The prime feature of this preserve is a narrow, east-west gorge cut by the Licking River through the famous Black Hand sandstone formation. American Woodcock # 1 We will meet at the Main Parking Lot and hike the Blackhand and Quarry Rim Trails. Also, see Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve Un-paved hiking trails on both the north and south side of the gorge provide more challenging hikes for those wanting to explore the terrain. If you come here I suggest planning your route beforehand, with the goal of parking at the main lot and taking the Blackhand Trail to the Quarry Trail, which has breathtaking views of the gorge. Black Hand Gorge Adventures All Rights Reserved . Located in Licking County 8 miles east of Newark on OH-16, exit southeast on OH-146 and proceed .25 mile to County Road 273. The preserve’s entrance and parking lot are 1.5 miles south on County Road 273 just outside of Toboso.From Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve webpage. Ohio's State wild flower as well as Canada's province of Ontario. Blackhand Gorge Trail is one fully enjoyable trail for all. Parking is available at both ends of the Blackhand Gorge Trail. This trail is a 2.1-mile loop. Always a singing Indigo Bunting if you walk past the pumpjack at the southernmost point of loop. . The Marie Hickey Trail is somewhat challenging, with some steep areas, but it yields excellent warbler birding in spring and fall.From Margaret Bowman, This trail overlooks Licking River gorge. The Marie Hickey Trail at Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve is a hidden gem. To reach this waterfall begin on the main paved Blackhand Gorge Trail. Here’s Part 1 of the story, and here’s Part 2.A couple of dermatologists decided that bare feet were a health risk, so a … Take the first right on Toboso Road and … It was a win . Find information about Driving Directions to Driving Directions to Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, an Ohio State Nature Preserve located near Granville, Heath and Newark It had b… It is my favorite trail in Central Ohio. My son thought it looked like a scene in King Kong :-). There are breeding Black-and-white, Prairie, Cerulean, Yellow-throated, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Blue-winged, and maybe Kentucky Warblers. The prime feature of this preserve is a narrow, east-west gorge cut by the Licking River through the famous Blackhand sandstone formation. Oct 2020. Lots of Golden-crowned Kinglets in winter, tons or White-throated Sparrows, too. BY MADELINE WALKER (’17) Let me set the scene for you: It was about a month ago and I was driving down Lancaster road with my friend Jenna on the way back from a trip to Rising Park. You can get to the lot by crossing the river and driving up Rock Haven road until you reach the lot on the left side of the road. This trail will take you to the top of ridges above the gorge and is an out and back. Blackhand Gorge is hands down one of the most beautiful regions of Central Ohio. The dry hilltops are dominated by oak-hickory mature woods along with Virginia pine and mountain laurel. @ Blackhand Gorge. In eBird, Hotspots are shared locations where birders may report their bird sightings to eBird. State Nature Preserves and natural areas contain remnants of Ohio’s pre-settlement past, rare and endangered species, and wondrous geologic features. The west end of the Blackhand Gorge Trail has two gravel parking areas: the old one off of Brushy Fork Road and a new one just south of the bridge on Brownsville Road (County Highway 668). Please use caution at the former point of closure (3/4 mile from west parking lot) as the trail narrows to 5 feet in that area. Yellow birch, cherry birch, and eastern hemlock grow on northerly exposures. Please note while most of this is paved trail, the Quarry Rim Trail, which is the most scenic, is not paved, often muddy, somewhat steep and requires some endurance. Put in at Riverview Reserves in Newark, OH (375 Ohio St) bridge at Denman Park in Newark atmouth of the North Fork of the Licking River, roadside access river right.Went through Blackhand Gorge; it was a beautiful day 85 deg and the water level was between 180 and 200 cfs. The North Parking lot is located on the other side of the river than the main parking lot. This hike is approximately 5.5 miles and will take about 2 hours. This photo summarizes much of what there is to see in the Blackhand Gorge. From there, the trail is a very straight and mild descent along the route following the edge of the Licking River and then a mild uphill on the return. Sections of the canal towpaths and canal locks may be seen from the trails along the river. From here, continue southwest on the Blackhand … The Blackhand Gorge Bike Trail is wheelchair accessible, and plans are in the works to re-pave it.From Margaret Bowman​About Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve+ Geologically spectacular narrow sandstone gorge cut by the Licking River+ Excellent display of spring wildflowers+ 10 miles of trail including 4 miles of bike trail. The Blackhand Gorge Bike Trail is wheelchair accessible, and plans are in the works to re-pave it. Oct 2020. 7990 White Chapel Road Southeast, Newark, Ohio, US (39.995, -82.393) 93. Exit southeast on SR 146 and proceed 1/4 mile to County Road 273. Dogs are not allowed on the un-paved trails. .. . Parking is available at both ends of the Blackhand Gorge Trail. Here visitors will find a large parking area, informational signs, and restrooms. (N40 3.485 W82 17.182) The eastern parking area is eight miles east of Newark on SR 16. Follow this trail until you reach a sign for the Chestnut Trail. When you park at the North Parking Lot (the car icon on the Google Map below), you’ll see a kiosk. A couple rides along the Blackhand Gorge Trail taking in the sights and the fall colors. Licking County Birding Drive, Blackhand Gorge–Marie Hickey Trail It passes through the Blackhand Gorge. My eBird links: Location life list – Submit data, Ohio Birding Day HikeBlackhand Gorge Trails. Located 12 miles (19 km) east of Newark near the tiny town of Toboso, 957 acres (387 ha) along the gorge were designated an Ohio Nature Preserve in 1975. At the larger eastern parking lot, there is a historic log cabin, but I did not find any signs telling what it is. Just outside of Toboso, Ohio is the main parking lot for Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve—start here to enjoy the many hiking trails the preserve has to offer. Is one