Explore history and scenery on Devil’s Backbone hike Oct. 19

Knox County Park District and Danville Public Library host guided Hike-and-Learn on Wally Railroad’s historic route

Cranes work on a derailed train coal car at the Devi's Backbone near Danville in June of 1912. The famous area will be open for a hike and learn event on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1-4 p.m.

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Published October 17, 2025 - 5:30 a.m.

The Walhonding Valley Railroad is a thing of the past, but the landscape through which it ran — including the famous “Devil’s Backbone” — remains some of the most striking and beautiful in Ohio.

The Knox County Park District and the Danville Public Library invite you to experience that by joining us on a little walk in the woods — a leisurely mile or so (with an optional additional mile or two for more ambitious hikers).

Thanks to the generosity of the descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Chase, whose family has owned the property since 1948, the public is able to visit their scenic forested hills on select occasions. Oct. 19 is one of those opportunities.

Come learn about the valley’s geology and geography, the Wally Railroad, its complicated construction, a few key events from the area’s history (including at least one spectacular derailment and several floods), and enjoy the autumn landscape.

Local historian David Greer and other guides will be on hand to greet guests, answer questions, and launch the self-guided tour.

Visitors to this Hike-and-Learn event are welcome between 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Chase property at 19940 Nashville Road in rural Danville.

This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome but the terrain may be challenging for some.

For more information, please call the Knox County Park District at (740) 392-7275 or the Danville Public Library at (740) 599-BOOK. You can also come to the library to ask at the Circulation Desk or visit www.knox.net.