HIKE TO THE OCMULGEE MOUNDS AND HISTORIC SITES
Stop 4: Earthlodge, Cornfield Mound, and Prehistoric Trenches
The Earthlodge is a quarter-mile walk from Stop 3, the Halstead Factory / Mound X site. On the way you will pass a set of prehistoric trenches. The purpose of the trenches has long been lost. A small sign describes the features.
Before reaching the Earthlodge, which you can see from the trenches, you first come to Cornfield Mound. The mound gets its name from the fact that it was built on top of a cornfield—corn was not grown on top of the mound. Other than reading the wayside exhibit, there’s nothing else to do.
Next to Cornfield Mound is the Earthlodge, though the entrance is on the opposite side from Cornfield Mound. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park typically offers guided tours of the Earthlodge on weekends, but if you can’t make a tour, you can still enter the lodge on your own. An audio program plays inside and provides information about what you are seeing. Push a button to start the recording. For more information on the Earthlodge, please read the History of Ocmulgee Indian Mounds.
Most people visit the Earthlodge by walking from the Visitor Center. A short, paved path connects the two.
At this point you will have hiked approximately 1.75 miles. To continue to the next site of interest at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, follow the paved path around the left side of the Earthlodge until you come to a trail sign pointing to the Trading Post Site, which is a quarter mile ahead.
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Last updated on March 17, 2025








