"SPOOKY LOCK"
Lock 15 is called the "Outlet" lock, located deep in the narrows of Black Hand Gorge in Licking
County. It is located on the north slope of the Licking Summit, the last lock in the Black Hand Gorge
on Federal land. In my album of pictures, you will notice that this one stands out It differs from all
the others. Its Gothic shape fits the surroundings - so desolate and eerie. Like a few of the other
locks I encountered, it wasn't ready to be found. For two days, I walked over the same ground in a
zig zag pattern within a five mile stretch, eventually closing the gap. There was no way I was going
to give up finding this lock. This is the same lock that eluded me for weeks in Nash port because
of misprinted information. You will notice in the picture, its black and dreary surroundings. Before
finding it, I kept track of my positions to make sure not to re step over and over. Sitting down to eat a
bite, I looked over to the right. It was no more than 100 feet away! I dropped my food and ran to it,
snapping countless pictures using two cameras. I couldn't get to this lock fast enough! It is
interesting that most of the photographs of this lock had what seemed like bolts of energy or "orbs"
running through them - something that I was at a loss to explain. This area was spooky and I
mean it! Even when the sun was brightly shining above through the trees, it was dark at this lock.
One of my first looks at the Spooky Locks #15 deep in the woods
Another view of the spooky lock area of Black Hand Gorge
February, 2006
Johnny Apple Seed:
This email concerns the Black Hand Gorge. This is an area of great danger. Don't even travel
those woods alone again! This comes from experience. Nothing good lives down in the narrows of
the gorge. You're correct in naming that lock "Spooky Lock". The whole region is spooked. Once
years ago as a young man following the towpath east of Toboso Rd., I was drawn in by the
carvings on the face of the cliff above the interurban railroad. To my surprise, after photographing
the carved-in dates, a figure of an Indian appeared in the pictures. He obviously wasn't there as I
was snapping away. His bow was drawn back and the arrow was aimed directly at me. All of my
life, I have been in the Toboso area. It's been 45 years now and I have never returned to the woods
along the Licking River. My advice - STAY OUT OF THERE!
Johnny Apple Seed:
This email concerns the Black Hand Gorge. This is an area of great danger. Don't even travel
those woods alone again! This comes from experience. Nothing good lives down in the narrows of
the gorge. You're correct in naming that lock "Spooky Lock". The whole region is spooked. Once
years ago as a young man following the towpath east of Toboso Rd., I was drawn in by the
carvings on the face of the cliff above the interurban railroad. To my surprise, after photographing
the carved-in dates, a figure of an Indian appeared in the pictures. He obviously wasn't there as I
was snapping away. His bow was drawn back and the arrow was aimed directly at me. All of my
life, I have been in the Toboso area. It's been 45 years now and I have never returned to the woods
along the Licking River. My advice - STAY OUT OF THERE!
An awful lot of preparation went on before the very
first step of this adventure was made. By the time
that I thought everything was covered it was also
time to get started . What preparations can one
make to deal with the out of the ordinary events
that unfolded? . The answer is none they pop up
unexpedidly.I,m not going to get into detail about
the black hand gorge and the heavy woods along
the licking river. Ere events played out in this dreary
area. So many people have come forward with
there own stories I,ll just keep mine to myself. I
have received a stack of mail concerning that
area, and the abnormal things that have been
going on in there for years. On the long walk
down the towpath of the Ohio and Erie canal it was
never my intentions to speak of strange and un
ordinary events only because they were not
anticipated. This walk was intended to be upbeat
and a en joyous adventure and for the biggest part
remained so. This long adventure served many
purposes, one of which filled a life long dream of
mine ,and that was to go into the past and slowly
walk the towpath of the great Ohio and Erie
canal,in doing so my imagination went into
Overdrive another reason was to help preserve
whats left of this long ago water way that once
spanned our great state. Finally the 308 mile walk
from Cleveland to Portsmouth gave me a chance
to re blaze the towpath and in doing it by foot the
chance of missing anything is slim and
documenting everything.So hopefully all of this
hard work pays off in the years to come, and my
work can be displayed so people can look back
and see what the wonderful and great Ohio and
Erie canal once was, and also the impact this 40
foot wide water way had on Ohio.
first step of this adventure was made. By the time
that I thought everything was covered it was also
time to get started . What preparations can one
make to deal with the out of the ordinary events
that unfolded? . The answer is none they pop up
unexpedidly.I,m not going to get into detail about
the black hand gorge and the heavy woods along
the licking river. Ere events played out in this dreary
area. So many people have come forward with
there own stories I,ll just keep mine to myself. I
have received a stack of mail concerning that
area, and the abnormal things that have been
going on in there for years. On the long walk
down the towpath of the Ohio and Erie canal it was
never my intentions to speak of strange and un
ordinary events only because they were not
anticipated. This walk was intended to be upbeat
and a en joyous adventure and for the biggest part
remained so. This long adventure served many
purposes, one of which filled a life long dream of
mine ,and that was to go into the past and slowly
walk the towpath of the great Ohio and Erie
canal,in doing so my imagination went into
Overdrive another reason was to help preserve
whats left of this long ago water way that once
spanned our great state. Finally the 308 mile walk
from Cleveland to Portsmouth gave me a chance
to re blaze the towpath and in doing it by foot the
chance of missing anything is slim and
documenting everything.So hopefully all of this
hard work pays off in the years to come, and my
work can be displayed so people can look back
and see what the wonderful and great Ohio and
Erie canal once was, and also the impact this 40
foot wide water way had on Ohio.
November, 2005
Hello Canalwayman,
Recently, I have read your articles about the Black Hand Gorge. Years
ago, a stone hand was carved on the west end of the Black Hand Rock.
This signified the strength of the Indian tribesmen who lived in the
canyons along the river. Ohio was predominantly a tribal land until the
white settlers came through. You can't go anywhere without running into
Indian names of towns and rivers. Ancient Indian legend tells of the spirit
guardians who still live in those woods and who will continue doing so
throughout all time. Not all spirits are good ones. Those who are the
keepers of the sacred grounds are compelled to create havoc and expel
anyone from their sacred burial grounds. All along the Ohio & Erie Canal
and throughout different areas of our state, many sacred areas were
uncovered due to the coming of the new age; mostly done with no respect
for the people who lived on this land for years and years before we came
along. My advice to you is, be careful alone in the woods along the Licking
River. An awful lot of negative energy still exists.
Hello Canalwayman,
Recently, I have read your articles about the Black Hand Gorge. Years
ago, a stone hand was carved on the west end of the Black Hand Rock.
This signified the strength of the Indian tribesmen who lived in the
canyons along the river. Ohio was predominantly a tribal land until the
white settlers came through. You can't go anywhere without running into
Indian names of towns and rivers. Ancient Indian legend tells of the spirit
guardians who still live in those woods and who will continue doing so
throughout all time. Not all spirits are good ones. Those who are the
keepers of the sacred grounds are compelled to create havoc and expel
anyone from their sacred burial grounds. All along the Ohio & Erie Canal
and throughout different areas of our state, many sacred areas were
uncovered due to the coming of the new age; mostly done with no respect
for the people who lived on this land for years and years before we came
along. My advice to you is, be careful alone in the woods along the Licking
River. An awful lot of negative energy still exists.
Spring, 2006
In regards to the Black Hand Gorge, many years now, the
fascination of the deep woods along the Licking River and the
towpaths of the Ohio & Erie Canal have intrigued me. Such an
enormous amount of work has gone into this particular area.
Not only was it a monumental task, but it was done also
battling the native Indians with a great loss of life. Getting back
to your articles, something eerie does live in those woods.
You're never alone. After the flood of 2005, it left the area
completely desolate. Every tree was busted from the ice
storms. The water rose 60' above flood stage. After it receded,
my goal was to get down along the river in the gorge and
photograph the area. This flood isn't new to the area. I've been
told it comes once every 500 or so years. While I was
photographing, it was cut short by the huntings coming from
the surroundings that made the hair stand up on the back of
my neck. To me it sounded like bird callings, but remember,
this was the middle of winter. There were no birds about. It
reminded me of Indians signaling each other and I felt as if
they were closing in on me. Every once in a while, I thought I
caught a glimpse of them moving through the trees. I have
never been so afraid in my life! I feel as if I was being hunted.
To this day, after returning several times, not alone out of fear,
I'm still not able to find my camera and tripod that mysteriously
came up missing - only feet from where I stood. I no more then
turned around and they were gone! After reading about your
encounter and the others, I'm convinced that area is and
always will be a haven for angry Indian spirits.
In regards to the Black Hand Gorge, many years now, the
fascination of the deep woods along the Licking River and the
towpaths of the Ohio & Erie Canal have intrigued me. Such an
enormous amount of work has gone into this particular area.
Not only was it a monumental task, but it was done also
battling the native Indians with a great loss of life. Getting back
to your articles, something eerie does live in those woods.
You're never alone. After the flood of 2005, it left the area
completely desolate. Every tree was busted from the ice
storms. The water rose 60' above flood stage. After it receded,
my goal was to get down along the river in the gorge and
photograph the area. This flood isn't new to the area. I've been
told it comes once every 500 or so years. While I was
photographing, it was cut short by the huntings coming from
the surroundings that made the hair stand up on the back of
my neck. To me it sounded like bird callings, but remember,
this was the middle of winter. There were no birds about. It
reminded me of Indians signaling each other and I felt as if
they were closing in on me. Every once in a while, I thought I
caught a glimpse of them moving through the trees. I have
never been so afraid in my life! I feel as if I was being hunted.
To this day, after returning several times, not alone out of fear,
I'm still not able to find my camera and tripod that mysteriously
came up missing - only feet from where I stood. I no more then
turned around and they were gone! After reading about your
encounter and the others, I'm convinced that area is and
always will be a haven for angry Indian spirits.
Deep in Licking County you will find The Black Hand Gorge
March, 2006 Canal wayman:
I have read your experiences in the woods one evening east of the Black
Hand Gorge. You've probably figured out by now, the whole area is different
than any other. You won't see no church steeples either. The people are
different. There was a shanty town of people living along the towpath just as
you said but recently, they have picked up and left the area but the warnings
are still there. At first, I didn't believe this and had to investigate for myself.
I have read your experiences in the woods one evening east of the Black
Hand Gorge. You've probably figured out by now, the whole area is different
than any other. You won't see no church steeples either. The people are
different. There was a shanty town of people living along the towpath just as
you said but recently, they have picked up and left the area but the warnings
are still there. At first, I didn't believe this and had to investigate for myself.
LOCK 42 & THE KINGSBURY RUN MURDERS
During the time the canal operated, Kingsbury Run was
notorious for drinking, drugs, prostitution and anything else
illegal. A lot of the original diggers of the Ohio & Erie Canal
settled into shanty towns such as this and lived out their whole
lives in squalor. Crime was no stranger to Kingsbury Run. It
was also known as the slums of Cleveland.
Years after the closing of the Ohio & Erie Canal, the slums of
Kingsbury Run were the location of some of the most
gruesome murders ever. They equaled in comparison the
White Chapel murders in London, England by the infamous
Jack the Ripper. A string of twelve murders to be exact came
out of the Kingsbury Run area - all decapitated. This murder
spree began in September, 1935 and went on nearly three
years until August of 1938. Cleveland's new Law Director of
Public Safety was a well-known name. He had his hands full
trying to solve these murders and was never able to. His name
was Elliott Ness -
Pugh Lock # 0 located on the Pugh Farm south of Buckeye Lake
LOST LOCKS
This name was derived from the area under Akron, Ohio.
Most locks are visible and above ground. The locks in Akron
have been sealed up and entombed underground forever,
no longer to be gazed upon. If I am to make a claim to go
through each lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal, then guess
what? They are included! My first trip walking this system of
locks was around them, the second was through them. I
entered underground at lock 10. The water was 18 inches
deep - and fast. I made it up to a double set of waterfalls.
Only the right side had water cascading over it. I never
expected such a large and high concrete slope. My lighting
was also poor and this forced me to leave and come back
more prepared. On my second attempt, the water was now
may be only 8 inches deep and this made my expedition
much easier. I wish to point out that I went in at 5 a.m. On a
Saturday morning so as not to draw attention to myself.
Before going in, I brought a set of dry clothes and left them
at lock 3, hidden in bushes and hid my bicycle. The bicycle
was to get me to my parked truck. This time going in, I was
more prepared. I tackled my first obstacle using a ladder
and ropes and got up over the top. This area was very wide.
My lighting quit. It was pitch black in there, and I mean it! I
fixed my battery pack, illuminating it with a flashlight. My
power source was a 50 Ib. car battery in a back pack with a
halogen lamp connected to a helmet. Illuminating the tunnel
once again, I noticed a conduit and a light fixture. This was
probably used in the 1970's when it was under construction.
I thought I had seen an access door. All the storm drains
end up in this dark, gloomy tunnel. There was so much
trash collected at this level and I was overwhelmed by an
awful rotting smell. I was not going to investigate that for
sure! Moving south a few hundred yards was another very
high concrete dam just in front of me, may be 30 feet high or
so with water spilling over the whole width. With ladders
and ropes, I got over this also, pulling my way through until I
came out at lock 3. But along the way, I left my calling card,
painted on the walls of the dark tunnel - the "Lost Locks", to
be preserved in time. This area is listed as one of Ohio's
spookiest places. I know why!
This name was derived from the area under Akron, Ohio.
Most locks are visible and above ground. The locks in Akron
have been sealed up and entombed underground forever,
no longer to be gazed upon. If I am to make a claim to go
through each lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal, then guess
what? They are included! My first trip walking this system of
locks was around them, the second was through them. I
entered underground at lock 10. The water was 18 inches
deep - and fast. I made it up to a double set of waterfalls.
Only the right side had water cascading over it. I never
expected such a large and high concrete slope. My lighting
was also poor and this forced me to leave and come back
more prepared. On my second attempt, the water was now
may be only 8 inches deep and this made my expedition
much easier. I wish to point out that I went in at 5 a.m. On a
Saturday morning so as not to draw attention to myself.
Before going in, I brought a set of dry clothes and left them
at lock 3, hidden in bushes and hid my bicycle. The bicycle
was to get me to my parked truck. This time going in, I was
more prepared. I tackled my first obstacle using a ladder
and ropes and got up over the top. This area was very wide.
My lighting quit. It was pitch black in there, and I mean it! I
fixed my battery pack, illuminating it with a flashlight. My
power source was a 50 Ib. car battery in a back pack with a
halogen lamp connected to a helmet. Illuminating the tunnel
once again, I noticed a conduit and a light fixture. This was
probably used in the 1970's when it was under construction.
I thought I had seen an access door. All the storm drains
end up in this dark, gloomy tunnel. There was so much
trash collected at this level and I was overwhelmed by an
awful rotting smell. I was not going to investigate that for
sure! Moving south a few hundred yards was another very
high concrete dam just in front of me, may be 30 feet high or
so with water spilling over the whole width. With ladders
and ropes, I got over this also, pulling my way through until I
came out at lock 3. But along the way, I left my calling card,
painted on the walls of the dark tunnel - the "Lost Locks", to
be preserved in time. This area is listed as one of Ohio's
spookiest places. I know why!
Deep under Akron, Ohio
It's so dark and spooky down under Akron
"THE JOHNNY APPLE SEED OF THE OHIO & ERIE CANAL"
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