blackhand gorge state nature preserve

I live about 20 minutes from here, and I enjoy walking the trails and kayaking the river here. It's nothing glamorous, but it's a nice trail and in the fall the leaves are beautiful. There is a trailhead that it obvious right over the bridge on the right, but before the bridge you can park on the left and if you cross the road you can take a path down to the tunnel, which is pretty cool. At winter time icicles form over the mouth of the tunnel and they get really long.

I use to love coming here but it needs some TLC. I think some community service needs to put focus here. Don't let this fade.

Great area for walking.... after about 20 minute slow walk you will find the interurban tunnel, carved out of sandstone. It's amazing.

My friend and I and my grandchildren when they visit ride the bike path. It was recently repaved but where the river curves a 100 foot section has been completely washed out. It will not be easily repaired, I fear. On one ride I saw a beaver up close and personal, but that was many years ago. In the fall the view of the Licking river is very good because the leaves are down that normally block the view when flying by on the bike. Do not miss the old Erie Canal lock on the South side of the River, opposite of the bike trail. There is a tunnel further down the dirt path from the old lock that was dug for the old suburban rail transport system between Newark and Zanesville. I gave it only a very good due to the bike path wash out problem, otherwise I would have said Excellent.

Beautiful place in spring, summer, or fall. Or in winter after a nice snow or long cold spell that will freeze the river. Best walk is on the north side, when open and you can get to the old tunnel. Lots of history in this area. When driving to there, see how many places you can see remnants of the Erie Canal System along the highway. Would have rated higher but north side is not always open/available far enough, but what is open is an easy walk.

As parks go this is an example of one of the most natural parks I've been to. There is a newly paved walking road that is approximately 4 miles. Is clearly marked in distance. This was a perfect place to see the fall colors on the trees. The path is wide, clean and has benches in areas to stop and rest or take in the beauty of the area. Such a calm and peaceful place. It kind of out of the way so it was not crowed. Wonderful place to relax and renew.

A very beautiful location in a hidden away location. Kind of gem just to the east of Newark, Ohio. If you have a little time, stop by and see this place, you will be impressed.

I just ran a race in August here and discovered places I never had seen before. You have got to see the trolley tunnel and the old canal locks. Spooky! Up on the Marie Hickey trail you get great views of the gorge. On the other side of the park by the main parking lot and paved bike path you can hike or run up the Quarry Rim trail and Chestnut trails. Dogs (and cycling) are not allowed except on the paved path (that's the only drawback). But hiking and trail running, nature walks, pretty great here.

The paths are very clean and easy to navigate, we enjoyed just walking in the shaded areas, and enjoying the beauty and being outside. The water was clean and some of the views are awesome. A nice place to sneak away and check out for awhile.

This park to start has restrooms and its free. The first part of the walk was extremely plain and boring. You can even see some housing areas. Once you got into the grunt of things it started getting interesting. The path used the old train cut through the hill and the along the river was nice. Their looks to be an old quarry in their as well as this was really nice.All and all this is an average park for Ohio. Might be worth it for first time visits, but not a 2nd visit.

My wife scores on attractions we should visit! The trail seemed to be a disappointing paved walkway with only woods - where is the gorge - for the first 1/4 mile or so. Then magically, the paved path has side unimproved trails and the river makes its appearance. We took the Quarry Rim Trail and absolutely loved it. My nearly 3YO son was asleep in the backpack carrier on my back; otherwise, I think we'd have had to stay on the paved trail. The trail wound up and around and has reminders to stay on it that are clearly ignored as people seek overlooks and other tremendous views. The views the trail offers are well-worth the effort required.We only covered about a mile of the park path but loved it and are talking about returning. If physically challenged and not up to unimproved trail hiking, the paved path is sufficient and has plenty to offer as well - after the first 1/4 mile. About 3/4 mile out you see the cliff where the namesake Black Hand cliff carving pointing ancient Native Americans to Flint Ridge once was - destroyed for a canal tow path. Additionally, shortly before you reach 1 mile, the path takes the old B&O railroad path blasted through the sandstone - cliffs on either side - NEAT!Overall the map shows the paved path length at a little over four miles. Signs warned the path was closed for safety at three miles.The maps also show another harder-to-get-to trail on the other side of the river. We want to check it out.The parking area is relatively small. It requires a drive to get there. There is a building with toilet facilities; however, it smelled so foul we didn't check it out.

This is a really lovely "rails to trails" path that follows the Licking river. Lots of birds, plenty of nice views, some good trails that go up and around old quarries, and not too busy. The main path is paved so it is kid, bike, hike friendly.

This is a great place for a hike, walk or just enjoy your surroundings, walking along the path you can enjoy the river running along beside you, many trees, wildlife, great rock tunnel to go through, overhead train rail and more. I live close by so enjoy stopping on any occasion.

Just love this place so quiet and beautiful so worth the drive. I liked the walk and the beauty of nature the paths are fun to explore.

I visited Blackhand Gorge last spring and liked it so much it became my regular weekend retreat place. The trail along the river is so beautiful! Start from the east side and go west - there are the most beautiful spots. The western oart of the trail is not so nice. Altogether - a wonderful walk in an amazing landscape!