Seein' the Light at the End of the Moonville Tunnel

I'm thinking with this weekend's expected temperatures to be very comfortable to get out with my kid sister and see the sights.  Some of the best sights in Southeastern Ohio are a bit off the beaten path, such as the Moonville Tunnel:

Although said to be haunted by the spirit of a railroad brakeman, I didn't see any such specter.  However, if you go during the summer the tunnel is haunted by mosquitoes large enough to file flights plans.  You can ride a horse through the tunnel, do some biking, or take in a viewing of the gallery of graffiti:

The tunnel is located in Lake Hope State Park, which is a little-known but beautiful place.  As I was with my little sister, I don't remember the exact directions to getting to the tunnel.  Obviously it was a tad tricky getting out there due to rough roads.  I was rather surprised during my jaunt to find there were quite a few other people heading to the tunnel as well.  There were several people riding horses and some other looky-loos.  The trail to the tunnel is maybe half a mile but there's a difficult to climb hill at the end to get up to the tunnel.

There's a lot of industrial ruins from the old coal and iron boom days within easy driving distance.  One of the most notable ones I've been itching to set eye on is San Toy. There's not much there other than some foundations but it's this one piece from the past that's urging me to go:

 Source: Forgotten OH

It's hard to tell, but this is an old traffic light from the 1920s and from what I last heard it was there as of early this spring. However the spring and summer bring an ample greenness to Ohio that hides most of the structural artifacts forcing me to wait until the weather is chilly and otherwise unpleasant.  This weekend 'Ol Sol will be shining and and the temperature enjoyable without being too cold or too hot.
Also worth a look:

 Source: Forgotten OH

If you continue down 33 past Athens and then Nelsonville, on the left side of the road you'll see a sign welcoming you to Haydenville.  It's well worth the time to swing off the road and take in the town.  Again, this is the last company-owned town in Ohio and the well-maintained homes showcase the unique brick that is prevalent in the area.  The church above is built of these bricks and is stunning in real life.  Thankfully, there's a wooden pallet manufacturer located in the town who has graciously donated much-needed funds to help maintain this beautiful building. 

Probably the most well-known attraction in Hyadenville is the tunnel.  Whereas the Moonville tunnel was for the railroad, the Haydenville tunnel was constructed to move clay from the mines to the brick ovens. The road to the tunnel is the second road on the right after turning into the town.  The road takes you to the top of the hill where there's a small cemetery and you can climb down the hill to the tunnel.  Or, right after you first turn on the road, take the first left.  It starts off as a gravel road that turns into dirt and then turns into weeds.  If your car is low to the ground, you will lose your catalytic converter.  The road leads right up to the tunnel.  The Haydenville Tunnel is extremely dangerous.  You can stand in the entryway but all you'll see is a giant pile of rubble.  And yes, you can climb over it but you're only asking for trouble.  The wood used to construct the tunnel is rotten beyond belief and a complete cave-in is always possible.  I've heard the local law is okay with you standing outside taking pictures but if they catch you physically in the tunnel they'll ask you to leave. 

 Source: The Athens Conservatory

 

The King's Tunnel (also known as the Mineral tunnel) is only a few miles from the Moonville tunnel and is easily accessible.  I haven't been here yet but I'm hoping to make the trip on my way to San Toy.   Nowhere near as dangerous as Haydenville, considerably less mosquitoes than Moonville, but there is a musty smell that can be smelled someways back.  

If you decide to visit any of these tunnels, do let someone you're coming and when you expect to be back.  Cell phone reception is horrible up around Moonville and Haydenville if you're lucky enough to get it.  Don't go alone, if someone does get hurt and you can't make a call, someone can go get help. Don't forget to take pictures and have fun.