Lake Hope State Park - Ohio - State/Provincial Parks on Waymarking.com

Lake Hope State Park is located about 20 miles west of Athens, Ohio. The park is entirely surrounded by the Zaleski State Forest.

The park includes a large lake, hiking trails, and some of the best mountain biking trails in the state.

The park is also home to the Hope Furnace, an 19th century iron smelting furnace in the town of Hope Ohio. The town, largely abandoned after the furnace shut down, was covered by Lake Hope when the dam was constructed, circa 1937.

Park Type: Overnight Activities: 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 showerhouses, 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 Boating * Boats with electric motors only may be used on the 120 acre lake. * Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rent Fishing and Hunting * Anglers will find good catches of bluegill, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass at Lake Hope * Hunting is permitted in the adjacent Zaleski State Forest * A valid Ohio hunting or fishing license is required 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 Picnicking * Picnic areas with tables and grills are located at many secluded and scenic areas around the park. * 3 picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation Trails * 17 miles of hiking trails traverse the lake and scenic woodlands of the Lake Hope area and offer opportunities for photography and nature study. * 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. Date Established?: 1937 Link to Park: [Web Link] Park Fees: Not listed Background: Not listed Additional Entrance Points: Not Listed

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Date Logged Log   09/10/2013 lyndihrdmn visited it