A nearly quarter-mile-long earthen embankment shaped like a giant snake uncoiling: Serpent Mound is an internationally known National Historic Landmark built by Ohio’s Indigenous cultures. This combination of striking form and cultural heritage makes a strong impression in Adams County. Prairies, hiking trails, cliffs and waterfalls offer other perspectives on the landscape.
Hiking trails with different destinations
The trails differ in length, layout and destination. The Buzzardroost Rock Trail is a 4.4-mile loop of moderate difficulty. The Joan Jones Portman Trail is 1.6 miles long and ends at the Peebles Dolomite cliffs, overlooking the valley below. This places a longer, moderately challenging loop alongside a shorter route with a striking viewpoint as its destination. The Helen C. Black Trail at Cedar Falls offers a third option: its three-mile loop ends at a viewpoint above the waterfalls. Choosing a destination as well lets you distinguish between the valley view from the Peebles Dolomite cliffs and the viewpoint above the waterfalls; the two routes are 1.6 and three miles long.
Lynx Prairie has three clearly marked, interconnected loop trails totaling 1.3 miles. Chaparral Prairie combines three loops and a spur trail for a total of 1.6 miles. The two systems are similar in total length but have different layouts: at Lynx, the loops connect, while Chaparral also has a spur trail. Conditions on the trails at Buzzardroost Rock, Lynx Prairie and Chaparral Prairie may change; check them before setting out.
Prairies and summer nature watching
Chaparral Prairie is a 130-acre State Nature Preserve in Adams County, Ohio. The greatest variety of prairie flowers can be seen there during the first three weeks of August. Lynx Prairie offers a different seasonal highlight: you can look for Crested Coralroot along the trail system in July and August. Parts of these trails pass through forests dominated by native Virginia pines and eastern red cedars. This creates a clear summer comparison for nature watching: prairie flowers take center stage during the first three weeks of August, while July and August are the season to look for Crested Coralroot.
Cultural history, forests and water
The landmark designations highlight different things: Serpent Mound is a National Historic Landmark, while the Charles E. Eulett Wilderness Preserve was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. The Charles A. Eulett Wilderness Trail passes through forests and along cliffs and streams. Adams Lake Prairie is located within Adams Lake State Park. Public boat ramps are available in Manchester, at Island Creek and at the mouth of Ohio Brush Creek. Facilities may change, so check the current status of the ramps before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Lynx, West Union, Athens County, Sandusky County, Huron County, Fairfield, Guernsey, Belmont County.
For the broader travel overview: Ohio.
