Licking: Earthworks, Flint and Trails

Rainbow-colored flint, geometric earthworks and paths through the landscape give Licking a varied character. Those interested in archaeology will find concrete points of interest here, as will travelers looking to include historic homes, collections or trails in their plans.

Earthworks and Archaeological Traces

The Great Circle Mound in Newark was built by the Hopewell Nation about 2,000 years ago. The Octagon Earthworks consist of two geometric enclosures: a circle and a larger octagon. This makes it possible to compare two distinct forms rather than viewing the earthworks only as separate stops.

The sites are also connected by their alignment: a line from the center of the Great Circle Mound to the Observatory Circle of the Octagon Earthworks points to the northernmost moonrise point on the eastern horizon. At the Great Circle Earthworks, visitor amenities include a small museum, a gift shop and a restroom. Since these facilities may change, check the information before your visit.

Flint and Trails

Flint Ridge is a nearly eight-mile-long vein of high-quality flint in Licking and Muskingum counties in eastern Ohio. The rainbow-colored flint was used for trade, as well as for tools and weapons. At Flint Ridge Ancient Quarries & Nature Preserve, trails wind through a 533-acre protected area. Geology, the material’s historic use and trails through the area offer different ways to explore the subject.

The 2.75-mile Lake Trail at Dawes Arboretum offers a different destination. It leads to an observation tower, which offers views of the Hedge Letters and Dawes Lake. The trail’s length and specific destination help with planning; the appeal lies not only in the walk, but also in the view the trail leads to.

For comparison, the section of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail at Newell Recreation Preserve is about a quarter of a mile long. The two distances describe different trail lengths and therefore different time frames for planning, without specifying a walking time or difficulty level.

Homes, Museums and Collections

The Sherwood-Davidson House was originally built in 1828 by local merchant Buckingham Sherwood. The Sherwood-Davidson House Museum is open by appointment from May to December. So don’t plan an impromptu visit; arrange your appointment before traveling. The Webb House offers a different historical note: Frank Camden Webb had it built in 1907 for his bride, Shirley Pister.

The collections also cover different subjects. The Works in Newark includes the SciDome planetarium, glassworks, historical artifacts and hands-on science labs. The National Heisey Glass Museum displays more than 6,000 pieces of Heisey glassware in two connected buildings. In this way, science, history and glass design stand side by side as distinct interests.

Blackhand Gorge and Buckeye Lake

In Blackhand Gorge, a paved path runs along the Licking River, with old cliffs rising above it. The paddlecraft access area has 30 parking spaces and three spaces for boat trailers. An access road allows you to unload near the riverbank. Since visitor infrastructure may change, check the information about parking and unloading before you go.

Buckeye Lake is also a regional point of reference: Licking County borders it to the north. The Ohio Canal project of 1825 enlarged the lake. This history adds a distinct perspective on the region’s development to its archaeological and cultural themes.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hebron, Heath, Buckeye Lake, Granville, Pataskala, Medina County, Van Wert, Jackson.

For the main travel overview: Ohio.