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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.
At no part was the trail paved.. started at the schoolhouse, didn’t know there was a trailhead at the beginning of the trail in Zaleski (think I spelled that right) but the rail was maintained well but it was just tracks of a vehicle that you ride on.. packed gravel on the most part.. rode to the other end.. didn’t see the “little” detour sign.. and soon was ridding in overgrowth., rode that u til the bridge was out.. turned around and had to take the detour up a gravel road.. very hilly.. steep hills at that.. got back on the trail.. that trail was nice.. very packed gravel.. went though the 2 tunnels.. very nice.. It was a good ride.. marking could be I Proved on.. with the detour was about a 20 mile round trip all in all.. had lots of fun on it.. Grandson went with m.. can’t give this trail 5 stars.. needs some improvements.. but I enjoyed
did this trail for the first time ever July 23/24. Had a fantastic time riding a well-shaded trail for the most part. It is open once you get to Athens and to S.Canaan rd (end point). Lots of things to see both historically and otherwise. We started in Nelsonville at the western trailhead by the Railroad Station. Plenty of pictures to be had if you are a railroad enthusiast. You can ride the high school connector by The Eclipse restaurant in The Plains and go see the Joe Burrow stadium (about 9/10 of a mile). But DON'T pass this place up. Stop and eat and grab one of the 32 draft craft beers. You won't be disappointed. About the only thing that needs some clarification is the mileage markers. It is a little confusing once you get to Athens and where they added the additional trail to the original 18 miles. I heard that there is plans (in the making) of connecting the Moonville Rail Trail up to Athens and the Athens-Belpre trail. That may be ambitious and I don't know if I'll be around to see it. However, that would be great if it happened.
Really enjoyed this trail. We were thankful for all the shade since it was in the 90's. We stayed at the Lodge of Hocking College which was on the trail in Nelsonville. Highly recommend.
7 mile trail that is very straight, very flat with sections of shade and sun. There are a handful of roads that cross the trail so stops are at a minimal. There are several structures and benches to stop and relax at. The first part of the trail runs between a swamp and later the Leatherwood Creek with the back end running along OH State Route 265. There is a good size park at mile 6 that has some parking. The trail dead ends at mile 7 with no access for vehicles. There appears to be room for expansion beyond mile 7 someday.
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.
So well maintained. Mostly friendly people along the way. Beautiful scenery. Definitely worth the visit.
Very clean and safe with new smooth surface. Well maintained. A lot to see and spot along the way. Beautiful scenery. We traveled the entire trail in one day even with little endurance riding under our saddle. Elevation climbs were gentle and mostly unnoticeable. Highly recommend this trail for families. I can’t wait to come back and do this one again. Highly recommend Eclipse Company Store for meals as the half way point.
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.
We drove from Alabama with the intention of riding 25+ miles in several states. This trail did not disappoint. We began our e-bike ride from the Ohio University Bobcats football stadium traveling 17 miles to Nelsonville’s Rocky Outdoor Gear. Beautiful scenery, safe trail (only one road crossing where you felt the need to be extra cautious), nice folks along the way. On the return trip we enjoyed a tasty meal at the Eclipse. Definitely worth the trip.
West Union area is paved both directions for a few miles, if heading west towards Pennsboro/Ellenboro trail is both hard pack. The tunnel just outside of West Union was pretty dry (2200+) and should have a light to be safe. Trail is mostly under canopy with some rock cliffs, creek view and wildlife can be seen. Fat tire makes it a comfortable, enjoyable ride
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