Hiking & Exploring Seip Earthworks

Interpretive trails leading to and away from the central Seip Mound.

NPS / Tom Engberg

Seip Earthworks is a large earthworks site which once contained three geometric features that were connected.  A large circle that contained a huge earthen burial mound was connected to a smaller circle and small square.

Today, visitors will find a scenic nature trail that winds through the complex from the parking area, just off of the highway, leading to the reconstructed mound. All trails are groomed, cut grass and are relatively flat throughout the site. There is NO restroom avaialble. A picnic shelter is available for first-come, first-serve use. We do not take reservations for shelter use.

For additional information, directions to Seip Earthworks and for a downloadable site map with trail locations, please visit the park's Seip Earthworks page.

Details

Duration

30-180 Minutes

Duration depends upon your level of interest and stamina.  A walk to the central mound and back to the parking lot will likely take around 30 minutes, depending on ones stamina and pace.

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

Enjoy an easy hike on the scenic nature trails of this prehistoric earthwork site.  While the earthwork walls were destroyed by agricultural development centuries ago, the large burial mound in the center of the complex was reconstructed after tedious excavation in the late 1920's.  Visitors can continue their walk down to the Paint Creek to enjoy wonderful natural scenes in front of the picturesque Copperas Mountains.

Age(s)

All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times.  Owners are required to pick up pet's poop and dispose of properly.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Bainbridge, Ohio

Located on U.S. Route 50, southwest of Chillicothe, Ohio in Bainbridge, Ohio. Seip Earthworks is located directly next to Paint Valley High School.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Park grounds are open during daylight hours only, sunrise to sunset.

Accessibility Information

Seip Earthworks:

No visitor services building on site, the house located on the site property is NOT open to the public.

• Parking: Paved parking area, no designated spaces.
• Trails: Paved from parking lot area, flat surface. Two paved sidewalks, one to covered shelter and the other to portable restroom. Remainder of trails are grass covered on uneven terrain.
• Restrooms: No restrooms are available at this location.
• No pay phones
• Picnic shelter: Open-air, covered shelter provided on the west, southwest-side of parking area. Paved sidewalk from parking area to shelter entrance. Handicap accessible shelter with regular and wheelchair-friendly picnic tables.