Exploring Ohio’s hiking trails can uncover some captivating remnants of history.
You may already be familiar with the abandoned Moonville Tunnel, a favorite among adventurers. However, just a few miles away in Athens County lies another relic of the past—a forgotten railroad tunnel and the ruins of a ghost town that many overlook. While it may not carry the eerie reputation of others, this site offers its own intriguing charm—and thankfully, it isn’t believed to be haunted. If you’re curious about an abandoned village situated along one of Ohio’s most captivating hiking routes, the remnants of the small town of Mineral are sure to pique your interest. Although it’s not as chilling as some other abandoned sites, it’s a fascinating destination nonetheless.
Situated just under three miles from the ghostly Moonville, the remains of Mineral can be found nestled within Zaleski State Forest. To reach this hidden gem, take Rock Camp Rd., located off of King Hollow Trail (as shown in the picture).
To get to the ghost town, take Rock Camp Rd., which is located just off King Hollow Trail. If you prefer to avoid hiking through Moonville, you can park close to where King Hollow Trail intersects with Rock Camp Rd.
Remember that the Moonville Rail Trail, which stretches from Zaleski to Athens, is maintained by the county, so please adhere to the rules indicated on the posted signs.
King’s Hollow Tunnel, often referred to by various names such as “Mineral Tunnel,” “King’s Switch Tunnel,” “King’s Station Tunnel,” and “King’s Tunnel,” is located along the historic railway line that also features the Moonville Tunnel.
Constructed around 1855 by the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, the tunnel eventually became part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and later the CSX system, but was left abandoned in the 1980s. Today, it stands as a highlight on one of the top hiking routes to abandoned sites in the state.
In the 19th century, the town of Mineral played a significant role in the mining and iron production sectors.
Above is an 1867 map showcasing Kings Station and Mineral City, which is now known simply as Mineral, a ghost town.
Once bustling with activity, this timber-framed tunnel now lies deserted, offering a fascinating hiking spot for adventurers in Ohio keen on exploring the region’s coal mining and railroading heritage.
King’s Hollow Tunnel stretches 355.2 feet in length and spans 15 feet in width, making it slightly longer than the Moonville Tunnel.
Surrounding the tunnel, you can discover the remains of what used to be the ghost town of Kings Station. An example of this is an old, deserted house, as shown in the image.
(Important Reminder: Keep a safe distance while viewing the remnants of the ghost town, as the deserted structures may pose risks.)
What are your thoughts on this being one of Ohio’s top hiking spots? Would you venture into the tunnel and the deserted path? If you’ve already visited, we’d love to hear your experiences!