Driving to Lake Hope

Although there are alternative routes and longer, more scenic drives to lead you to Lake Hope, the following directions from Ohio's larger cities are the quickest and easiest routes to Vinton County and Lake Hope State Park.  An Ohio Road Map can come in handy along the way.  Have a safe trip!

From the Cleveland/Akron Area:

Take Interstate 71 South to Columbus.  When you reach the first intersection of the 270 outerbelt, take it East.   Continue on 270, which will head South, until you reach Route 33.  Take Route 33 East (south) through Lancaster and down to Nelsonville and State Route 278.  Take 278 South to Lake Hope State Park. (Driving time approximately 3.5-4.0 hours)

From the Columbus area:

From the South Side of the 270 outerbelt, take Route 33 East (south) through Lancaster and down to Nelsonville and State Route 278.  Take 278 South to Lake Hope State Park. (Driving time approximately 1.5 hours)

From the Cincinnati area:

Take the Appalachian Highway (Route 32) East.  Continue on Route 32 past the Jackson Exit about 7 miles to Route 327.  Look for the sign to Wellston.  Turn left on 327 and head North.  327 will turn into Route 93.  Take 93 to McArthur.   Turn right on Route 50 (East) to Prattsville, turn left on 278 (North), follow the signs to Lake Hope State Park.
(Driving time approximately 2.5 hours)

From the Toledo area:

Take I-75 South to Findlay.  From there, take Route 23 South to Columbus.   When you reach the first intersection of the 270 outerbelt, take it East.    Continue on 270, which will head South, until you reach Route 33.  Take Route 33 East (south) through Lancaster and down to Nelsonville and State Route 278.  Take 278 South to Lake Hope State Park.
(Driving time approximately 4.5 hours)

From the Athens area:

Take Route 50 West to Prattsville.  Turn right on State Route 278, head north through Zaleski and on to Lake Hope State Park.   (Driving time approximately 30 minutes)