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A great hike that heads past a reconstructed Fort Ancient mound.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.3

KM

Loop

922' 281 m

High

827' 252 m

Low

137' 42 m

Up

136' 42 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This hike at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is a relatively easy hike in a peaceful setting.

Description

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.

Contacts

Land Manager: Central Ohio Metro Parks

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 13 votes

#2496

Overall
  4.3 from 13 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
69%
3 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#20

in Ohio

#2,496

Overall
21 Views Last Month
4,535 Since Nov 22, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Big Darby Creek
Dec 11, 2022 near Lake Darby, OH
Neat little bridge!
Nov 18, 2017 near Lake Darby, OH
Truck just off the trail.
Nov 18, 2017 near Grove City, OH

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Check-Ins

Dec 15, 2022
Annie Kerregan
Dec 11, 2022
Alex K
4.4mi — 1h 43m
Jun 14, 2020
Morgan Sonner
Ancient trail, along with many others at Batelle, does NOT allow dogs.
Aug 17, 2019
Jaedon S
Great trail! 4mi — 2h 00m
Feb 24, 2019
Michael Tighe
The mileage from the hike is the total mileage we hiked at Battelle Darby Creek that day. It was super windy, a little flooded, but gorgeous. 6mi — 3h 06m
Feb 17, 2019
Călin Solomon
Nov 4, 2018
HEAVY T
Jul 18, 2018
Kellie Gedert
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