Peebles, Ohio, is in the southwestern part of the state in the Appalachian foothills. This rural village is home to the 1,330-foot-long Great Serpent Mound that was created by ancient Native Americans between 500 and 1,000 years ago. Peebles sits at the center one of Ohio's most scenic areas, surrounded by state forests. The region is known for its rich history and scenery, and Peebles offers hikers a number of trail choices. Advanced hikers can backpack and camp for days, while others can enjoy a simple afternoon hike.
Great Serpent Mound
Ohio is home to the largest serpent mound -- also called a serpent effigy -- in the United States. The mound is controlled by the Ohio Historical Society (ohiohistory.org). Day hikers will be happy to know of the scenic trails surrounding the mound. The great serpent sits on a plateau and overlooks the Brush Creek Valley. In the late 1800s, a Harvard University archeologist discovered and excavated the mounds. A footpath encircles the mound itself and connects to a museum with ancient Native American artifacts. In addition, another trail leads into the valley. Both trails are perfect for afternoon hikes.
The Buckeye Trail (buckeyetrail.org) cuts directly through Peebles and takes hikers through Ohio from Lake Erie to Cincinnati, a distance of more than 1,400 miles. Divided into 26 segments along the way, hikers can choose to walk smaller parts of the trail. The Peebles section, called the Sinking Spring section, spans nearly 24 miles and begins at the Pike Lake State Park, northeast of Peebles. Modern and primitive campsites are available along this trail in addition to stores and restaurants. Following the trail will take you through the Great Serpent Mound and the Davis Memorial State Preserve. This section of the trail ends near Mineral Springs, Ohio, south of Peebles.
Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve
Though the trail is a shorter one at a distance of two miles, the Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve is worthwhile to hikers due in part to its geologic features and plantlife. The preserve, controlled by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.com), has Silurian dolomite cliffs, a 30-foot-deep vault and some rare plant species. White cedar grows on the cliffs along with Sullivant's cool-wart. Cool-wart is rare in Ohio because the plant needs a cliff-side habitat. In addition to the scenic views, the trail has areas of open prairie where botany lovers will enjoy the American aloe, purple coneflower and dwarf hawthorn. The Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve is a few miles south of Peebles on Davis Memorial Road.
Brush Creek State Forest
Brush Creek State Forest, eight miles west of Peebles, originally comprised 285 acres of land in 1928. The area has grown to more than 12,000 acres of hardwood forest land. Brush Creek has 15 miles of designated hiking trails. Controlled by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.org), the forest takes its name from the Scioto Brush Creek that borders the forest on the north and west. The area has a large population of white tail deer and wild turkey and hunting is permitted. Care should be taken when hiking during hunting seasons. Morel mushroom hunting is another popular pastime at the forest in the springtime. Campsites are not available.
- Ohio Historical Society: Serpent Mound
- Ohio History Teachers: Field Trips: SW: Serpent Mound
- Hiking Ohio Parks: Edge of the Appalachia Preserve Serpent Mound Hiking Trails:
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Davis State Memorial Nature Preserve
- Buckeye Trail: Closeups
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Brush Creek State Forest
- Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images