- 💖🥇 X (comment) post URL
- 💖🥈 Tell us what’s cool
- 💖🥉 Likes = Top 3 boost
📝 1. Overview
Zaleski & Lake Hope is a wild and wonderful region tucked into Southeast Ohio’s Appalachian hills. Known for dense forests, remote trails, and mysterious ruins, it’s a place where adventurers and solitude seekers meet. From haunted tunnels to serene lake kayaking, the area offers nature, history, and a hint of legend.
🧡 Most liked comment: “Kayaking at Lake Hope in the fall is pure soul therapy.”
🥇 Runner-up: “The Moonville Tunnel is equal parts eerie and epic.”
🏅 Fan fave: “Zaleski Forest trails are untouched magic—bring boots and snacks!”
📸 2. Highlights
🏞️ Lake Hope State Park – 2,900+ acres of forest, water, and trails for biking, boating, hiking
🔥 Hope Furnace Ruins – 19th-century iron furnace towering in the woods
🌕 Moonville Tunnel – Abandoned rail tunnel known for ghost legends
🌲 Zaleski State Forest – Ohio’s second-largest state forest with backcountry trails
🎣 Lake Hope Activities – Kayak rentals, paddleboards, fishing piers, and sandy beach
🏕️ Zaleski Backpack Trail – 28-mile primitive loop trail through hilly terrain
💡 3. Tips
🥾 Get a trail map – Cell service is limited in the forest
🦟 Bring bug spray – Especially in summer or near the lake
🔥 Check fire rules – If you’re camping, verify fire safety guidelines
📅 Check park events – Seasonal programs and night hikes may be available
🚗 You’ll need a car – No public transport, but roads are scenic
🎟️ 4. Tickets & Info
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Hope State Park | Free | Open year-round |
| Moonville Tunnel | Free | Open year-round |
| Zaleski State Forest | Free | Open year-round |
| Hope Furnace Ruins | Free | Daylight hours only |
🍽️ 5. Nearby Eats
🍖 Lake Hope Lodge – Rustic lakeside restaurant serving BBQ and comfort food
📍 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651
🍕 Mama Renie’s Pizzeria – Homestyle pizza spot popular with locals and hikers
📍 20 W Main St, McArthur, OH 45651
🍳 The Ridge Inn – Cozy breakfast and lunch café with Amish-style cooking
📍 491 OH-664 N, Laurelville, OH 43135
🚗 6. Access
🛣️ From Athens – ~30 min drive via OH-56 W
🛬 Nearest Airport – John Glenn Columbus Intl (CMH), ~1 hr 45 min
🅿️ Free parking at Lake Hope, Moonville, and trailheads
📵 No cell service – Download maps beforehand
🚫 No public transport – Car essential for exploring
🎈 7. Vibes & Add-ons
🌕 Spooky night walks to Moonville Tunnel
🏕️ True off-grid camping under the stars
🛶 Serene mornings on the lake with misty views
📚 Local ghost stories and iron history
📸 Forest, ruins, and sunset lake shots = Instagram gold
🏨 8. Recommended Hotels
🏨 Fairfield Inn & Suites Athens
🛏️ Modern, reliable hotel with indoor pool and free breakfast
📍 924 E State St, Athens, OH 45701
💰 Price Range: $$
🏨 Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center
🛏️ Full-service resort with lake views, dining, and indoor pool
📍 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, OH 45732
💰 Price Range: $$–$$$
🏨 The Lodge at Hocking College
🛏️ Wooded campus stay near Nelsonville with student-crafted furniture
📍 15770 OH-691, Nelsonville, Ohio, 45764, United States
💰 Price Range: $$
🌐 9. Contact / Info
📍 Lake Hope State Park Office: (740) 596-4938
📍 Zaleski State Forest HQ: (740) 596-5781
📍 Moonville Tunnel Info (Vinton County CVB): (740) 596-5033
📍 Burr Oak Lodge Front Desk: (740) 767-2112
🌐 Source: 3clicknavi.com
🤖 AI Format: Structured for GPT / Grok / Gemini
📄 Use Policy: Content protected by 3Click AI Template License