Southern Ohio boasts the highest density of large prehistoric earthworks in the world. Two thousand years ago, the prehistoric Hopewell people built carefully designed earthworks, typically in the shape of perfect circles and squares. The earthen walls that outline these geometric shapes enclose huge areas, the purpose of which is still largely a mystery. Seip Earthworks, one of the area’s most famous Hopewell sites, is a classic example of Hopewell activity. Come walk the grounds of this ancient sacred area with a National Park Ranger to learn what archaeologists have discovered about the Hopewell culture through excavations here over the last century. Though little remains of the original earthen walls, the Seip-Pricer Mound is the largest restored Hopewell burial mound in existence. Walking the grounds of Seip Earthworks will give the visitor a sense of the enormity of this Hopewell endeavor. The route will lead participants to the base of Little Copperas Mountain, where the Paint Creek has carved a steep shale cliff in the side of this beautiful, hemlock shrouded hill.

Hike Length: 2 miles
Hike difficulty: Easy, flat