The town often considered the most abandoned town in Ohio is Moonville, a true ghost town deep within the Zaleski State Forest in Vinton County. Unlike many historical sites with preserved buildings or active communities, Moonville has no current residents and only scattered remnants of its past, making it a powerful symbol of abandonment.
Moonville: Ohio's Eerie Ghost Town
Moonville originated in the mid-19th century as a small, isolated coal mining community. Its existence was entirely dependent on the coal industry and the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, which ran through the area. At its peak, Moonville had a few dozen residents, a general store, a school, and a handful of houses, but it never developed into a large, bustling town.
The town's isolated location and rough terrain made life challenging. As coal resources dwindled and the need for coal-fired locomotives decreased, the railroad lines were eventually abandoned, leading to Moonville's swift and complete decline. By the 1930s, the last residents had moved away, leaving the town to be reclaimed by nature. Today, Moonville is famously known as an Ohio ghost town that has virtually vanished from the map.
Key remnants you can still find in Moonville include:
- The Moonville Tunnel: The most iconic remaining structure, a dark, historic railroad tunnel known for its ghostly legends.
- Foundation Stones: Scattered stones that mark where former buildings once stood.
- An Old Cemetery: A small, overgrown cemetery where some of Moonville's former inhabitants are buried.
- Nature Trails: The former railroad bed has been converted into hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area.
Why Moonville Stands Out Among Abandoned Places
Moonville earns its reputation as Ohio's most abandoned town due to several factors:
- Complete Desertion: Unlike some "ghost towns" that might still have a few residents or a preserved building or two, Moonville is entirely depopulated. No one lives there, and no businesses operate within its former boundaries.
- Physical Absence: Most of its structures have either collapsed, been dismantled, or were reclaimed by the dense forest, leaving very little tangible evidence of the community that once thrived there. This contributes to its stark, abandoned feel.
- Isolation: Its remote location in a state forest, far from major roads, reinforces its sense of isolation and forgotten history. Access is primarily via hiking trails, adding to its mystique.
- Historical Significance: Despite its physical disappearance, Moonville holds a significant place in Ohio folklore and history, often cited for its eerie atmosphere and purported paranormal activity, particularly around the Moonville Tunnel.
Visiting Moonville Today
While Moonville is abandoned, it is not inaccessible. It's now part of the Zaleski State Forest and is popular among hikers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in paranormal lore. Visitors can walk the rail trail (part of the Moonville Rail-Trail System) that passes through the old town site and the famous tunnel.
Tips for visiting:
- Be Prepared: The area is remote. Wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring water.
- Respect the Site: Remember you are visiting a historical site and a natural area. Leave no trace.
- Flashlight Recommended: The Moonville Tunnel is dark, even during the day.
Moonville remains a poignant reminder of Ohio's industrial past and the transient nature of human settlements when their economic lifelines disappear. Its desolate beauty and rich legends solidify its status as Ohio's quintessential and most abandoned ghost town.
