|
|
State Park Information |
|
Lake Hope State Park
27331 State Route 278
McArthur
|
|
|
|
State Park Overview |
| |
Nature of the Area |
|
Lake Hope State Park is truly a nature lovers dream. In the forest-draped hills, the observant visitor can discover the abundant natural resources of this wild and scenic park.
Although most of the forest was cut to fuel the iron smelting industry that once flourished here, the land has recovered and supports a magnificent, second-growth forest. Oak and hickory are the dominant trees while the woodland floor harbors a fascinating assemblage of shrubs and wildflowers. The yellow ladys slipper, one of the rarest and most showy orchids, blooms in secluded hollows. Other spring wildflowers such as blue-eyed mary, bloodroot and wild geranium can be found in abundance.
Deer and wild turkeys are often seen in a number of park locations. Of the many animals inhabiting the park, none is as popular as the beaver. As natures dam builders, the beavers are found in numbers and can be observed near the quiet inlets of the lake. |
Camping |
| |
Trails |
| |
Picnicking |
| |
Boating |
| |
Swimming |
| |
Fishing and Hunting |
| |
History of the Area |
|
Though the roar of the iron furnaces no longer echoes through the hills of Vinton County, there are many reminders of days gone by at Lake Hope State Park. Situated at the heart of Ohios Hanging Rock iron region, Lake Hope State Park reflects the rich history of much of southeastern Ohio.
The Hope Furnace was built here over 100 years ago to process the iron ore extracted from the regions sandstone bedrock. The iron resulting from the ore smelting process was used to produce many different items, including ammunition and cannon for the Union Army during the Civil War. Hundreds of men labored cutting timber, working the furnace and driving teams of oxen hauling iron ore to the furnace. Charcoal fires were tended 24 hours a day so much wood was required for this process that the surrounding hillsides were almost completely stripped of their timber. At the height of the Hope Furnaces production, Ohio was one of the nations leading producers of iron. As time passed, iron ore was discovered farther west and Ohios reputation as a major iron producer waned.
By 1900, nearly all of the major furnaces in southern Ohio were shut down. Today, the Hope Furnace chimney and some of the foundation are all that remain of the structure. In the vicinity of the chimney, one may find pieces of slag, the cast-off residue from the smelting process. These pock-marked, glass-like pieces have now become a part of the forest floor. The forest we now see is one that has grown back where hundreds of years ago a primeval forest once stood.
For a time, coal was an important Vinton County export. A number of mines tunneled into the hills and large quantities of coal were transported out in ox-drawn coal cars. Most of the mines were abandoned early in this century.
Lake Hope Forest Park was created in 1937 by the Division of Forestry. The Division of Parks and Recreation and Lake Hope State Park came into existence in 1949. |
| |
| |
Area Accommodations |
|  |
New Plymouth, OH
A truly unique and romantic escape from the Real World! Enchanting castle rooms and suites unusual cottages and Gypsy Wagon! Most have fireplaces some with Jacuzzis. Old World ambience throughout!
Price Range $45$275
Web Site
|
|
| | Cottages and Cabins | |  |
South Bloomingville, OH
Let nature entertain you! Whether you are sitting in the Hot Tub, OR relaxing on one of our log beds, OR just listening to the rippling stream, Or exploring the small cave on the property, NATURE SURROUNDS YOU!
Web Site
|
|
| |  |
Rockbridge, OH
A Hocking Hills getaway. One and two bedroom cabins
Web Site
|
|
|
| | |
Local Visitor Information Web Sites |
|  |
Offical Guide to Southeastern Ohios Scenic Wonderland, the Hocking Hills. The 9 State Parks and State Forests. How to get there, things to do, interesting local merchants, what to see, places to stay. Reserve your cabin or campsite online!
