What Blackhand Gorge offers anglers and hikers
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve sits along the Licking River in Licking County, about 20 miles northeast of Columbus. The preserve protects a narrow, steep-walled gorge carved by the river—one of the most dramatic landscapes in central Ohio. For anglers, the real draw is the tailwater below the dam: a cold-water stretch that holds walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish year-round. The gorge itself is a hiking destination, with trails that run along the rim and down to the river level, offering views most of Ohio's flatland never sees.
The preserve spans roughly 1,000 acres. Access is free, and the parking area sits right at the trailhead. The river corridor here is narrow and rocky—nothing like the wide, slow pools you find downstream. That character makes it distinct from other Licking River access points and worth the drive if you want to fish moving water or see what a glacially-carved gorge looks like in person.
Key Takeaways
- The tailwater below the dam holds walleye and smallmouth bass in deeper holes and along current breaks, especially in spring and fall.
- Trails run along the gorge rim and down to river level, with the rim trail offering the easiest walk and the best views of the gorge walls.
- The preserve is open year-round and free to enter, with parking at the main trailhead on State Route 146.
- Water levels and current vary with dam releases, so check conditions before you go and be prepared for wading in moving water.
- The gorge is a nature preserve, not a recreation area—no motorboats, no camping, and the focus is on protecting the landscape.
How to reach Blackhand Gorge from Columbus
From downtown Columbus, take I-270 north to State Route 161 east. Follow 161 for about 12 miles until you reach State Route 146 near the town of Sunbury. Turn south on 146 and drive roughly 8 miles; the preserve entrance and parking area will be on your right, marked by a small sign. The drive takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic. GPS coordinates for the parking area are approximately 40.2°N, 82.8°W.
The parking lot is small—room for maybe 15 to 20 vehicles—and it fills on weekends, especially in spring and fall. Arrive early if you plan to fish or hike on a Saturday. There are no facilities at the preserve: no restrooms, no water, no concessions. Bring what you need.
Fishing the tailwater for walleye and bass
The tailwater below the dam is the productive section for anglers. Walleye hold in deeper holes and along the edges of the current, particularly where rocks create slack water. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable seasons; water temperatures stay cool, and walleye move into shallower feeding zones. Summer can be slow as fish retreat to deeper pools. Winter fishing is possible but requires caution—water levels can rise quickly with dam releases, and wading becomes dangerous.
Smallmouth bass are present year-round and will take crawfish patterns, small crankbaits, and soft plastics worked along the rocky banks. Channel catfish feed at night and respond to chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits. The river here is narrow and rocky, so casting accuracy matters more than distance. Wade carefully—the bottom is uneven and current can be strong after releases.
Check the dam release schedule before you fish. The Army Corps of Engineers manages the dam and can release water with little warning, raising the river level quickly. A sudden rise can trap waders or make crossing dangerous. Local fishing reports and the preserve's information board will tell you if releases are scheduled.
Hiking the gorge rim and river-level trails
Two main trails serve the preserve. The gorge rim trail runs along the top of the gorge wall and offers the best views with the least physical demand. The path is mostly level, well-maintained, and takes about an hour to walk the full loop. You'll see the gorge walls drop steeply to the river below—in places the walls rise 100 feet or more. The rock formations are exposed and colorful, especially after rain when the stone darkens.
The river-level trail descends to the water and follows the bank. This route is steeper, rockier, and more strenuous. It's the path to take if you want to fish or get close to the water. The descent is manageable but requires good footing; the ascent back up is the harder part. Wear sturdy boots with good ankle support.
Both trails are open year-round. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the rim. In fall, the gorge walls catch afternoon light beautifully. Winter hiking is possible but the trails can be icy and muddy. Summer is hot and humid in the gorge bottom, so start early if you plan to fish.
What makes Blackhand Gorge different from other Licking River access
Most Licking River access in the region is flat and open—wide pools, gentle banks, easy wading. Blackhand Gorge is the exception. The gorge walls, the current, and the rocky bottom create a completely different character. The water is colder and moves faster. The landscape is dramatic. If you've fished the Licking elsewhere and want to see what the river looks like in a confined channel, this is the place.
The preserve status also matters. Because it's protected as a nature preserve, not a recreation area, the focus is on conservation. That means no motorboats, no camping, no development. The river corridor stays wild and narrow. For anglers and hikers who want to see central Ohio's geology and fish moving water, that protection is the whole point.
Seasons and water conditions
Spring (April through May) brings rising water levels and cooler temperatures. Walleye are active, and the gorge is at its most dramatic with water volume. Wading can be difficult, and dam releases are common. Fall (September through October) offers similar conditions with lower water levels and excellent fishing. Summer (June through August) is warm, water levels drop, and fishing slows. Winter (November through March) is possible but requires caution with dam releases and icy conditions.
Water clarity varies with rainfall and dam operations. After heavy rain, the river turns brown and visibility drops. After a few days without rain, clarity improves. Check local conditions before you go. The preserve's information board at the parking area often has notes from recent visitors about water levels and what fish are biting.
What to bring and what to know before you go
Bring plenty of water, sturdy wading boots, and a headlamp if you plan to fish into dusk. The gorge is narrow and shaded, so it gets dark early. Bring a map or download the preserve's trail map before you arrive—cell service is spotty in the gorge. If you're fishing, bring a wading staff; the current and rocky bottom make balance tricky. A personal flotation device is not required but many anglers wear one when wading the tailwater.
The preserve is open sunrise to sunset. No camping, no fires, no motorboats. Dogs are allowed on leash. The preserve is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the rules are posted at the parking area. Respect the landscape and other visitors—this is a nature preserve, not a playground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the gorge safe to wade?
Wading is possible but requires caution. The bottom is rocky and uneven, current can be strong, and water levels rise with dam releases. Wear a wading staff, sturdy boots, and watch for sudden changes in water level. Check the dam release schedule before you go, and never wade alone.
Can I fish the gorge in winter?
Yes, but conditions are harsh. Water is cold, dam releases can happen with little warning, and the banks are icy. Winter fishing is for experienced waders only. Spring and fall are safer and more productive.
How long does it take to hike the rim trail?
The full rim loop takes about an hour at a moderate pace. You can walk shorter sections if you want a quick visit. The river-level trail takes longer and is more strenuous, depending on how far you walk.
What's the best time of year to fish here?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are most reliable. Water temperatures are cool, walleye are active, and wading conditions are manageable. Summer fishing is slower; winter requires experience and caution.
Are there restrooms or water at the preserve?
No. The preserve has a parking area and trailhead only. Bring everything you need—water, snacks, first aid. The nearest services are in the town of Sunbury, about 10 miles away.