Ohio · Hiking

Moonville Rail Trail

3.4 mi
round trip
817 ft
climb
810 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Moonville Rail Trail is a 6.7-mile out-and-back hike in Zaleski State Forest in southeastern Ohio, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The trail starts and ends at about 807 feet, with a high point of 810 feet and a low of 690 feet. The climb is moderate, with a total elevation gain of 123 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 2.6 miles in, where the grade reaches 20%. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 74°F and September highs near 79°F, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Several other trails sit within a couple of miles, including the Zaleski Backpack Trail - South Loop, Camp 2 Trail and Old's Hollow Trail. For an overnight stay, Zaleski Forest Horse Camp is about 2.2 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Moonville Rail Trail

    Best months: April–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

      39° / 22°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      43° / 23°

      10 wet

    3. Mar

      53° / 30°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      66° / 40°

      11 wet

    5. May

      74° / 50°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 58°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 62°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 60°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 52°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      67° / 41°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      54° / 32°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 26°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Carpenter 2 S, OH, 12.3 mi away at 822 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Knights LaborPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors