Hocking Hills: Night Hikes/Ghost Hunts led by author Jannette Quackenbush: Click here

Throughout the Year

Join author and folklorist Jannette Quackenbush of Dark Journeys for an unforgettable night hike adventure and supernatural investigation at Ohio's amazing places, including the legendary Moonville Tunnel in the Hocking Hills. Experience the lore of local ghosts as Jannette shares chilling stories along the Moonville Rail Trail, culminating in an atmospheric ghost hunt at the famously haunted tunnel.

This out-and-back hike follows Vinton County Park’s Moonville Rail Trail from Moonville town proper to Ingham Station/Bear Hollow. The pace is relaxed, encouraging curiosity about ghosts, nature, and the wild, with plenty of opportunities to chat and enjoy the dusk—perhaps in the company of ghosts, owls, stars, and other nocturnal creatures.

After the hike, those interested can participate in a hands-on paranormal investigation, using Jannette’s specialized tools to attempt communication with the resident spirits.

The entire experience—including the hike and ghost hunt—will last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The one-way hike takes 30–40 minutes at a gentle pace, with occasional stops for captivating folklore and ghost stories. Please note: The route may be too strenuous for individuals with health concerns, breathing difficulties, mobility challenges, or limited physical fitness.

Jannette Quackenbush is a renowned U.S. author and folklorist, recognized nationwide for her vivid storytelling and in-depth research on haunted locations, legends, and folklore across the United States. Her acclaimed book series (over 50 books) includes the Big Book of American Ghost Stories, Big Book of American Cryptids, Haunted Ohio, Haunted Hocking Hills, and 3 books on Moonville, drawing readers with chilling tales and fascinating local history from every corner of the country.

Registration and Dates: To sign up or view available dates, please click here.

Upcoming fall events include night hikes during Midnight at Moonville in Zaleski, Ohio, on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10, as well as additional Saturday hikes on October 24 and October 31.

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Lake Hope State Park

Thursday, October 8 Homeschoolers: Squirrels  11:00am-12:00pm  Jump, balance, and gather like a squirrel to discover what great athletes these furry critters are.  Meet at the Nature Center.

Saturday, October 10

Tree ID Hike  1:00pm-2:00pm  Using key characteristics, take-home dichotomous keys, and phone applications, we will identify several species of trees in different ways. Identifying and documenting species in the park and at home helps provide data to scientists about trends in our area. Learn to contribute as a citizen scientist!  Meet at the Nature Center.

Glow Worm Walk  7:30pm-8:30pm  Discover the secret life of lightning bugs. Take a slow, short walk to find the faint glow of their larvae.  Meet at Hope Furnace.

Saturday, October 17, 2026 47 th Annual Fall Hike
 10:00am-2:00pm
 Enjoy a 3.2-mile hike along the water’s edge on the Furnace Trail, surrounded by
autumn’s golden hues. At the end, slurp up some bean soup and cornbread before
being shuttled back to your vehicle by park staff. Both guided and self-guided hike
options are available.
 Meet at the Shelter House
 This trail does not loop. The state park will provide transportation from the end point
at the Hope Furnace to the starting point at the shelter house until approximately
2:00pm for hike participants. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes and water are
recommended.

Saturday, October 31 ROAR Day 

10:00am-4:00pm  Come celebrate Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited with us! Shop for locally made crafts, test your archery skills against a pumpkin, decorate your campsite and prepare for the costume contests and trick o’ treat! Fun things are happening all over the park! Pick up a flyer at the lodge that day.  Meet at the Nature Center, Hope School House or Dining Lodge.