Web Site
|
|
|
More Info | |
Ohio has 73 state parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences. | |
Pictures from Ohios best fall color viewing locations plus information about fall in Ohio. | |
Take the path less traveled and experience our inn. Come explore our world of secluded 1840s log cabins or antique filled rooms. Culinary magic abounds with breakfast and dinner served on the... | |
Parks &Recreation in Zaleski, Ohio. Located in Vinton County, in rural Southeastern Ohio, the Village of Zaleski is situated in the heart of a beautiful region possessing a number of tremendous... | |
Dining & Accommodations in Zaleski, Ohio. Lake Hope Lodge. Dining at Lake Hope State Park. In addition to housing a meeting room and the cabin reservation office for Lake Hope, the dining lodge... | |
This page is for the state of Ohio and is a subpage of Horse Mule Trail Guide USA. ... Hockaday E-Mail, Click here ZALESKI STATE FOREST (Lake Hope State Park) Zaleski, OH 45698 Ph 614.596.5253 -- Lake Hope State Park ... | |
Copyright ? 1999, 2001. Michigan Botanical Club. All rights reserved. Revised 03/29/02. The Michigan Botanical Club holds a meeting of the entire club on Memorial Day weekend. Year. Location. ... | |
Copyright ? 1999, 2001. Michigan Botanical Club. All rights reserved. Revised 03/29/02. Spring Foray 2002. Are you looking for a new adventure? Then come to the 2002 Michigan Botanical Club... | |
Hocking Hills State ParksLake Hope. Lake Hope. A natural paradise, Lake Hope State Park lies entirely withinthe 18,200-acre Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big SandyRun. It is a rugged,... | |
August 1997. Through Aug. 22Friday Night Bandstand, Downtown Lancaster. For details call 614-653-8251 or 1-800-626-1296. Through Labor DayAmphitheater Shows, Lake Alma State Park. For... | |
An Ohio grassroots environmental organization with two major projects protecting public forests and organizing citizens affected by coal mining. | |
Buckeye TrailEvents ... 7. To get there from the south takeUS 50 to SR 278 north through the Lake Hope State Park to the trailhead across from the Hope Furnace. To get there from the north take ... | |
... Contradancing Burr Oak State Park The Great Outdoors (Athens County CVB) Hocking Hills Guide Lake Hope State Park More information on recreation, etc. in Athens county Old Mans Cave Strouds Run ... | |
In the southeastern Ohio town of Lake Hope sits the MOONVILLE TUNNEL. This long forgotten railroad tunnel is one of the only remaining remnants of a small mining town that thrived for a short... | |
ruralaction. Home. Foreword. From Carol Kuhre. From Gifford Doxsee. Sustainable Communities. Sustainable Economies. Sustainable Environments. Financial Information. Partners & Funders. ... | |
ruralaction. Home. Foreword. From Carol Kuhre. From Gifford Doxsee. Sustainable Communities. Sustainable Economies. Sustainable Environments. Financial Information. Partners & Funders. ... | |
Cycle Path Bicycle Shops informational web pages | |
The Official Scioto Trail and Great Seal State Park Homepage. Your Guide to Camping, Hiking and Picnicking at Scioto Trail and Great Seal. |
Area 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. |
Area Campgrounds | | Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S
Logan, OH
(740) 385-6841
| Campbell Cove Camping
30775 Lake Logan Rd
Logan, OH
(740) 385-2994
| Ohio Parks Dept
Lake Alma
Wellston, OH
(740) 384-4474
| Caveman Retreat
18693 State Route 664 S
Logan, OH
(740) 385-9485
| Lake Logan Campground
28920 Lake Logan Rd
Logan, OH
(740) 385-2630
| Top of the Caves
26780 Chapel Ridge Rd
Logan, OH
(740) 385-6566
| Strouds State Park
11661 State Park Rd
Athens, OH
(740) 592-2302
| Smoke Rise Resort & Campgrounds
82 N Court St
Athens, OH
(740) 592-4077
| Lost Hollow Campgrounds
16700 Harble Griffith Rd
Logan, OH
(740) 385-6320
| Scenic View Campgrounds
29150 Pattor Rd
Logan, OH
(740) 385-4295
| Inn the Woods
17250 Campbell Rd
Nelsonville, OH
(740) 753-0500
| |
|
Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Frank's Bait Carryout & Cnfctn
101 Central Ave
Athens, OH
(740) 593-3755
| John Bait & Tackle
351 Short St
Logan, OH
(740) 385-4772
| Williams Bait & Tackle
1268 S Pennsylvania Ave
Wellston, OH
(740) 384-6163
| Whitetail Trophy & Exotics
1984 Bell Bottom Rd Se
New Straitsville, OH
(740) 385-9079
| |
|
Area Resorts and Lodging | | Burr Oak Resort
Glouster, OH
(740) 767-2112
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
Area Activities |
| Tourism | | |
Rockbridge, OH
Offical Guide to Southeastern Ohios Scenic Wonderland, the Hocking Hills. The 9 State Parks and State Forests. How to get there, things to do, interesting local merchants, what to see, places to stay. Reserve your cabin or campsite online!
Web Site
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
|
|
