Lake Hope State Park
27331 State Route 278
McArthur, OH 45651
740-596-5253
Lake Hope State Park is only thirty minutes from Hocking Hills State Park. It offers a a swimming beach, boat rentals and plenty of deep woods hiking. There is a year-around naturalist at the park and a unique nature center near the campground with turtles, snakes and fun hands-on activities for kids.
Take State Route 56 near Ash Cave to State Route 278. The scenic drive along State Route 278 will take you on roadways once traveled by teams of mules and their drivers hauling iron ore to the historic Hope Furnace around the time of the Civil War.
If you stop at Hope Furnace, there is a trail that works its way along the lake. Across the road, there is also the Zaleski State Forest backpacking trail running a strenuous 10 miles.
Lake Hope State Park Yearly Events
Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday April 1:00pm Kids can search for prize-filled eggs and families can participate in “egg”-citing games! Nature Center. -
Annual Wildflower Walk Saturday, April 1:00-3:00pm, 1.5-mile walk along Raccoon Creek to identify wildflowers and discuss folklore. Hope Furnace with your vehicle.
Youth Fishing Tournament Saturday May 8:00am-11:00am, Parking Lot below the Lake Hope Dam For kids aged 1-16. Adults must be present with each child. Trophy presentation and cookout afterwards. We provide the poles and bait or bring your own.
Migration Birdwalk May 9:00am-Noon Search different habitats for spring migrants. Last year we saw 50 species of birds! Some binoculars provided. Hope Furnace. Hand-Feeding Hummingbirds June 24-Labor Day, 2009 Participants can make a feeder and attempt to hand-feed hummingbirds. Nature Center. June 24th-August 31st every Wednesday through Sunday 1:00-3:00pm
Hummingbird Banding Demo July Nature Center 9:00-11:00am: Banding Demo 1:00-2:00pm presentation Hummingbird expert Allen Chartier will capture and band our hummingbirds. Allen will also present his research about Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.
Zaleski Flint Knap-In Saturday July 10:00am-4:00pm, Learn how to make arrowheads, primitive tools, and atl-atls. Displays and demonstrations. Nature Center.
30th Annual Fall Hike October 10:00am 3-mile guided hikes begin at 10:00am from the shelterhouse. Hike ends at Hope Furnace with bean soup and cornbread. Shuttles return you to your car. Enjoy Sassafras tea to start.
Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited (ROAR) DAY October 9:00am-5:00m Shelterhouse, Hope School Celebrate Appalachian culture through crafts, music, food, and fun. Celebrate Appalachian Halloween too. Hayrides, S’mores, and more!
Holiday Trail of Lights Each night in December 6:00-10:00pm Hike through the forest to view our 100,000+ light display including animated scenes, decorated trees, and landscape lighting. Extra activities on weekends. Nature Center.
