Posted in Ohio January 12, 2018 by

Most People Don’t Know About These Strange Ruins Hiding In Ohio

Sometimes, we pass by pieces of the past without ever knowing it.

All across Ohio, you’ll find remnants of ghost towns and former railroads just waiting to be explored. (Be sure to check out our previous article here.) They’re often hidden in state forests, out of sight and out of mind. Other times, they’re right under your nose. Most people don’t know about some strange looking ruins hiding along the Hockhocking Adena Bikepath in Athens County. Check it out:

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Tucked away in Athens County along a popular bike path are rows of seemingly strange ruins. Can you guess what they are?
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
What used to be railroad trusses from a former mining town are now battered arches that are slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Along the Hockhocking Adena Bikepath, you'll find the railroad trusses at mile marker 14.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Note: You can also reach these ruins near Hocking College in Nelsonville by turning left on Monk Road (which is about 3 miles away from Hocking College) and driving down it until it dead-ends.
Few people know that when they pass this mile marker, they're actually passing what used to be a flourishing mining town called Floodwood Station.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Pictured above is an 1875 map of the town.
Floodwood Station existed just after the Civil War until the beginning of World War II.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
The town consisted of two iron furnaces, a train station on the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railroad and several mines, according to ohioghosttowns.org.
It's hard to believe that these railroad trusses once lead to a bustling mine when you see just how overgrown the area is.
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Note: If you're able to find these ruins for yourself, proceed with caution and please be respectful of the area.

So, what do you think? Did you know about these ruins? If you’ve explored them before, please share your photos and stories with us!

For more interesting ruins in Ohio, read our previous article: These 16 Unbelievable Ruins In Ohio Will Transport You To The Past. For more photos of interesting hiking destinations and Ohio history, check out our friends Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites on Facebook!