Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, Heath OH

Another of Ohio's many hidden treasures. Beautiful hiking trails, gorgeous cliffs and a short but scenic paved bike trail along the Licking River.

On Sunday bunch of hippie guys play guitar on the rock face for all the people going by on boats or whatever. So cool just amazing check these guys out if you get a chance.

We walked the Marie Hickey and Oak Knob trails and throttle enjoyed both. Neither are paved but they're in great shape and there are far fewer people there than at the main trail.
This was our first trip but we'll certainly be coming back to see more!

A four-mile paved trail for easy walking or biking, including passage through "The Deep Cut. " Several non-paved trails provide a moderate hiking experience.

Lots to see and explore; the old lock from the canal, the train tunnel, the quarry and deep cut, the Black Hand Rock and waterfall. Always clean and safe with lots of people on the paths. We like to take empty bags to clean up any trash we see on our walks, it helps.

Really nice paved trail. Equally as nice to have a few trails off of that with more rugged terrain, if you want a more challenging route.

Beautiful bike ride. There are a few spots that need repairs but the scenery more than makes up for that. Start at the East entrance and bike west for the best parking.

Rode my bicycle the full length of the paved main path, ending up being about 8.3 miles up and back. Beautiful ride, reasonable downhill and inclines, even easy to ride with all the folks out an about. Trails well marked, access to enjoying water amenities at spots too (safely).

Beautiful wooded area with paths and plenty to explore. Also has a bike trail for those who want to explore that way.

We love Blackhand! We fish the licking river all the way through. Very cool and most Sundays a local band plays on the rocks. If you canoe or kyack you can enjoy some tunes!

It has a very nice paved biking/walking path or you can hike a trail. We entered at "C" which ended back at the pavement very close to the viewing deck for the site of the Blackhand (no longer there, but beautiful!) The hiking trail was fairly easy but rugged enough to make you feel like you've hiked, not walked. Our roundtrip was about 2.5 miles.

Beautiful preserve which has paved trails for walking and biking along with hiking trails for those who seek more of a challenge. River access to launch kayaks.

Pictures of the first 1 5 miles of main trail very shady.deep cut is very interesting train history

Looking for a nice quiet walk and meander around the main path is the way there are side paths more challenging

Probably best in fall to see the river cliff

We did a float trip down the river from st rt 668 to backhand gorge scenery is always beautiful we got lucky and had a local band playing up on the cliff and if you don't take a kayak through the gorge you can also walk the 5-mile blacktop Trail

Incredible views, multiple activities available. It's another great place available for people to enjoy

Lush and wonderful paved trail that runs 4.5miles (9miles round trip) Lots of outskirt natural path trails and licking river beside you most of the time. Great for a long run

We've done a little bit of everything here. Ride bikes, hike, run and watch the kids rollerblade. It's a great park with absolutely beautiful views. We really enjoy our time here.