Ohio · Hiking

Moonville Rail Trail

0.3 mi
round trip
224 ft
climb
738 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Moonville Rail Trail is a short, easy hike in Zaleski State Forest in southeastern Ohio, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 0.6 miles, with a total elevation gain of about 50 feet. The steepest part comes early, at about 6% grade, and the high point sits around 738 feet. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens show May highs around 72°F and September highs around 76°F, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Several other trails lie within a couple of miles, including the Zaleski Backpack Trail - South Loop and the A-B Trail. For an overnight stay, Zaleski Forest Horse Camp is about 2.4 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Moonville Rail Trail

    Best months: June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 22°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 23°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      52° / 30°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 40°

      13 wet

    5. May

      72° / 50°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 59°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 63°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 61°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 54°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 42°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 32°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 27°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Athens Ou, OH, 12.2 mi away at 684 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors