Lake Hope State Park

27331 State Route 278
McArthur, OH 45651

GPS:N 39° 20' 22.11", W 82° 21' 19.14"

Lake HopeLake Hope State Park is tucked into Zaleski State Forest and is rich in the history surrounding the iron ore days more than a hundred years ago. Although the once vibrant  town of Hope is gone today, the chimney from the Hope Furnace and an old cemetery can still be seen in this wilderness-covered park. Nearby is the allegedly haunted Moonville Tunnel.

 

 

Park Office 740-596-5253
Reservations for Cottages, Camp Sites, Getaway Rentals & Shelters 866-644-6727

Reserve online:  

    
 
 

 

Cottages 

  • 25 Wildlife cottages
  • 20 Iron Furnace cottages
  • 21 Forest cottages
  • All cottages have linens, towels and complete kitchens with microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, and outdoor grills and fire rings
  • Iron Furnace and Forest cottages are finished in native hardwood and have woodburning fireplaces
  • Pets are permitted in select cottages, please call 866-644-6727 for more information
  • Groups may reserve Laurel Lodge, a rustic structure with a beautiful stone fireplace, which sleeps 22 persons, provides kitchen facilities and is open year round

Camping  

 

  • 46 electric sites
  • 141 non-electric sites
  • Heated shower houses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables and fire rings
  • Pets are permitted
  • Group camp is available for organized groups on a reservation basis
  • Equestrian camp is available for bridle trail users in Zaleski State Forest

Getaway Rentals 

  • 3 Rent-A-Camp units, equipment provided includes: tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove
  • 2 Camper Cabins 

Picnicking  

  • 9 picnic areas with tables and grills are located at many secluded and scenic areas around the park.
  • A shelter house is available for reservation online or by calling 866-644-6727

Trails

  • Hiking Trails
    • Habron Hollow Trail • 1.5 Miles • Moderate/Difficult
    • White Oak Trail • 1/4 Mile • Moderate
    • Buzzard Cave Trail • 1/2 Mile • Moderate
    • Greenbriar Trail • 1/2 Mile • Moderate
    • Peninsula Trail • 3 Miles • Moderate
    • Olds Hollow Trail • 1.5 Miles • Moderate 
    • Hope Furnace Trail • 3.2 Miles • Moderate
  • Biking Trails
    • Copperhead Trail • 7.2 Miles • Moderate 
    • Little Sandy Trail • 4.5 Miles • Moderate
    • Wildcat Trail • 3.5 Miles • Moderate
    • Sidewinder Trail • 2.5 Miles • Moderate/Difficult
    • Yosemite Falls Trail • 3.5 Miles • Moderate
    • Yosemite Trail • 1.5 Miles • Moderate/Difficult
    • Bobcat Trail • 2 Miles • Moderate
    • Red Oak Trail • 1/2 Mile • Moderate/Difficult
  • 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites is available in the adjacent state forest, backpackers must register upon arrival
  • 33 miles of bridle trail in the state forest are available for riders with their own mounts
  • Lake Hope's 23-mile singletrack bike trail was chosen as Ohio's top mountain bike trail by readers of "Mountain Bike Magazine"
  • The wooded singletrack, which is open to mountain bikes, offers plenty of bike riding options
  • The Athens Bicycle Club offers a few ideas to get you started • Their bike trail map may also be helpful

Boating

  • 120-acre lake allows boats with electric motors only
  • 1 launch ramp
  • Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rent

Fishing

  • Anglers will find good catches of bluegill, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass at Lake Hope
  • A valid Ohio fishing license is required

Hunting

Public Swimming

  • 600 foot swimming beach is located near the dam
  • Facilities include a beachhouse with sun deck, restrooms, and a concession building where food and beverages can be purchased
  • Check for water quality advisories

Winter Recreation (weather permitting)

  • Sledding
  • Cross country skiing
  • Ice skating
  • Ice fishing

More To Do

  • The Hope School House Interpretive Center features exhibits and programs on the area's rich history
  • Volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits and playgrounds are available in various day use areas

Nearby Attractions:

  • Hocking Hills State Park, just twenty miles northwest of Lake Hope, boasts some of the most spectacular geological formations in the state. The Blackhand Sandstone has been carved into deep gorges, large recess caves and imposing cliff faces
  • Zaleski State Forest surrounds Lake Hope State Park and includes miles of hiking and bridle trails and backpacking routes • Information on backpacking is available from the Division of Forestry at 614-265-6694
  • The Waterloo Wildlife Area where forest game are managed is within minutes of the park
  • Lake Alma State Park, 15 miles southeast of Lake Hope, offers opportunities for fishing, camping, swimming and picnicking
  • For more information on area attractions and events, visit