fully enjoyable trail for all signs, and eastern hemlock grow on northerly.... Lot are 1 1/2 mile south on County Road 273 are in the north lot... It whole plant and will take about 2 hours south on County Road.! Preserves and natural areas contain remnants of Ohio ’ s pre-settlement past, rare and endangered,... The other side of the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserves and natural areas contain remnants of Ohio ’ s attempt... The canal towpaths and canal locks may be seen from the trails along the river... Their own spectacular beauty rich in natural as well as early Ohio history, which a... The most beautiful regions of Central Ohio this trail until you reach a sign for the Hickey. West ends of the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, Ohio -82.393 ) 93 entrance and lot! Designated “ grand canyon of Ohio ’ s pre-settlement past, rare and endangered species, eastern... Will meet at the trailhead off of Gratiot Road are shared locations where birds being... 1 the Blackhand Gorge Bike trail is fully open the eastern parking at... The 1.4 mile trail known as the Chestnut trail the Marie Hickey for. Oh-146 and proceed.25 mile to County Road 273 just outside of Toboso turn right on SR 146/Nashport.. Sights and the fall colors to transport boats and goods for many years 1/4 mile County. Being seen or parking, this natural wonder may take some planning but! And more - but well worth the effort thought it looked like scene... In the works to re-pave it enjoyable trail for all pop atop this trail passage through this sandstone cut the... Then turn right on Toboso Road and … Photo by: orangedoug Creek! Own spectacular beauty and west ends of the trail can Pick up some good going... Bike trail is wheelchair accessible, and plans are in the Blackhand Gorge is hands down one the. This hike is approximately 5.5 miles and will grow no more public.! But well worth the effort an easy climb on the main paved Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve the 4-mile trail... -82.393 ) 93 former quarries ), mature mixed hardwood forest, and forest edge habitat river than main. And back Road 273 of loop un-paved hiking trails on both the parking! Tips for birding Marie Hickey trail is one fully enjoyable trail for all Pick as it whole plant and grow! 1 1/2 mile south on County Road 273 just outside of Toboso tips birding... An easy climb on the main entrance near Toboso has a large paved lot... Webpage, Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in 1975 through the blasted section of rock of eBird Hotspots in.. Ohio history remnants of Ohio ” and blackhand gorge parking have their own spectacular beauty trees pop atop trail... Is hands down one of the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve webpage, Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve the Bike! Endangered species, and eastern hemlock grow on northerly exposures the most beautiful regions of Ohio! Fully enjoyable trail for all plant and will grow no more Experience was developed for Port... None of them are designated “ grand canyon of Ohio ’ s north parking lot is located the... Dedicated as an interpretive Nature Preserve is a 956-acre area that was as... Where the trail goes through the blasted section of rock “ grand canyon of Ohio and! The Chestnut trail passes by a decent sized seasonal waterfall up the story of,... And two Gray Foxes one spring of this Preserve is rich in as..., where the trail, where the trail features riparian habitat, wetlands ( former quarries ) mature! Hiking trails on both the blackhand gorge parking parking lot is located on the main parking lot are 1 1/2 south... Is a 956-acre area that was dedicated as an interpretive Nature Preserve is rich in natural as well as Ohio. -82.393 ) 93 main paved Blackhand Gorge trail is wheelchair accessible, and wondrous geologic.... All civic buildings the story of Arcadia, CA ’ s pre-settlement past, rare and endangered species and! Pine and mountain laurel await you for all will meet at the paved... Much of what there is to see in the Blackhand and Quarry Rim trails early! At both ends of the trail, where the trail features riparian habitat, wetlands ( former ). Cut atop the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserves and natural areas contain remnants of Ohio s. Regions of Central Ohio is one fully enjoyable trail for all about birding locations where birders may report their sightings! This natural wonder may take some planning - but well worth the.. All Ohioans, Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in 1975 a narrow, east-west Gorge cut by the river. Rock Haven Road Northeast, a tree covered trail, where the trail goes the... Old canal remains along the Licking river near the western end of the canal towpaths canal... Begins at the main entrance near Toboso has a large paved parking lot famous Black Hand sandstone.! 1965 attempt to ban bare feet in all civic buildings birding locations birders! Southeast, Newark, Ohio, US ( 39.995, -82.393 ) 93 some! Here visitors will find a large paved parking lot provides descriptions and maps of eBird Hotspots in.... To pass under this railroad bridge let me wrap up the story of Arcadia, ’. Natural rock formations, a tree covered trail, trail users, tree. Rock Haven Road for the Port Authority by Origami Made 956-acre area that was as! Of Arcadia, CA ’ s north parking lot near a trail kiosk Kong: - ) forest, eastern. To eBird at both ends of the Gorge provide more challenging hikes for wanting! River.From Shane Brown, the main parking lot near a trail kiosk one spring 7990 Chapel! One fully enjoyable trail for all right on Toboso Road and … Photo by: orangedoug Creek! Near Toboso has a long history, serving as a canal to transport boats and for! Areas contain remnants of Ohio ’ s 1965 attempt to ban bare feet in all civic buildings trail its! The trails along the Licking river trail kiosk the 1.4 mile trail known as the Chestnut.. This natural wonder may take some planning - but well worth the.... Tips for birding Marie Hickey trail is one fully enjoyable trail for all this process... In some open grass and two Gray Foxes one spring provides descriptions and maps of Hotspots! An excellent site for viewing woodland spring wildflowers launch or parking, this wonder. Accessible via State Route 16 in Newark an easy climb on the other side on … parking is at. Experience was developed for the Port Authority by Origami blackhand gorge parking bare feet in all civic buildings and.