Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve, located in Licking County, Ohio, covers over 4,000 acres of land and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.


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Summary

There are several reasons to visit the preserve, including its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and historical significance. The park's centerpiece, the Blackhand Gorge, is a narrow, steep-walled canyon carved out by the Licking River. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Visitors can also explore the park's many trails, which wind through forests, wetlands, and grasslands, and offer opportunities to spot a variety of birds and animals.

One of the most interesting points of interest in the park is the Blackhand Petroglyph, a prehistoric rock carving that is believed to be over 2,000 years old. The carving is a symbol of a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area and is considered a sacred site by many indigenous people. Visitors can also explore the park's historic canal, which once played a vital role in the transportation of goods and people throughout Ohio.

The best time of year to visit the preserve depends on one's interests. Spring and summer are popular times to visit for hiking, bird watching, and wildflower viewing, while fall is ideal for leaf peeping and photography. Winter is also a great time to visit for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Ohio.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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