Moonville Tunnel Hummingbird Feeding and other local Vinton County Adventures

Deep in the forested hills of Vinton County stands one of the most legendary railroad tunnels in the world. According to age-old lore, the Moonville Tunnel is haunted by spirits who met their untimely deaths at this site. Once a booming village, little remains of Moonville other than a small cemetery, the tunnel, and the stories of eerie brushes with unknown beings. It is these legendary tales that cause ghost hunters and thrill seekers from all over the world to visit the Moonville Tunnel.

What are we to think of these bone-chilling tales? Is it possible that at least two ghosts remain at Moonville and allow themselves to be seen by visitors? Witnesses reveal the same details when recounting the ordeal of meeting the more popular of the two: a man, standing close to 8 feet tall with a white beard, seeing with eyes that glisten like balls of fire from under what appears to be a miner’s hat. Dressed in dirty overalls, he swings a glowing lantern when one nears the tunnel and, according to some accounts, releases a blood-curdling scream.

The second ghost has appeared to many in two forms. Some have seen a shapeless entity, while others report a woman dressed in clothes of an earlier time. Accounts differ on several points regarding this apparition, but many witnesses report smelling lavender when she passes by.

Is it possible that these ghosts and other reported spirits are roaming around Moonville looking for something or some way to take care of unfinished business? The answer may be found nowhere else but in the midst of a sleepless night on the eastern edge of Vinton County.

The Moonville Rail Trail Association invites you to visit the Moonville Tunnel and decide for yourself. The organization is working to convert the former B&O railroad bed into a 16-mile muscle-powered trail system that caters to walkers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Visit them online at www.moonvillerailtrail.com.

Birders will flock to Vinton County this year for an intimate birding experience. With its abundant forests, Vinton County is a haven for more than 50 documented species, and the community is filled with birding opportunities. Throughout the warm weather months, events are planned around this very popular hobby at our state parks.

One activity that brings visitors back each year is the hummingbird feeding program at Lake Hope State Park. At the Nature Center from June 24 through Labor Day, visitors are invited to make their own hand-held feeder and learn the best techniques for luring ruby-throated hummingbirds to their feeder. Then they simply relax and enjoy this unusual encounter with nature. This program is free and is held every Wednesday through Sunday at 1 p.m.

The park also will host hummingbird expert Allen Chartier, who conducts a banding program at the park every summer. Chartier has banded nearly twenty birds at Lake Hope in three years, including a female that he recaptured after banding her at Lake Hope the previous year. This event will be held on July 11 with banding from 9 a.m to 11 a.m. and a presentation on his research at 1 p.m. Call Lake Hope State Park at 740-596-3030 for more information on Chartier’s program and to learn more about the hummingbird program.

While here, be sure to check out other birding opportunities in the area. It is a well known fact that the entire Hocking Hills region is a hot spot for birding areas. Many of our lodging facilities cater to the needs of birders and even have private acreage with abundant birding opportunities. Some host private tours by appointment. Contact the Vinton County Visitors’ Center to request your free guide to bird-friendly lodging.

Appalachian Adventure Trail:

The mission of the Appalachian Adventure Trail is to enhance the economic and cultural development of Appalachian Ohio through marketing and promotion of the area’s natural, historical, and cultural assets.

Historic Sites & Places: The history of the region is still alive along the Appalachian Adventure Trail! Southeast Ohio was home to Native American cultures for thousands of years before European settlement, evidenced by mounds, petroglyphs, & other artifacts found across the region. Southeast Ohio was the gateway to the Northwest Territory & vital to the expansion of our country. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on in our residents & communities. History explorers will find the Appalachian Adventure Trail a one-of-a-kind window into our nation’s past.

Art & Culture: The Appalachian Adventure trail is home to a diverse array of artists who specialize in everything from Appalachian folk art to more modern works. The local artists are passionate about their home & love to share their enthusiasm & talents with visitors.

Parks, Forests, & Outdoor Activities: Shaped by the forces of weathering & erosion, the region is characterized by wooded ridge tops & winding river valleys. Known for its natural beauty & surprising diversity, the Appalachian Adventure Trail offers nearly endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Activities include day hikes, backpacking trips, fishing, camping, repelling, rock climbing, bird watching, and so much more. outdoor enthusiasts & nature lovers alike find unexpected adventures that will make them want to return time & time again.

Festivals & Events: Join the celebration! The region displays its true colors through a variety of festivals & events. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy local culture, arts, food, music & so much more at the many fairs, festivals, & events.

Unique Shops: With a wide selection of unique shops, visitors will be sure to find that
one-of-a-kind gift or keepsake. Artisan galleries, country boutiques, old time antique emporiums, & distinctive gift shops are just a few of the shopping adventure.

Family Fun: Fun-filled adventures are around every corner! From water slides to historic train rides, the whole family will enjoy the many activities this region has to offer. You don’t have to be a kid to treasure these adventures. You might just be surprised to see the kid in you come to life!

Off the Beaten Path: If you have an adventurous spirit the region has even more to offer! Home to numerous oddities and rarely visited treasures the Adventure Trail has many “Off the Beaten Path” places just waiting to be explored. Some of theses may be a little tricky to find but they are well worth the effort!

Scenic Driving Tours: These recommended driving tours will help you make the most of your visit to this unique region. Whether you want to relive history, be moved by art and theater, or get in touch with nature you will find it all right here!

Quilt Barns: A quilt barn is a barn with a large quilt square painted or hung on the side so that the pattern can be view as people drive past. The designs for these colorful, geometric paintings are either taken from traditional quilt patterns or are one-of-a-kind designs created by local artists. Going out and finding these quilt barns is kind of like a treasure hunt. Plus, It’s a great way to explore the region’s country side.