Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio, contains a mound located on the highest point of the arboretum grounds. The mound itself is low—about 4 feet high—and about 30 feet across. It is covered with trees which make it difficult to see the shape which is lost in the foliage.
You will need to hike about a 1 mile round trip to see the mound. The walk is easy but the trail through the forest is unimproved so what out for tree roots.
Start out by stopping by the visitor center. The mound is located in a restricted area and you will need to get a written permit. We had no trouble getting the permit. The hardest part was finding the tunnel under SR 13. There is no clearly marked path. Go to the end of the parking lot across from the visitor’s center. Cross the access road on your left and walk toward SR 13. The trail to the tunnel is indicated by a large marker and hidden behind some trees.
Once through the tunnel, the trail is clear. It starts in a meadow. The day we visited, native plants like purple coneflower and liatris were blooming, and the blackberry bushes were thick with red berries promising a heavy harvest once they ripened.
At the top of the hill, the trail enters the forest. Follow it until it takes a tight loop left. At the outer edge of the loop is the mound. There is a marker to the right of the trail identifying the mound. This mound, like the others we visited on the same day, was on a ridge and must have been impressive when approached. The early Ohio peoples would have kept the mound and nearby area clear of vegetation which would make the mound more prominent.We also visited these nearby sites on this day trip: Flint Ridge, Huffman Mound, Fairmount Mound, Clark’s Dining Room.
You will need to hike about a 1 mile round trip to see the mound. The walk is easy but the trail through the forest is unimproved so what out for tree roots.
Start out by stopping by the visitor center. The mound is located in a restricted area and you will need to get a written permit. We had no trouble getting the permit. The hardest part was finding the tunnel under SR 13. There is no clearly marked path. Go to the end of the parking lot across from the visitor’s center. Cross the access road on your left and walk toward SR 13. The trail to the tunnel is indicated by a large marker and hidden behind some trees.
Once through the tunnel, the trail is clear. It starts in a meadow. The day we visited, native plants like purple coneflower and liatris were blooming, and the blackberry bushes were thick with red berries promising a heavy harvest once they ripened.
At the top of the hill, the trail enters the forest. Follow it until it takes a tight loop left. At the outer edge of the loop is the mound. There is a marker to the right of the trail identifying the mound. This mound, like the others we visited on the same day, was on a ridge and must have been impressive when approached. The early Ohio peoples would have kept the mound and nearby area clear of vegetation which would make the mound more prominent.We also visited these nearby sites on this day trip: Flint Ridge, Huffman Mound, Fairmount Mound, Clark’s Dining Room.
Hours:
- Visitor’s Center hours: Mon.-Sat., 8:00-5:00.
Location:
- Exit I 70 at SR 13 at Exit 132. Go north on SR 13 through Jacksontown toward Newark.
Fees (if applicable):
- none
Additional information:
- 1-800-44-DAWESRelated sites: http://www.dawesarb.org/
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