Fort Ancient Mound Loop

The hike heads out on the Terrace Trail, a moderate 2-mile loop trail at the northern end of the park. From the Terrace Trail, hikers can access the Ancient Trail. The Ancient Trail is a mix of grass and gravel, stretching for 1.9 miles. The trail is a loop that partially runs along Battelle Darby Creek and passes a reconstructed Fort Ancient Mound. The area was the site of one of the largest prehistoric hilltop enclosures in the United States, the use of which remains a mystery. Constructed by the Hopewell people over the course of a 400 year period beginning in 100 B.C.E., the most popular consensus is that the giant mounds were used for ceremonial purposes. Hikers will hike though both woods and fields, allowing for an enjoyable amount of variation.