Day Trip to Newark and the Great Circle from Upper Arlington

A practical guide to visiting the Newark Earthworks and Great Circle from Upper Arlington, with drive times, best months and honest advice.

Getting There and Orientation

From Upper Arlington, the drive to Newark takes about 45 minutes via I-70 East and Ohio 16, covering roughly 40 miles. Traffic is usually light outside rush hour, but allow an extra 20 minutes if you leave after 4 pm on a weekday. Parking at the Great Circle is free, with a small lot off Ohio 79. The site is managed by the Ohio History Connection, and there is no admission fee. Before you go, check the Ohio History Connection website for any closures or special events, as the site occasionally hosts public programs.

The Great Circle is part of the Newark Earthworks, a complex of geometric earthworks built by the Hopewell culture around 2,000 years ago. The circle itself is about 1,200 feet in diameter, enclosed by earthen walls up to 14 feet high. A paved path leads from the parking area to the circle, and interpretive signs explain the site's history and alignments. The walk is flat and easy, but there are no benches or shade inside the circle, so bring water and sun protection. The site is open dawn to dusk, and most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes here.

What to See and Do

The Great Circle is the main attraction, but don't miss the Wright Earthworks, a smaller segment of the original complex located about a mile away on Grant Street. There is no parking at Wright Earthworks, so park at the Great Circle and walk, or drive and park on the street. The Ohio History Connection offers guided tours on some weekends; check their calendar. For a deeper understanding, visit the Newark Earthworks Center at Ohio State University's Newark campus, which has exhibits and a small gallery. Admission is free, but hours are limited, so call ahead.

If you have time, combine your visit with the Licking County Courthouse Square in downtown Newark, about 10 minutes from the Great Circle. The square has restored 19th-century buildings, local shops and cafes. The Works, a nearby science and history museum, is great for families, with interactive exhibits and a glassblowing studio. Allow 1-2 hours there. For outdoor lovers, the 14-mile Newark-Heath Trail passes near the earthworks and is popular for cycling. The best months to visit are April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild and the foliage is attractive.

Where to Stay and Eat

Upper Arlington is a residential suburb of Columbus with limited hotel options. Most visitors stay in downtown Columbus or near the airport, both within a 15-20 minute drive of Upper Arlington. Downtown Columbus has a range of hotels from budget to upscale, with easy access to I-70 for the drive to Newark. Expect to pay around $120-$200 per night for a mid-range hotel in downtown Columbus, depending on the season and events. The Short North district, just north of downtown, has boutique hotels and a lively restaurant scene. If you prefer to stay closer to Upper Arlington, consider the suburban hotels along Lane Avenue or near the OSU campus.

For dining, downtown Newark has several casual spots near the courthouse square. The更有 locally-owned options include a bakery and a couple of pubs, but hours vary. In Upper Arlington, the Lane Avenue corridor offers a variety of restaurants, from fast-casual to sit-down. For a post-trip meal, try the Grandview Heights area, about 10 minutes from Upper Arlington, which has a concentration of independent restaurants. Note that many Newark restaurants close by 9 pm on weekdays, so plan dinner accordingly. There are no restaurants at the Great Circle itself, so pack snacks or eat before you go.

Practical Tips and What to Skip

Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are paved but uneven in places. Bring insect repellent in summer, as the site is grassy and can be buggy. There is no visitor center at the Great Circle, only portable toilets, so use facilities before you arrive. The site is not fully accessible for wheelchairs due to the terrain, but the main path is paved. If you are visiting with children, keep them close, as the earthworks have steep drops. Photography is allowed, but drones are prohibited. Leashed pets are welcome. Check the weather before you go, as the site offers little shelter.

Skip the urge to rush: the Great Circle is a contemplative place, and the experience is best savored slowly. Avoid visiting during major OSU home football weekends if you are staying in Columbus, as hotel prices spike and traffic is heavy. Also, skip the nearby Moundbuilders Country Club, which is a private golf course and not open to the public. If you are looking for a longer hike, the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is about 20 minutes from Newark and offers scenic trails along the Licking River. For a small-town experience, nearby Granville has a charming downtown with shops and cafes.

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