Serpent Mound's Natural Area
Natural Area with Unusual Geologic Features
A tributary of Ohio Brush Creek, one of the state's most intact water ecosystems, runs through the park -- a haven for many endangered species of aquatic life. The rock cliffs above the Serpent Mound are of the same dolomitic-limestone that characterizes the beautiful wildflower-strewn karst-country of several of our southwestern Ohio counties.
The earthwork itself sits atop a narrow cliff, an the edge of the fascinating geologic anomaly known as the Serpent Mound Disturbance. The surrounding landscape displays an ancient bowl-shaped crater that remains a geological puzzle. The area of disturbance measures 5 miles in diameter, in roughly a circle. At its center, the bedrock has been pushed upward at least a thousand feet from its original position.
Throughout the bowl of the structure there are massive cracks, faults, and places where the rock layers are jumbled, or even upside down. Like the Serpent Mound itself, the origins of the feature remain unclear. Today most geologists believe the structure is a crater caused by an impacting meteorite1 , but other theories include that the fracturing is a result of underground gas explosions from within the earth that hurled layers of rock upwards. In any case, the geologic feature is quite ancient, and precedes by many millions of years the story of human culture on the site.
Beautiful Hiking Along the Cliffs
Approximately a one-half mile long trail winds below the cliff of Serpent Mound and along the Ohio Brush Creek that borders the park.
Hikers, please note backcountry trail conditions. The trail is primitive in nature, being narrow, uneven, and occasionally steep. After a rain or in the spring after winter snow melt, the paths can be muddy, so please be prepared with proper foot gear.
Serpent Mound is a protected natural area. Regulations require that hikers remain on the trails, and avoid harvesting or disturbing plant and animal life. Fishing and hunting are not permitted. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.