COLUMBUS, OH -- Bike or skate along a paved trail, admire countless spring wildflowers, or drop a fishing line into the Licking River. In any season, the variety of activities and awesome sights at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Licking County seem endless. Blackhand Gorge is one of the state's most accessible preserves, thanks in part to the generous donations Ohioans have made to the Natural Areas Income Tax Check-off Program. With those dollars, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has been able to improve the trails at Blackhand Gorge, construct a gorge overlook, and update the preserve's visitor facilities.
"The check-off program provides Ohioans with an opportunity to support ODNR's nature preserves, scenic rivers and endangered species programs by contributing a portion of their state income tax refund," said Sam Speck, ODNR director. "Our state nature preserves rely on the generosity of Ohioans to support important improvements that might not otherwise be possible."
The prime feature of the 957-acre nature preserve is a narrow east-west gorge cut by the Licking River through the famous Black Hand Sandstone formation. "Blackhand" in the preserve's name refers to a dark hand-shaped image once etched on the face of a massive sandstone cliff along the river. One legend states the hand marked the boundary of sacred Indian territory. The engraving was destroyed in the early 1800s when builders of the Ohio-Erie Canal, which runs through the gorge, dynamited the cliff face. Sections of the canal towpaths and canal locks still may be seen from the trails along the river. Blackhand Gorge is the only state nature preserve with a paved trail that can be used for biking and skating. More than 4 miles long, Blackhand Trail treats visitors to scenic views of the gorge, which is full of colorful wildflowers in the spring and gorgeous foliage in the fall. The preserve also is one of only two state nature preserves where fishing is permitted in designated areas.
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is located 8 miles east of Newark on State Route 16. Exit South on State Route 146 and proceed to the preserve's entrance, which is south on County Road 273. The ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves oversees 127 state nature preserves and 20 state scenic river segments throughout Ohio. For additional information about Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve or the Natural Areas Income Tax Check-off program, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com