Find the top rated walking trails in Crown City, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Could be a really nice trail, both wooden bridges are missing planks. A tree is down on the trail. The asphalt is pretty rough.
My brother and myself rode this trail on 7/25/25. A lot of nice things can be said about the time we had. We did this trail in 2 segments (from the Moonville Trailhead to Mineral which is 4 miles and then from Zaleski to Moonville which is 5 miles). Pretty primitive, little or no cell service and you are in the Zaleski State Forest. For the entire day, we saw 1 other biker (and he was as stunned as we were to see someone) and a lady with her kids playing in the creek. Finding the Moonville Trailhead parking lot was an experience. Google Maps took us down a road called Buck Lane (which down a bit becomes Hope-Moonville Road). At the top and on the left, is Uncle Buck's Riding Stable and Dance Barn and across the road is the Ferguson Cemetery. I would strongly advise not to start down this gravel road. It is one lane and as once you start you cannot change. Look for an alternate route. There are sheer drops of over couple hundred feet on the right. You will literally crawl down this road (5 mph) and if someone was coming up there is no room to go around. Once we made it to the trailhead, we noticed a sign stating the trail is closed going west as a few bridges (#4 and #5) are out. We did ride to see how far this was and it was within a few minutes (note: between the 2 bridges would be MM5). Also, something we did not know was that the Moonville Cemetery was nearby. We needed to walk up the road that we came down a little to find it. We wish we saw it but we did not see any signs indicating it was around. Riding east was a lot of fun as there is enough to see. You will cross over Raccoon Creek (bridge #6). In less than a mile, you will see the Moonville Tunnel. Built in 1856, there are stories that say it is haunted. We always enjoy taking pictures of tunnels from both the outside and inside as well as when leave them too. Bridges 7 and 8 will take you over the Hewett Fork Creek (at this point you are at MM6). There is a beautiful marsh area next and as you ride you will see some of the old railroad telegraph poles. Also, at various points you will see old wooden railroad crossing signs with the wording Moonville Rail Trail which is a nice touch for the trail. Next will be Ingham Station. There is an information board explaining the history of this coal mining settlement that started in 1856. Like Moonville, it is a ghost town now. Near MM7, you will be at Sickles Preserve. Bridges 10, 11, and 12 will take you over the Hewett Fork Creek again. The King's Hollow Tunnel (aka the King Switch Tunnel) will be next (near MM8). Built in 1855, this tunnel looks like an old mine shaft as it is wooden and narrow too. Bit muddy inside and is longer than the Moonville Tunnel. Kind of amazing a train went through it. The trail ends in about another mile in the town of Mineral (Route 356 - Scott St 1229 Waterloo Twp). When we did cross route 356, a trail still appeared and we were able to ride it for about 2 miles. There was a beautiful small lake that will appear on the right, we saw an old abandoned home, and a structure called The Itty Biddy Beach Bar (probably named as Biddyville Road is nearby), a few picnic tables and canoes too. When we returned to the Moonville Trailhead, we were fortunate that someone was there and told us how to get out without going back up Buck Lane. (Hope-Moonville Road - Shea Road - Wheelabout Rd) got us to Route 278 where we took some beautiful pictures of Lake Hope at the state park. The Hope Iron Furnace is nearby but we did not check it out.
The Zaleski trailhead is on Commercial Street (route 278). Nearby is the Moonville Market which is where we got a great map of the trail. Nice little place to walk into as well. The trail from Zaleski to where the bridges are out in Moonville (MM5) is mainly grass with small and large gravel. Definitely more primitive than the other section we rode on. It was more of a challenge for my hybrid. This section has some open areas and is very pretty as well. About 3.5 miles into the trip you will see the Hope Schoolhouse Welcome Center. It is open on Saturdays (10-4) and Sundays (10-2) from March to October from what we found out. It would have been nice to check it out but it was closed on the day we were there. The schoolhouse was constructed back in 1883. In another mile (4.5 total now) will be a historical marker about the Raccoon Creek Bridge. Our trip ended shortly after that as we were near where we had started earlier.
