I enjoy all aspects of the gorge... the history, the beauty, the hiking, the biking, the river. It's so much fun to go there, been going since I was very young.

Recently I discovered a book about the area that details the history of BHG. Took it with me on my last hike. Was able to use the photos in the book to look at the park in yesteryear and current form.

It's called Black Hand Gorge a Journey Through Time... you can get it from the publisher at

http://www.littleriverpublishing.com/products/Black-Hand-Gorge-%E2%80%93-A-Journey-Through-Time.html

We enjoy finding "new" trails to ride, and had never been to BG before, so we loaded up the bikes and drove about 90 minutes to get there. This is mid-October, so the drive (mostly secondary roads) was beautiful, especially from Newark eastward. We arrived to a nearly full parking lot, not surprising as temps that day went into the 80's. The park is easy to find, with ample parking spots. We parked in the main East lot. As we rode to the West end of the trail, that parking lot was empty. On busy days, may be better to ride it "backwards". We decided to ride it straight through to the West end, and then on the way back, stop to hike the trails along the way. The scenery is indeed beautiful the whole 4.3 miles, but the Eastern half is especially so. The Licking river is immediately on your right, and steep rock cliffs and hills to your left, with a mature tree canopy most of the way. While there are numerous places where the trail has heaved due to tree roots, I would not consider it hazardous. My 7 year old son actually loved the bumps, and tried to hit every one! I only recall one spot where the roots may cause a problem, IF you were going too fast. But the whole point of this trail is low and slow, to enjoy the scenery. If you're looking for a speedy ride, this is not for you. On our return trip, we stopped at all the hiking trails along the way. All were fairly easy treks through the woods, with minimal elevation changes. At the end of the day, we liked this trail and all is has to offer. It's a very good combination of hiking/biking that's not too long, so as to discourage the little ones. There are plenty of places to get down to the river for rock throwing/skipping and general exploring. Very easy to make a day's worth of activity. And don't forget, Dillon State Park is just around the corner for those with even more time to spend. We highly recommend a visit to BG, especially so for families with young kids who enjoy the rugged outdoors.

I rode the trail from the Blackhand Gorge park trail head. Although the scenery is beautiful, it is hard to see, as you cannot take your eyes off the trail for a second. There are so many tree roots (big ones) that it is inadvisable to look up! I was on a hybrid, and it felt rough to me. No way I would take a road bike on it at all. I was really disappointed, as I had heard how beautiful this trail was. Perhaps I'll return to walk on it, but not toride.

We went on the gorge trail on a rainy day. Barely got wet, it was great because of the tree canopy. Nice and cool on a hot day hike too. Very nice area right off the main road. Would never know it was there. Great place for families. We also went on the side trails. Wildlife was everywhere, especially the deer. One thing that bothered us was on the Marie Hickey trail. There were numerous oil wells in that area. They must have been leaking because the stream that runs by the trail was briney looking. I scooped up some of the water only to find it was oily. Very disappointing. This stream runs to the river! I contacted both ODNR and the EPA and was more or less given the brush-off. Evidently those in charge to protect the area are not really interested about the welfare of the area. I wonder if the state gets money off those wells. That could explain it.

"Great ride, lots to look at, cool ride in the hot summer."

"The parking lot to the trail is at a curve and hard to spot so look for a river and a bridge and you are there. We passed it on the road going north but came back down from 16 and headed south and spotted it. Once you are there, it's 4.26 miles of beauty! Mother nature is truly awsome and this little trail shows it. Mostly wooded so no need for sunscreen and great for hot days. Only two hills and neither is difficult, just a small one down under a bridge and another down to a creek. VERY worth the ride."

This is a beautiful trail. We went to Newark and stayed and then went looking for the trail It nedds better signing. Once you find it it is well worth the time you spent looking for it. The trail is rough in spots. Trees pushing up the pavement .

This is a wonderful place to ride.

"I entered the trail from the west entrance where there is some beautiful scenery. This trail is a little weathered. There are many cracks and ridges to negotiate on rollerblades. This isn't a good trail for beginners, but more experienced bladers may find it challenging and fun. "