Serpent Mound
Peebles, OH
A 411 m effigy mound shaped like an uncoiling snake on a ridge above Brush Creek, set in an ancient impact crater. An observation tower gives a better view of the shape.
Serpent Mound is an effigy mound in the shape of a snake near Peebles in Adams County, Ohio, and, depending on the source, is considered the largest effigy mound in North America or in the world. The figure of a winding snake is about 1,330 feet (405 m) long and on average roughly 3 feet (1 m) high. It was long attributed to the Adena culture; radiocarbon dating from 1996 suggests instead that the Fort Ancient culture built or renewed it around AD 1070. The snake’s head is said to be aligned with the sunset at the summer solstice.
An observation tower gives the best view of the overall shape, and a loop path circles the figure. The museum shows a short film about the Mound Builders and finds from the area. According to Lonely Planet, getting there takes some effort: the mound lies about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Chillicothe on State Route 73 (No. 3850). Reduced hours apply in winter, so check in advance.
- Nearest town
- Peebles, OH
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.0253, -83.4303
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Long's RetreatCampsite7 mi from Serpent MoundCaravansWaste disposalFree
- Mineral Springs Lake ResortCampsite8 mi from Serpent MoundCaravans
- Paint Creek CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Serpent Mound · 197 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Bear Lake Horse CampCampsite22 mi from Serpent MoundTentsCaravansFree
- Rockwater CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Serpent MoundTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Shawnee State Park Turkey Creek CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Serpent MoundTentsCaravans
All campsites in Ohio · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Serpent Mound?
Serpent Mound is in Peebles, OH, at GPS 39.0253, -83.4303. It is about 32 mi from Chillicothe.
Can you camp near Serpent Mound?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cave Lake Park, about 7 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Serpent Mound?
Serpent Mound is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Ohio’s ancient mounds.
What is there to see near Serpent Mound?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mound City Group, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (33 mi), Fort Ancient (44 mi), Carter Caves State Resort Park (48 mi) and Ash Cave (54 mi).
When is the best time to visit Serpent Mound?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)