Portion of Hiking Trail Closed

A popular hiking trail is closed in some areas due to river erosion slippage.

The Friends of Blackhand Gorge said a 200 yard section of the bike trail has been closed for 3/4 mile from the Brushy Fork entrance because of slippage.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said the Licking River has eroded a section of bank and undercut the paved trail.

They said once the bank stabilizes options to repair the trail will be assessed and the trail will re-open if possible.

Gates have been installed to prevent visitors from hiking into the impacted section of trail. All other trails in the preserve remain open.