Lake Hope State Park
27331 State Route 278
McArthur, OH 45651
Lake 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: |
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| Park Map | Campground Map | |
| Local Park Site | Hocking Valley Birding Trail | |
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
- Hunting is permitted in the adjacent Zaleski State Forest
- A valid Ohio hunting license is required
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
