Situated on 957 acres in Licking County, the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserves was named for a hand-shaped petroglyph found on a sandstone cliff in the park. Unfortunately, the petroglyph was destroyed in 1828. There are 6 miles of hiking trails for visitors to use, and the highlight of the preserve is a 4-mile-long sandstone formation that was created by the Licking River. There are also plenty of beautiful wildflowers to be seen in the spring. Visitors can take advantage of the 4 miles of bike trails in the preserve; this is the only bike trail in Ohio's state nature preserve system.

2200 Gratiot Rd SE Heath, OH 43056, Phone: 614-265-6565

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