Trail Overview

Vinton County Tunnels Tour Part 1 is an easy, scenic 15.3-mile off-road route through the historic Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio. Beginning at the Lake Hope State Park Lodge, this counterclockwise journey winds south through Vinton County's dense woodlands on primarily unpaved and gravel roads. Rated at a technical difficulty of 2, the drive features minor challenges like steep hill climbs and soft shoulders, making it accessible to most stock high-clearance 4WD vehicles or standard SUVs in dry conditions. The route highlights the area's rich coal-mining and railroad history, passing near the historic Campbell Tunnel and Zaleski State Forest. It can be completed in approximately six hours, with opportunities for gas and food in nearby communities. This segment also connects to the Zaleski Vinton County Tunnel Loop West for an extended adventure exploring regional ghost towns, covered bridges, and abandoned train tunnels.

Photos of Vinton County Tunnels Tour Part 1

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Difficulty

You'll find some steep hill climbs and soft shoulders.

Technical Rating

Kyle P

Aug 26, 2025

2025 Toyota Tundra

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

Generally an easy course. A lot of main roads, but the start in to the trail has some nice little scenes. Cool little photos spots. No issues during this. Extremely easily done in RWD.

Joe Carron

Jun 21, 2025

2024 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Normal

Rather boring drive but would be beautiful in the fall. 2wd on gravel sections. Lots of paved road but scenic in nature. Anyone can drive this with any vehicle.

TJ Ferrera

May 31, 2025

2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Open

Great trail with dirt and gravel sections as well as paved sections. Beautiful scenery. Easy trail for entry level drivers.

N H

May 17, 2025

2014 Toyota Tacoma

Obstructed

Downed Tree

large tree down about 1/4 of the way in.

Kevin Lehr

May 03, 2025

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Normal

Derek Lowe

Jan 04, 2025

Obstructed

Downed Tree

Dave Koczur

Sep 29, 2024

Obstructed

Downed Tree

Several trees are down. All were passable by going off road and around them, except for the one. It’s large and lays across the road on a hill side. So no way to avoid it. The rest of the trail had a lot of tree branch debris downed from the remnants of hurricane Helene that came through a day ago. I never did see the tunnel that someone else posted a photo of on here. I took the road around to the other side of the downed tree and entered from that direction. Still no tunnel. The picture of the map shows where I was and the direction I was heading when I encountered the downed tree.

John Birchfield

Aug 31, 2024

Open

Dusty

The trail was open hot and dusty the leaves are already changing it was a beautiful drive

chris hardwick

Aug 04, 2024

Temporarily Closed

The road is closed just after the State Route 328 intersection from what looked like a bridge replacement, which forced us to turn around and abandon the remaining loop. Unknown, to me when it may be re-opened.

Michael W

Jul 14, 2024

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

Open

Normal

Jon G.

Jun 29, 2024

Open

NormalDusty

Recent maintenance, smooth. Dry, dusty. Good cruise with family from out of town.

Andy Kachelmeier

Jun 22, 2024

Open

Dusty

Jim Wolf

Mar 01, 2024

Open

Normal

Sam Liu

Jan 03, 2024

2019 Ford Ranger

Open

Normal

Drew Chaplin

Oct 18, 2023

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Open

Normal