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Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,697 Google reviews · Running trail in Heath, Ohio · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic park with waterfalls and cliffs along the Licking River, plus paved and unpaved hiking trails.
What runners say about Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
“The towering cliffs and dense forests provided a picturesque backdrop, inviting me to explore further and immerse myself in the beauty of nature.”
“As I embarked on the seemingly very well-maintained trails, I was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere that enveloped the entire preserve.”
Really nice paved bike and hike trail that meanders along the Licking River. The trail is almost entirely shaded, which was very nice as we were there on a very hot day. The main trail is 4.2 miles one way. However, there are several trails besides the main trail that are worth the hike.
We love coming here! My kids really like to see the old train cave. This place is always beautiful. Both paths are nice but my kids definitely prefer the unpaved one. There’s a little path to the water that we like to explore. My kids really enjoy hanging out on the little rocky beach area.
Another gorgeous parcel of land set aside by the State of Ohio, and free for everyone to enjoy. This is quintessential Ohio nature - thick forest and a rocky gorge, with trails of varying levels of difficulty and accessibility.
It’s a nice place, there are some very nice views on a few of the trails. It can get crowded on a weekend, so come early for parking. If you hike from the main parking lot, take the red and yellow trails that branch off, those are the best. The Marie Hickey trail is also one of the better trails.
Trail conditions & character
“The towering cliffs and dense forests provided a picturesque backdrop, inviting me to explore further and immerse myself in the beauty of nature.”
“Neither are paved but they're in great shape and there are far fewer people there than at the main trail.”
“This is quintessential Ohio nature - thick forest and a rocky gorge, with trails of varying levels of difficulty and accessibility.”
“I was first in the parking lot and it was a weekday, so I had the trails to myself at the start.”
“As I embarked on the seemingly very well-maintained trails, I was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere that enveloped the entire preserve.”
“The side trails all have a detailed map at the beginning of every trail head and they also have trail markers on the trees so you don't get lost.”
“8 miles but it's a gorgeous ride and walk worth going out of your way to see.”
Plan your run at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance10 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteohiodnr.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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