There are certain places in Ohio that not only stand the test of time, but stand as a testament to time, too. Located in Oregonia, Ohio, Fort Ancient is a National Historic Landmark with the largest and best-preserved manmade earthworks in the country. It’s 100 acres of beautiful mounds that were used for protection, ceremonies, functional, and social functions a long, long time ago. And on the Fort Ancient Memorial Earthworks and Terrace Trail, you’ll quite literally step back in time, meandering through ancient ruins to one of the most beautiful overlooks in Ohio.
One of the most glorious hidden gems in Ohio, Fort Ancient is a living history lesson that’s accessible and beautiful.
Fort Ancient/Google Local
Fort Ancient is peak Buckeye State beauty, full of verdant forests and trails winding past ancient earthworks – and hiking is the best way to experience it.
Fort Ancient/Google Local
Trekking through the preserve, you’ll pass by several ancient mounds, and really feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Sarah McCosham/OIYS
These earthworks are incredible: a series of large, man-made, hand-built mounds. These well-preserved mounds helped the Hopewell people tell time and determine season changes, and seeing these mounds up-close is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.
Sarah McCosham/OIYS
Along the Fort Ancient Memorial Earthworks and Terrace Trail, you’ll wind through forested landscape along well-marked paths. At just 1.3 miles long, this out-and-back hike is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Fort Ancient/Google Local
While the earthworks along the trail are spectacular, the real star of this trail is the overlook.
Fort Ancient/Google Local
The view from this overlook is nothing short of incredible; on a clear day, the blue skies seem to go on infinitely.
Fort Ancient/Google Local
Perhaps the biggest lesson history teaches us is that history is never buried in the past – not really. The stories and signs of the past make our present all the richer. This is the real lesson of Fort Ancient.
Sarah McCosham/OIYS And between this lush forest trail, beautiful overlook, and omnipresent history, this hike at Fort Ancient is sure to leave a lasting impression, something you’ll take with you into the future.
Have you hiked to this beautiful overlook in Ohio before? What an amazing step back in time! While there is no cost to hike this trail, parking is $8 to access the grounds (you will pay a separate fee to access the museum). For more information on the Fort Ancient Memorial Earthworks and Terrace Trail in Ohio, visit AllTrails, and for more information on Fort Ancient, visit its page at the Ohio History Connection website.
Fort Ancient/Google Local
Sarah McCosham/OIYS
And between this lush forest trail, beautiful overlook, and omnipresent history, this hike at Fort Ancient is sure to leave a lasting impression, something you’ll take with you into the future.
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Address: Fort Ancient, 6123 OH-350, Oregonia, OH 45054, USA
