Ohio has many state parks and beautiful natural areas to explore. But some have more hiding beneath the surface than meets the eye. Lake Hope State Park is the perfect example of that. With a rich history, a unique abandoned historical structure, and even Lake Hope itself, this underrated Ohio state park nestled inside the Zaleski State Forest is certainly a must-visit. Let’s explore this historic state park and bask in all that it has to offer.

In 1937 Lake Hope Forest Park was established by the Division of Forestry. It became Lake Hope State Park in 1949 when Ohio's Department of Natural Resources was created.
Lake Hope State Park
Lake Hope State Park/Facebook
The wonderful Lake Hope State Park nature center is the hub of many activities, hiking groups, and informative naturalist programs.
The lake itself is a beautiful 120-acre lake that was named after the Lake Hope mining village. The original town still lies 60-70 feet beneath the lake.
Sarah Hina/Flickr
There is only one building remaining from the former town - an old one-room schoolhouse. It has actually been renovated to be used as a community center.
One other structure still standing is the old blast furnace, the Hope Furnace.
Richie Evener/Alltrails
Between 1854 and 1874 it was used to smelt iron ore. It is one of only two existing iron-ore furnaces in Vinton County and would have been central to the town's survival. Once the furnace was shut down much of the town dispersed.

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Remains of the old pioneer cemetery can still be seen along one of the hiking trails in the park.
Eva Simons/Alltrails
With miles and miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, there are plenty of cool rock formations, beautiful lake views, and natural wonders to discover.
Richie Evener/Alltrails
The park is also a hot spot for mushroom hunting. With over 2,000 kinds of wild mushrooms in Ohio, it is a fungus lover's paradise.
Ty Swonger/Alltrails
After a day of hiking, exploring, and mushroom collecting a stop at the beach feels just about perfect.
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There is so much to do at Lake Hope State Park, from camping, hiking, and swimming at Lake Hope beach in the warmer months to snowshoeing, skiing, and even more hiking in the winter. While some may see this hidden gem as just one of the many state parks in the state, those in the know come back year after year to enjoy all that this unique park has to offer.

 

Discover more about this underrated state park by watching this YouTube video by OhioDNR.

We left out one of the best parts of this park. Make sure you visit the Lake Hope Lodge for one of the best meals you ever have after a day of hiking. Also, if you’re searching for more adventure, here are some attractions near the park that we recommend.

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More to Explore

ABANDONED PLACES NEAR ME & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | September 22, 2023

What are some more abandoned places in Ohio that are worth visiting?

Have you searched for abandoned places near me lately? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the creepiest abandoned places in Ohio:

  • Detroit-Superior Bridge/Veterans Memorial Bridge, Cleveland
  • Republic Rubber Company, Youngstown
  • Geauga Lake Amusement Park, Aurora
  • Roseville Prison, Roseville
  • Chippewa Lake Amusement Park, Chippewa Lake
  • Moonville, Vinton County
  • Molly Stark Hospital, Louisville
  • Carpenter’s Mill, Powell
  • Peters Cartridge Factory Apartments, Maineville
  • Champion Electric, Northfield

Be sure to read our previous article to learn more about these abandoned places in Ohio.

Are there ghost towns in Ohio that are worth visiting?

There are quite a few ghost towns in Ohio, but here are the ones that are with mentioning:

Check out this previous article telling you more about these creepy ghost towns in Ohio.

What are some haunted places in Ohio?

If you love paranormal activities or abandoned creepy places, check out these haunted places in Ohio that will send chills down your spine.

  • Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield
  • Beaver Creek State Park, East Liverpool
  • Historic Park Hotel, Put-In-Bay
  • Walhalla Road, Columbus
  • Buxton Inn, Granville
  • Lima Tuberculosis Hospital, Lima
  • Franklin Castle, Cleveland
  • Squire's Castle, Willoughby Hills
  • Majestic Theatre, Chillicothe
  • Molly Stark Hospital, Louisville
  • Punderson Manor Lodge, Newbury Township

Discover more about these creepy places by reading this article about the most haunted places in Ohio.

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Lake Hope State Park, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA