Hiking route to all Ocmulgee mounds and historic sites (click to enlarge)

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.

Prehistoric trench at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

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 information panel, there’s nothing else to do.

Cornfield Mound at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Next to Cornfield Mound is the Earthlodge, though the entrance is on the opposite side from the Cornfield Mound information panel. 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.

Earthlodge at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park

Most people visit the Earthlodge by walking from the Visitor Center. A short, paved path connects the two.

Path between the Earthlodge and the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Visitor Center

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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