Lake Hope State Park sits 15 minutes from the Moonville Tunnel trailhead and about 30 minutes from Old Man's Cave, tucked inside the 26,842-acre Zaleski State Forest. It's one of the most undervisited state parks in the Hocking Hills orbit — most visitors drive past it on their way to the main trails. That's a mistake, especially in fall, when the lake reflects the surrounding ridgeline color and the trails offer a quieter experience than anything in the state park proper.
Peninsula Trail: The Main Hike
The Peninsula Trail is a 2.8-mile loop that follows the southern shoreline of Lake Hope for most of its length, then loops back through the forest along the peninsula created by the crescent-shaped lake. The terrain is moderate — some short ups and downs, but nothing strenuous. The trail is not blazed with markers, but the path is clear and easy to follow.
In fall, this trail delivers two things the state park trails don't: lake reflections and space. The hardwood canopy overhanging the shore creates mirror-image color on still mornings, and the trail sees a fraction of the foot traffic of Old Man's Cave or Ash Cave. The southeastern end of the loop passes near Hope Furnace — a historic iron furnace from the 1850s that's accessible via a short side trail.
Hope Furnace Trail
The Hope Furnace Trail runs 3.2 miles along the opposite shore of the lake from the Peninsula Trail. It begins at Keeton Cemetery and follows the lake past Grouse Point before looping back. The trail offers views across the lake and through hardwood forest. More than 120 bird species have been documented in the park, and the Hope Furnace Trail's mix of woodland and lakeshore habitat makes it particularly productive for birdwatching — woodland songbirds in the forest, aquatic species visible from the lakeshore sections.
Shorter Options
Buzzard Cave Trail (0.5 miles): A short, moderate loop beginning near the Hope Furnace. The trail leads to Buzzard Cave, one of the park's more interesting geological features — a smaller-scale version of the rock shelters found in the main Hocking Hills area.
White Oak Trail (0.25 miles): A short connector between the Hope Furnace Trail and Furnace Ridge Road. Good for a quick leg-stretch if you're driving through.
Habron Hollow Trail (1.5 miles): A more difficult trail that ascends through a hollow from the Hope Furnace Trail to Furnace Ridge Road, offering views of the lake from elevation.
Beyond Hiking: What Else Lake Hope Offers
The Dining Lodge: Built of native stone and lumber, overlooking the lake. The restaurant serves hickory-smoked meats, wood-fired pizza, and locally sourced dishes. It's a genuinely good meal in an unexpected location. Open Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch. Note: the lodge will be temporarily closed November 2, 2026 through January 4, 2027 for HVAC upgrades.
Birding: Over 120 documented bird species. The Peninsula Trail offers views of aquatic species on the lake. Fall migration brings warblers through the canopy. Guided owl walks are available at certain times of year.
The Lake: 120-acre Lake Hope allows boats with electric motors only — meaning it stays quiet. Fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish. The lake is beautiful in fall with the surrounding ridges reflected on the surface.
Camping: 119 sites suitable for tents or trailers, with heated showerhouses and 46 sites with electric hookups.
Combining Lake Hope with Moonville
The ideal day trip from a Hocking Hills cabin combines Moonville Tunnel in the morning (when fog fills the rail trail corridor) with Lake Hope in the afternoon (Peninsula Trail, then lunch at the lodge). The two are about 15 minutes apart by car on SR 278. Together, they make a full day that feels completely different from the state park experience — quieter, more rural, and surprisingly rich.
