Tag Archives: kayaks

Hiking the Blackhand Gorge Trail

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I absolutely love hiking Ohio and the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve in Columbus is a perfect way to experience nature throughout the year.

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Located off of I-70, west of Columbus, take I-146 West, driving 17 miles until the exit for County Road 273. There will be a sign for Toboso and Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve.  I entered the town of Toboso which led me directly to the park.

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After parking my car, I headed towards the log cabin which was not far from the trailhead.

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Blackhand Gorge was designated as a State Nature Preserve in 1975 by then Governor, James A Rhodes.

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It is easy to find the trailhead with a marker starting at Mile 0.

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Located off of the main trail, there is a Quarry Rim Trail which provides a view of the quarry which was utilized in the 1800s.

I decided to forgo the Quarry Trail and take it on my way back as this trail is an in and out pathway.

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I enjoyed checking out the rocks up close along the gorge to see the protruding tree roots as well as the algae growing within the ridges.

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The name Blackhand comes from an ancient petroglyph, resembling a black hand that was discovered on the “Council Rock”.

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Unfortunately, it was destroyed when workers set the rock to dynamite to create the Ohio-Erie Canal towpath in 1825.

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One of my favorite views includes the narrow passageway where trains would pass through the gorge.

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It is also exciting to see other nature lovers enjoying the path both by bike or on foot.

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Blackhand Gorge State Nature preserve is also considered an interpretive trail, providing an educational overview of the area and its importance to the Native Americans and explorers that once lived here.

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There is a rail system that runs above the gorge that once provided transportation to settlers and hauled rocks away from the gorge.

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I learned from one of the local walkers that the benches are perfectly positioned at the mile markers and help to monitor the distance traveled.

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The pathway is a quiet escape from the fast-paced everyday life and eventually the summertime leaves will block the scenic view of the Licking River.

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The Licking River came into full view.  I learned that there are several large birds that make this area their home, including the magnificent American Bald Eagle.

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About halfway into the trail, I approached a beautiful field with trees overshadowing the backdrop.

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A sign was posted to warn hikers and bikers of a recent washout.  The unpaved trail is a bit rugged but not a challenge for my walk.

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I finally reached mile marker 4 when it began to rain a little.  I was so close to the end of the trail that I was not giving up.  It will be interesting to see if the weather holds for my return trip.

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As I came to the end of the Blackhand Trail, I realized I had completed 4.26 miles.   I will have walked 8 and a half miles total this morning.

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I was happy to capture this shot of this beautiful waterfall on my way back before heading over the Gorge Trail.

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Starting the quarry trail….

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Another set of stairs that took me along the rim of the quarry.

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A beautiful view awaits at the top of the stairs.

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I have finished the both the Blackhand Trail and the Quarry Rim Trail while successfully managing to stay somewhat dry on my hike back.  I noticed some kayakers enjoying the Licking River to my left.  Once I approached the parking lot, I could see them loading their kayaks.

It was a beautiful day to enjoy Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve and I had barely made it to my car escaping the deluge of rain.  I was rewarded with scenic views of the quarry, sandstone outcroppings and even an eagle sighting.  What an amazing way to spend my morning.

Have you visited Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve?  I would love to hear about your hike, so please leave a message in the comments section below!  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
2200 Gratiot Road, SE
Newark, OH  43056
Telephone:  1 866 OHIOPARKS

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn  Heath-Newark
1008 Hebron Road
Heath, OH  43056
Telephone:  740 788 8991

Where to Eat:

The Overlook Restaurant at the Virtues Golf Club
One Long Drive
Nashport, OH  43830
Telephone:  740 763 1100

I couldn’t resist ordering the Ginger Lime Grouper served with wild rice and the vegetable of the day (broccoli).  The ginger lime sauce was full of flavor and added to the tenderness of the salmon.

Finding Solitude at Sylvan Lake

After a restful night, I woke up bright and early at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn in Custer, South Dakota. It was a perfect overnight stay where the hotel staff were friendly and helpful.  At the breakfast bar, there was a large selection of food items and the dining area was very clean with modern furnishings.  The hotel was centrally located (about 20 minutes) from the attractions I wanted to visit and I couldn’t wait to check out and explore.

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It was Sunday morning and I wanted to visit Lake Sylvan to read my Bible and devotional before  reaching my next stop, Deadwood.  In awe of God’s creation, I started along the path where I could circle the lake, taking in the beauty of my surroundings.  With my camera in hand, I captured the reflection of the rock formations on the water.  The walking path continued along the banks with an additional route where one could walk the main thoroughfare for a shorter hike.

Sylvan Lake is one of five mountain lakes within the Custer State Park and is the one most visited.  Used as a scene in “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets”, it is also popular with photographers and nature lovers.  For those who like to fish, the lake is fully stocked with trout, crappies and perch and canoes and kayaks are available for rent as well.  Although I could have stayed to enjoy a few of the amenities at Sylvan Lake, I came for the solitude. And as I finished my hour of devotions, I prayed for safety and began my drive towards Deadwood.

Have you visited Sylvan Lake while touring Custer State Park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading by post and Happy Travels!

For more information about Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park, visit South Dakota’s state park website at www.gfp.sd.gov.

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For those of you that may be interested in my hotel evaluation at Custer, South Dakota, I have provided a very brief opinion of my experience at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn located at West Mount Rushmore Road.

Hotel Information:

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
310 W. Mount Rushmore Road
Custer, South Dakota  57730
Phone: 605 673 2275
Rate: 80.90 (AAA rate) + tax = 89.87 (includes $2 lodging tax)

Hotel Rating:

The hotel is a great hotel with friendly, helpful staff. There were great food options for breakfast including omelets, yogurt, hot oatmeal, cereal, toast, fresh fruit and danishes. The only fast food option in the area was Dairy Queen, but there were several places to eat along Mount Rushmore Road. Perfect location…about 20 minutes from each of the attractions. Very, very clean with modern furnishings. The television did not work that night, but I was too tired to watch it. I would highly recommend the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn. There is also wi-fi service available as well.

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