you can discover! If you don’t want to go alone, check out the Midnight at Moonville event, or go on the Moonville Haunted Hike.
Other Notable Spots
For food, check out the Lake Hope Lodge. If you want more haunted spots to check out, visit Lake Hope Furnace and if time allows, make the drive to The Ridges! If you can’t make it, watch our video to learn more!
