Tour: Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve
Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve, 2200 Gratiot Road SE, Newark, OH Map
Location:
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources? 981-acre Blackhand Gorge Nature Preserve is home to the famous Blackhand sandstone formation. This narrow, east-west gorge cut by the Licking River is named for a dark, hand-shaped Indian petroglyph that was carved on the sandstone cliff. Although the petroglyph was destroyed in 1828 by canal builders, sections of the canal towpaths and canal locks are still visible from the trails along the river. The trail is 4.26 miles.
In addition to its cultural features, the preserve?s natural highlights include oak-hickory woods with Virginia pine and, on northern exposures, cooler-climate species like eastern hemlock and yellow birch.
Tour Guide: Rick Gardner
Rick works for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.? He has? been studying Ohio's flora for nearly 20 years.? He collaborated on a 5-year study of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve's flora.? A favorite guide, Rick has many significant rare plant finds to his credit.
The group will meet Rick in the east parking lot.
?
For car pool info contact Barbara Altenburg [email protected]? 614-638-0442