Guided Tour of Historic Wolf Plains Mounds in Ohio

Rising Appalachia hosts a tour of the Late Adena culture earthworks near Athens.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:00pm

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a grassy field with several low, rounded mounds in the distance, bathed in warm, golden light, conceptually representing the ancient history and tranquility of the Wolfe Plains archaeological site.The Wolfe Plains Group, a Late Adena culture site in Ohio, offers a serene glimpse into the region's rich archaeological heritage.Athens Today

The Wolfe Plains Group is a Late Adena culture site in southeastern Ohio featuring 30 earthworks, including 22 conical mounds and 9 circular enclosures. This guided tour will take visitors through the area, sharing the history and findings from past excavations of the mounds, which were once part of a larger complex that has since been diminished over time.

Why it matters

The Wolfe Plains site is one of the largest Adena mound complexes in the region, offering a rare opportunity to learn about the ancient cultures that inhabited this part of Ohio thousands of years ago. As development has encroached on the area, preserving and educating the public about these historic landmarks is increasingly important.

The details

The tour will begin at Solid Ground Farm, where participants will load into the Rising Appalachia van to travel to the Wolfe Plains site. Along the way, the guide will provide an overview of Ohio prehistory and the significance of the Adena culture. At the site, visitors will see the three remaining visible mounds, learn about the excavations that uncovered artifacts within, and visit a mound that now has a building constructed on top of it. The tour will also stop at the largest surviving mounds in the area before returning to the starting point.

  • The tour will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2026.
  • Participants will meet at Solid Ground Farm at 10:00 AM to board the van.

The players

Rising Appalachia

A local organization that leads educational tours and events focused on Appalachian culture and history.

Wolfe Plains Group

A Late Adena culture site in southeastern Ohio featuring 30 earthworks, including 22 conical mounds and 9 circular enclosures.

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What they’re saying

“The Wolfe Plains site offers a rare glimpse into the lives and practices of the Adena people who inhabited this region thousands of years ago.”

— Rina Rising, Tour Guide, Rising Appalachia

What’s next

Tickets for the tour are available on the Rising Appalachia website and must be purchased in advance. The tour is limited to 20 participants.

The takeaway

This guided tour provides a unique opportunity to explore and learn about one of the most significant archaeological sites in Ohio, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.