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.

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/Facebook The wonderful Lake Hope State Park nature center is the hub of many activities, hiking groups, and informative naturalist programs.

Lake Hope 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.

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

Lake Hope State 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 Lake Hope State Park beach feels just about perfect.

Lake Hope State Park/Facebook There is so much to do at the Lake Hope State Park, from camping, hiking, and swimming 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Eva Simons/Alltrails

Ty Swonger/Alltrails

There is so much to do at the Lake Hope State Park, from camping, hiking, and swimming 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.

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