Blackhand Gorge Trail

The Blackhand Gorge Trail is located within the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve. You can find parking areas at various access points along the preserve. It's best to check the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources website for specific trailhead parking locations and directions.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trails within Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve. Please ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to help keep the preserve beautiful for everyone.

The trail offers unique beauty throughout the year. Fall is particularly popular for its vibrant foliage, while spring brings abundant wildflowers. The main paved trail is accessible in most conditions, but side trails can be muddy after rain or in winter. Consider visiting in spring or fall for the most diverse scenery.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve or its trails. It is free and open to the public.

The main Blackhand Trail is a flat, paved multi-use path, making it ideal for beginners, families with strollers, and individuals of all abilities. However, some of the branching natural surface trails are more rugged and rated moderate, requiring appropriate footwear.

The main trail is a flat, paved surface following an old railway corridor. Branching off, you'll find natural surface paths with dirt, elevation changes, bridges, and wooden stairs. The overall terrain features striking sandstone formations, including cliffs and ledges carved by the Licking River.

The primary Blackhand Gorge Trail is an out-and-back route, stretching approximately 4.2 to 4.3 miles one way. However, within the preserve, there are several side trails that can be combined to create longer, more varied hiking experiences, some of which form loops.

Hiking the entire 4.3-mile (one way) main Blackhand Gorge Trail and back can take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. The total duration for the route listed is 4328 seconds, which is about 1 hour and 12 minutes for the 4.5km one-way section.

You'll encounter diverse scenery, including the narrow gorge carved by the Licking River, impressive sandstone formations, and varied vegetation. A significant historical landmark is the "Deep Cut," where a railroad was carved 64 feet through solid sandstone. Remnants of the Ohio-Erie Canal and old quarry walls also dot the landscape.

Yes, beyond the main paved Blackhand Trail, the preserve offers more rugged, natural surface paths like the Quarry Rim Trail, Chestnut Trail, and Marie Hickey Trail. These side trails provide more challenging hiking with elevation changes and different perspectives of the gorge.

For the paved main trail, comfortable walking shoes are sufficient. If you plan to explore the natural surface side trails, hiking or trail running shoes with good grip are recommended. In fall, dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures, and consider waterproof outerwear for potential rain or seasonal waterfalls.