|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lake Hope 27331 State Route 278
Nature of the Area Lake Hope State Park is truly a nature lover's 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 lady's 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 nature's dam builders, the beavers are found in numbers and can be observed near the quiet inlets of the lake. History of the Area
The Hope Furnace was built here over 100 years ago to process the iron ore extracted from the region's 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 mules 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 Furnace's production, Ohio was one of the nation's leading producers of iron. As time passed, iron ore was discovered farther west and Ohio's 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 State Park was created in 1949 when the Division of Parks and Recreation came into existence. Dining Lodge The rustic dining lodge, built of native stone and lumber, offers a spectacular view of the lake. The dining lodge features a restaurant, meeting room, snack bar as well as lodge and cabin reservation office. Souvenirs and firewood are available for purchase. Cabins Lake Hope offers family, standard and sleeping cabins for overnight visitors. All cabins have linens, while the family housekeeping and standard cabins have towels and complete cooking utensils. Guests at the sleeping cabins must provide their own cooking utensils. The standard and sleeping cabins are finished in native hardwood and have woodburning fireplaces. Groups may reserve Laurel Lodge, a rustic structure with a beautiful stone fireplace, which sleeps 24 persons, provides kitchen facilities and is open year round.
Camping A beautiful 223-site campground is suitable for tents or trailers. The campground includes heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables and fire rings. Forty-six sites have electric hookups. Three Rent-A-Camp units consisting of a tent, dining fly, cooler, cook stove and other equipment, and two camper-cabins can be rented during the summer months by reservation. Pets are permitted on a limited number of sites. A group camp is available for organized groups on a reservation basis. A horsemen's camp is offered for bridle trail users in Zaleski State Forest. Boating Boats with electric motors only may be used on the lake. Canoes 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 A fine swimming beach is located near the dam. Facilities include a bathhouse with restrooms, showers and change booths and a concession building where food and beverages can be purchased. Picnicking Picnic areas with tables and grills are located at many secluded and scenic areas around the park. Two picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation. Trails Fifteen miles of hiking trails traverse the lake and scenic woodlands of the Lake Hope area and offer opportunities for photography and nature study. In the adjacent state forest, a 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites is available. Backpackers must register upon arrival. Thirty-three miles of bridle trail are available for riders with their own mounts in the state forest. 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 Attractions
Play in the shade of 100-year-old oak trees at the most unique miniature golf course around!  AmeriHost
InnIndoor pool, hot tub, exercise equipment, in-room coffee makers, private meeting rooms, in-room movies, deluxe continental breakfast. Artisan Mall Craft and antique showplace. Appalachian crafts, baskets, country collectibles, homemade cookies, candies and jellies, dulcimer music, candles and much more. Level lots. Swimming Pool. 1/4 miles from Lake Logan. Logan Antique Mall Step into yesterday at the largest collection of antiques and collectibles in southeast Ohio. 
Offers Logan's most interesting and extensive variety of collectibles and
gifts. Bonnie's Gifts and Collectibles at Risch's Drug Store provides
one-stop shopping for your favorite collectibles. A visit to the Hocking
Hills and historic Logan is not complete without a visit to Bonnie's Gifts
and Collectibles, where you will find that perfect keepsake....a treasure
house of wonderful gifts... for yourself, your family and your friends. A
pleasant reminder of the beautiful Hocking Hills.
|
|
A natural paradise, Lake Hope State Park lies entirely within the 18,200-acre
Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. It is a rugged, heavily forested
region traversed by steep gorges and narrow ridges. Abandoned mines, ancient mounds and
beautiful scenery provide interest and pleasure for hikers, photographers, nature lovers
and historians alike at one of Ohio's most historic and scenic state parks. 
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 Ohio's Hanging Rock iron region, Lake Hope State Park reflects the rich
history of much of southeastern Ohio. 
Enjoy
the quiet and serenity of the grounds, screened in shelter house, picnic
areas, fish in the spring fed pond, canoe, floating beach chairs, a paddle
boat, hammock for two, and a wonderful nature walk at a State Park less than
a mile away. Barbara's Country Bed & Breakfast also accommodates
small wedding receptions, also on premises is a screened shelter house, used
for parties, receptions, banquets etc.
Barringer
Ridge Cottages are located in the heart of the Hocking Hills State Forest.
The cottages adjoin over two-hundred acres of beautiful state forests to
hike and explore. Take a walk into the past and see deep gorges,
breathtaking waterfalls, and prehistoric rock formations. View the giant
hemlocks among hundreds of beautiful wildflowers. Hunt the famous morel
mushrooms or try your luck seeking out the rare ginseng plant.
Need
Pampering? Or just need a quiet place to get away? The Dum-Ford House is
just for you. Located in a quaint village midway between Lancaster and
Circleville on Zane's Trace (now US 22). A circa 1845 brick federal home
with original floors and woodwork, it is filled with antiques and family
treasures. Thirty minutes from Columbus, Chillicothe, or Hocking Hills.
For the
Finest
In Dining. Choose from a
super Sirloin Steak, juicy Rib-Eye or delicious T-Bone Steak.
Or . . . perhaps a Crispy Fried Chicken or Seafood Dinner.
Add a steamy Baked Potato or Home Fries, a Tossed Salad or Slaw
and warm Roll and Butter!
Jack's also features a complete selection of delicious Sandwiches.
You
are invited to visit this friendly 'rustic-transitional' log home designed
for comfort, relaxation, learning and reflection. Bedrooms, with private
baths on the upper level, are connected by a balcony that overlooks the
Grandé Room that boasts a fireplace for warming - another for cooking. A
continental-plus breakfast is offered to all guests and can be enjoyed
inside or on the big screened-in porch. Coffee and tea are always available.
A bunk room is available that can be used as a hostel for walkers on the
Buckeye Trail. Bring your walking shoes and camera as Spencer House is
located amid the Hocking Hills State Parks and Lake Logan.
Experience seclusion and solitude, where living is simple, clean and unobstructed by the hectic pace of modern day society. We offer one room cabins for your privacy and enjoyment. Each
cabin is tastefully decorated for your comfort and relaxation.