This trail has a lot of variety. It is amazing all that was going on around this area along with a train passing through. A lot of history here. Now these are ghost towns. It would be nice to ride this in the Fall. Definitely worth a return trip. Also, to check out anything that is occurring locally as well.
Rode from Hope Schoolhouse to past King Hollow Tunnel. The section between Hope School and the first road crossing is mostly grass, but wasn’t a problem on fat tire e-bike. At the crossing you have to take the road to Moonville since bridges aren’t in yet, but once you reach Moonville it’s an easy ride. The road wasn’t bad either I didn’t pass any cars and only a few hills, but I’d give it 5 stars if it was finished. Also a visitors center at the schoolhouse that’s open on weekends.
Our hybrid bike tires did great on this trail from Mineral to Hope Moonville Road. The trail is packed gravel and a very comfortable ride. The Moonville Tunnel was a smooth ride but Kings Hollow Tunnel was rough. Be advised to ride through Kings Hollow slowly as it is riddled with potholes. Make sure to bring lights for the tunnels. Overall a wonderful trail and I highly recommend.
First bridge on trail from parking lot by Thomas do it center. Bridge is rotting on the edge on both sides of bridge. Its dangerous because weeds are growing hiding some of the rotten areas of bridge. Also the trail from thomas do it center to 4th avenue needs to repaved or repaired. I ride my bike on trail and it is a very bumpy ride. If I am riding from spring valley to town I usually ride 160 to town and bike trail back to spring valley. One trip riding on the trail is enough for me.
During a busy workweek this was my go-to ride. I ride it twice and add some riding around town in order to get at least 10 miles in. There is lots of shade on the trail. I would have two points of caution: The deer are heavy. I’ve had several cross in front of me and sustained a minor injury when I had to slam on my brakes. Secondly, there is a lack of trail etiquette from pedestrians. I put a bell on my bike but it hasn’t helped. Use caution on this trail, especially when crossing Route 93.
This trail has potential for some serious greatness, but it needs some work. It’s very secluded and peaceful with some beautiful scenery and it’s highlighted by the Moonville and kings hollow tunnels which are fantastic to ride through. The trail from Mineral on pass the Moonville tunnel is crushed stone and not so bad to ride on. Once you go through Moonville and keep heading west towards Zalensky though, there is a bridge out & it abruptly ends. I drove over to Zalenski and rode the other half of the trail, which is all grass, and not really all that great. If this trail was paved and all connected & a little longer, it would be one of the best, but… It still needs a lil work.
This trail is not bad but it could be so much better. It’s not in the best condition and the section from Bidwell to Kerr was completely unkept & unridable as far as I could tell. If they could fix that section and have it connect to the main trail and then somehow add some more trail along the river front, this would be a five star trail.
Rode 3.7 one-way beautiful, secluded miles from Mineral to the Hope-Moonville Rd trailhead. The new bridges are wonderful. Really enjoyed the two completely different tunnels. Trail surface was great…just watch out for the road apples 😀
Bridges west of Moonville trailhead still not done. I didn’t even see any signs of construction so I think it might be many years until we see those.
Did not see a designated parking lot in Mineral. There is room across from the trail for about 3 cars. We parked there, but found out later that it is actually someone’s driveway….oops. I suspect you can park in the church lot north of the trail.
You can ride about 1/2 a mile east of Mineral on the driveway until it ends at a double locked gate with posted signs and flags. We saw one fellow ride around…hmmm. A few shallow mud puddles.
Like orangedoug said, better bring the bug spray. No problems while we were moving, but they loved to visit us when we stopped.
I’m thinking this might be one of the most secluded rides in Ohio. Loved it!!! Hoping they can extend it east and west someday….bikin-mike…Aug 2022
Easy flat and filled with views. For beginning bikers or casual warmup…
The ride was on a narrow rough sidewalk, busy street on one side and steep hill down to river on other side.
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