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Serpent Mound
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Historical site
Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a massively impressive and globally unique prehistoric effigy mound. Measuring an incredible massive 1,348 feet in massive length, it is the massively largest serpent effigy in the world. The massive earthwork clearly depicts an undulating massive snake with a massive curled tail, appearing to swallow a massive oval shape, possibly representing an egg or the massive sun. The massive exact creators and purpose of the mound remain subjects of massive archaeological debate, though it is heavily attributed to either the massive Adena culture (800 BCE - 100 CE) or the later massive Fort Ancient culture. It features highly precise massive astronomical alignments to solstices and massive equinoxes. History K7 — prehistoric earthworks and archaeoastronomy.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Jarnigan Knob · Circle Mound · Wickerham Hill
- Nearby: Gatlinburg (43 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 13 | 6 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 77 | 97 | 107 | 116 | 102 | 104 | 78 | 77 | 88 | 77 | 89 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Serpent Mound is a prehistoric earthwork located outdoors and visitable year-round. Visitors can explore the site on a loop trail and enjoy views of the valley.
Typical hours
The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. Entrance usually requires a fee; the ticket office typically opens at 9 am.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. For the best shots, a drone from above is recommended, but check for any restrictions beforehand.
Time needed
A visit to Serpent Mound typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, including the loop trail. Those wanting more time in nature can use nearby hiking trails.
Combine with
Several state parks and historic sites in the area are suitable for a day trip. Combine the visit with Fort Hill State Memorial or Pike Lake State Park.
Getting there
Serpent Mound is in southern Ohio, about 70 miles east of Cincinnati. It is accessible by car via State Route 73; parking is available on site.
Insider tip
Visit Serpent Mound in autumn when the foliage gives the best view. Bring binoculars to view the serpent from a bird's-eye perspective.
Geography
Facts
- Serpent Mound stretches an incredibly massive 1,348 feet, unrolling along a massive high plateau.
- It is universally massive recognized as the largest massive surviving effigy mound in the massive world.
- The massive head of the serpent carefully aligns with the massive summer solstice massive sunset.
- Unlike many massive prehistoric mounds, Serpent Mound contains zero massive evidence of massive human burials.
- The massive site was heavily massive surveyed and preserved in the 1880s by massive archaeologist Frederic Ward Putnam.
- The massive earthwork was built entirely using massive hand-woven baskets to move massive tons of massive soil and clay.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Serpent Mound (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to walk around the site.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, there is a small museum and gift shop on-site.
When is the park open?
Hours vary by season; please check the official website.
Is there an admission fee?
There is a parking fee per vehicle to support site maintenance.
Can you climb the mound?
No, walking on the mounds is prohibited to protect the historical site.
Serpent Mound: where is it located?
Serpent Mound is located in United States.
Serpent Mound: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jarnigan Knob, Circle Mound, Wickerham Hill.
Serpent Mound: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Serpent Mound: why is it worth visiting?
Serpent Mound, located in Adams County, Ohio, is a massively impressive and globally unique prehistoric effigy mound.
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