Exploring Ghost Towns in the Hocking Hills Region 🏚️🌲
The Hocking Hills region of Ohio is not just known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures—it's also home to the remnants of once-thriving communities that time has forgotten. These ghost towns offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, telling the stories of booming industries, lost utopias, and fading frontier towns. Whether you're a history buff, an urban explorer, or just someone who loves a bit of mystery, these abandoned settlements provide a unique experience for those willing to seek them out.
1. Moonville 🌕🚂
📍 Location: Vinton County, Ohio
Highlights:
✅ Moonville Tunnel: A haunted tunnel built in the 1850s for the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, with ghost stories of tragic accidents.
✅ Scenic Hiking Trails: The Moonville Rail Trail passes through the town’s remnants and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.
✅ Coal Mining History: Moonville was once a mining town, home to workers who depended on the railroad for their livelihood.
Must-See:
🚂 Moonville Tunnel – Walk through this historic and eerie tunnel, known for its ghostly legends.
🌲 Moonville Rail Trail – Explore the scenic trail and search for old foundations and mine entrances.
2. Haydenville 🏘️🏭
📍 Location: Hocking County, Ohio
Highlights:
✅ Ohio’s Last Company-Owned Town: Built in 1852, Haydenville was completely owned by the Haydenville Mining and Manufacturing Company.
✅ Architectural Relics: The town’s buildings, made from local bricks and ceramics, showcase a unique industrial design.
✅ National Register of Historic Places: A historically preserved site with structures that reflect its mining and brick-making past.
Must-See:
🏠 Historic Brick Homes – Some of the best-preserved company town architecture in Ohio.
🏭 Haydenville Tunnel – A railroad tunnel that adds a spooky atmosphere to the town’s history.
3. San Toy ⛏️🏚️
📍 Location: Perry County, Ohio
Highlights:
✅ Abandoned Coal Town: Once home to nearly 1,000 residents, this boomtown declined after violent labor disputes and mine closures.
✅ Ruins and Foundations: Some structural remains, including roads and an old jail, can still be seen today.
✅ Ghost Town Status: The town was officially abandoned in 1931, leaving behind eerie remnants of its past.
Must-See:
🏚️ Old Jailhouse – One of the few standing structures from San Toy’s lawless mining days.
⛏️ Collapsed Mine Entrances – Visible throughout the wooded area, marking the town’s mining legacy.
4. Orbiston 🔥🏭
📍 Location: Hocking County, Ohio
Highlights:
✅ Iron Furnace Town: Founded in 1877, this town grew around Ogden Furnace, an important iron production facility.
✅ Rapid Rise and Fall: By 1883, over 500 people lived in Orbiston, but as the iron industry declined, so did the town.
✅ Cemetery and Ruins: Some foundations and grave markers remain, telling the story of a once-thriving community.
Must-See:
🏗️ Furnace Remnants – Explore what’s left of the iron production sites.
⚰️ Bethel Ridge Cemetery – One of the few traces of Orbiston’s former residents.
5. Hartleyville 🌾🏠
📍 Location: Athens County, Ohio
Highlights:
✅ Agricultural Community: Founded near Johnson Run Creek, Hartleyville prospered as a farming settlement.
✅ Post Office History: A post office operated from 1851 to 1893, signaling its importance in the rural economy.
✅ Scenic Abandonment: Nature has completely reclaimed much of Hartleyville, leaving behind only a few traces of its past.
Must-See:
🌾 Farm Foundations – Scattered remains of old homesteads and barns.
🚶 Johnson Run Creek – A peaceful spot that once played a vital role in the town’s economy.
Tips for Exploring Ghost Towns in Hocking Hills 🗺️⚠️
✔️ Do Your Research – Some sites are privately owned; always get permission before visiting.
✔️ Respect the Locations – Leave no trace and avoid disturbing old structures.
✔️ Be Cautious – Many sites have unstable buildings, overgrown paths, and hidden dangers.
✔️ Bring a Map or GPS – Some ghost towns lack signage and are off the beaten path.
✔️ Visit During Daylight – Most of these sites don’t have lighting, and some are considered haunted!
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills 🏡🌲
After a day of exploring Ohio’s lost towns, relax and recharge at Hocking Vacations Cabins. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cabin in the woods or a cozy retreat near hiking trails, Hocking Vacations offers beautiful accommodations with modern comforts—the perfect way to unwind after your ghost town adventures.
Exploring Ohio’s ghost towns offers a one-of-a-kind adventure, blending history, mystery, and nature. Whether you’re hiking to Moonville Tunnel, strolling through Haydenville, or uncovering the ruins of San Toy, these forgotten places tell the fascinating stories of the past.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute official guidance; readers are advised to verify all information through appropriate and authoritative sources before taking action.