The Impressive Etowah Indian Mounds- The Remains of an Ancient Civilization

Did you know that the remains of an ancient settlement are hidden in the hills of rural Georgia? If you find yourself in the Atlanta area, we strongly suggest making the trip to the Etowah Indian Mounds. The Etowah Indian Mounds are an archaeological site located in Cartersville, Georgia. The mounds are what remains of the ancient civilization that once called this area “home”. Between 1000 AD and 1550 AD, thousands of indigenous people resided on this 54-acre site. The site features six earthen mounds, a plaza, a village site, borrow pits, and a moat.

The Etowah Indian Mounds are the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast. On site, there is a museum that showcases how the indigenous people once lived. Their shell beads, paint, ornate hairdos, and jewelry indicate that this was a well-to-do society.

Amazingly, less than 10% of the site has been excavated. It’ll be interesting to see what historians unearth about this sacred site in the future!

We really enjoyed exploring this park. Our favorite part was ascending the mounds! The views were absolutely breathtaking and reminded us of climbing the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich in Belize. In fact, the mounds themselves are very similar to Maya pyramids.

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So... what are these mounds all about?

The indigenous people of North America built mounds like these for over a thousand years. Archaeologists have uncovered mounds that date beach to the Archaic Period (8000-1000 BC).

The indigenous people would hold religious ceremonies on top of these four-sided mounds. The mounds also supported the tribal leaders homes, temples, and other residences. Mounds were also used to contain the remains of the dead.

The History of the Etowah Indian Mounds and the Mississippian People

For more than 800 years, the Mississippian culture dominated the southeastern and midwestern United States. The culture, which originated in the Mississippi River Valley, expanded from Texas, to Illinois, and to North Carolina. These early people built impressive earth mounds as a testimony of their power.

The Etowah Indian Mounds are the really impressive. There are three primary mounds and three secondary mounds. Mound A is the second largest mound in the United States! It is as tall as a 6-story building. Archaeologists believe that Mound A was where the chief lived, Mound B served as a spot for religious rituals, and Mound C was a burial site for the elite.

The largest mound is the Cahokia, located in Illinois. It’s remarkable to think that the Mississippian culture spanned the length of the United States! The Cahokia Mounds are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Mississippians were also known for their shell-tempered pottery and their widespread trade networks (that extended as far west as the Rocky Mountains).

Etowah Indian Mounds Visiting Information

Address

813 Indian Mounds Road SE
Cartersville, GA
30120

Historic Site Admission

Adults (18–61): $6.00
Seniors (62+): $5.00
Youth (6–17): $4.00
Youth Groups: $3.50
Children (under 6): $2.00

The site is open 7 days a week from 9-5. The mounds area closes at 4:30 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

The park offers a self-guided tour that begins in the Visitors Center. A short video details the history of the mounds. From here, visitors can explore the artifacts on display in the museum before heading out to the mounds.

The walk from the Visitor’s Center to the mounds is short and easy. On the way, you’ll pass borrow pits, a wattle and daub house, a dugout canoe, and the area that was believed to be the plaza.

If you’re able, you should most definitely hike the steps up to the top of Mound A for impressive views of the countryside (and the other mounds). It can be quite strenuous but, the hike up to the top is worth it, if you’re able.

After you visit the mounds, head towards the Etowah River. If you turn left and head alongside the river, you can see the remains of a fish dam trap. Here, rocks form a V shape at the center of the river. A trap would be placed at the tip of the V. Fish would get trapped in this space which allowed them to be easily caught.

Pro-Tip: There are benches on the riverbank overlooking the Etowah River. This is a great spot for a picnic!

In 1964, Etowah was named a National Historic Site and is a sacred place for the Cherokee and Creek- descendants of the original inhabitants.

What Should I Take With Me?

When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.

Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks

Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.

If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.