A dramatic sandstone gorge carved by a river, featuring forested trails, unique rock formations, and a paved multi-use path.

General Information

Hours:

Open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Some trails and parking lots may be closed through most of 2025; check website for updates

Fees:

Free admission

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed only on the paved Blackhand Trail and must be leashed (max 6 feet); not permitted on other trails

Closest cities with hotels:

Newark, OH (8 mi)

Seasons:

Spring and fall are ideal for wildflowers and foliage; open year-round

Location:

ohiodnr.gov

How to Get There

From Columbus, OH (45 mi): Take I-70 E toward Zanesville, then exit onto OH-79 N toward Hebron/Newark; follow OH-79 N and turn right onto US-40 E, then left onto Gratiot Rd SE to reach the preserve entrance.

Overview

The Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is a geological and ecological treasure nestled in central Ohio. Spanning over 775 acres, the preserve is named after a Native American petroglyph once etched into the sandstone cliffs, a symbol lost to canal construction in the 1800s. Today, the gorge showcases dramatic rock formations carved by the Licking River, dense woodlands, and a rare paved multi-use trail—the only one of its kind in Ohio’s state nature preserve system. Visitors can explore over 10 miles of trails, including the scenic Blackhand Trail, which winds through the gorge offering views of towering cliffs and remnants of the historic Ohio-Erie Canal.

This preserve is a haven for nature lovers, especially in spring when wildflowers blanket the forest floor. The diverse terrain supports oak-hickory forests, hemlock groves, and wetlands, making it a hotspot for birdwatching and botany. While some trails are currently closed for maintenance, the remaining open paths still offer a rich experience of Ohio’s natural and cultural heritage. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the views, Blackhand Gorge offers a peaceful retreat into the wild heart of the Buckeye State.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.