The Mysterious Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound in Adams County is known as the world’s largest prehistoric earthen effigy mound, which was built by ancient American Indian cultures. It is a giant curved serpent stretching a quarter of a mile with seven coils, 1348 feet long, and has a snake-like head. Its origins are still a mystery, and experts disagree on the representation of the oval shape. Some believe it is an egg being swallowed by open jaws, and others think it might be an enlarged eye. One theory, after excavation, is that it dates back to the Adena, and later, the Fort Ancient People modified it. It may have been used for spiritual purposes, as a compass, or to mark the seasonal change.
Serpent Mound is located within the southwestern portion of a vast, 9-mile impact crater (aptly called the Serpent Mound Impact Structure) caused by the impact of a comet or asteroid between 256 and 330 million years ago.

Parking/Trailhead

Serpent Mound Parking/Trailhead
Serpent Mound State Memorial
3850 OH-73
Peebles, OH 45660
(39.024012, -83.429633)
There is a fee to enter.

The Hike:
Easy, 0.5-mile loop, paved trail around an ancient effigy mound. Check for closures as they are only open certain days of the week: ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/serpent-mound/ Fees.

Serpent Mound