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Serpent Mound

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This mound is located within an unusual geological area known as the Serpent Mound crypto-explosion structure. This area, nearly five miles in diameter, contains extremely faulted and folded bedrock. Such faulting, normally caused by a meteorite strike or volcanic explosion, is uncommon in the normally flat-layered rocks of Ohio.

Serpent Mound, an effigy mound that appears to represent an uncoiling serpent, is the largest and finest effigy in the United States. It spans nearly 1,300 feet in length. Radiocarbon dating indicates that it was probably constructed by the Fort Ancient culture about 1070 ACE. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Overlooking Brush Creek valley, Serpent Mound has posed many questions to its observers. It is generally believed the mound symbolized a religious or mythical principle for its builders. Nearby one can find conical mounds that were used for burials and contained implements characteristic of the Adena culture (800 BCE - 100 ACE).

The site has hiking trails and an observation tower to get an overlook of the serpent effigy. Visitors to this site may choose a self-guided or guided tour. Exhibits in the adjacent museum reveal area excavations and probable explanations about the mound and the geology of the surrounding area.

• Adena State Memorial
• Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial
• Fort Ancient
• Fort Hill
• National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
• Rankin House
• Serpent Mound