The railroad industry was booming in southeastern Ohio throughout the nineteenth century, though many of the structures that were once busy with activity have all since disappeared. Those that remain, however, are steeped in legend and folklore, including many a ghost story. One of the most notorious of all the tales is the town of Moonville and its namesake tunnel. Here’s more on why many consider the Moonville Tunnel in Ohio to be one of the most haunted places in the state! Think you could brave a visit to this old, haunted tunnel in Ohio? Try it… if you dare. What other haunted places in Ohio can you think of? Let us know!

The year was 1856.
Mike / flickr
The small town of Moonville was established in Brown Township to accommodate the expanding Marietta and Cincinnati railroad. Things were looking up for a while, and folks began filing in, gradually.
At its most prosperous, the town was home to nearly 100 coal-mining families, and the Moonville Tunnel was the only way in and out of town.
Rubbertoe (Robert Batina) / flickr
It's an impressive and almost imposing structure, offering up plenty of intimidation for those who are wary of dark places and large openings.
There was one fatal flaw with the tunnel's construction, however.
Justin Masterson / flickr
The space was too narrow for pedestrians to walk through the tunnel while a train was passing. Unfortunately, this resulted in many deaths, ensuring the people of Moonville learned some dark lessons in very hard ways.

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By 1947, the town of Moonville was completely abandoned.
Wikipedia
Today, all that remains are the tunnel, a few bridge foundations, and a forgotten cemetery. It is unknown just how many souls lost their lives in the tunnel, but they're said to linger.
Portions of the old railroad line have been converted into hiking and biking routes, so visitors can explore this former railroad and see for themselves.
Wikipedia
The area absolutely attracts those interested in paranormal activity. The Moonville Tunnel in Ohio is considered one of the most haunted destinations in the state, and it's not surprising - many people met grisly ends here.
Many have reported seeing the ghosts of former railroad workers killed by train accidents still waving their lights in the tunnel.
Snake / flickr
Others report hearing voices in the tunnel from people who are not there, or seeing strange lights outside the entrance and exist. Weird stuff, but interesting nevertheless.

What are your thoughts on the Moonville Tunnel in Ohio? Have you visited this spooky destination before? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us – haunted or otherwise! For more information about the Moonville Tunnel, visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. Love learning about Ohio’s most haunted destinations? If so, you’ll want to check out the Definitive Guide To All Things Haunted And Creepy In Ohio.

If you can’t get enough of spooky, haunted places in Ohio like Moonville Tunnel, we’ve got you covered. Check out the frightening tale of 11 of Ohio’s most haunted places, or spend a night at the eerie, historic Buxton Inn … if you dare.

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More to Explore

Moonville Tunnel

Tori Jane | December 09, 2022
  1. Where is the Moonville Tunnel in Ohio?  

The Moonville Tunnel is a spooky reminder of what once was located nearby the Zaleski State Forest in Vinton County, Ohio. It can be found on Hope-Moonville Rd, in the town of McArthur. 

2. Is Moonville Tunnel really the most haunted tunnel in Ohio?  

Given that as far as we know, the Moonville Tunnel is the ONLY haunted tunnel in Ohio, we’re inclined to agree that it’s definitely the most haunted tunnel of its kind.  

3. What are some other allegedly haunted places in Ohio to explore?  

Of course, Moonville Tunnel isn’t the only allegedly haunted place in Ohio. Other notoriously haunted places in Ohio include:  

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Moonville Tunnel, Hope-Moonville Rd, McArthur, OH 45651, USA