Adventuring to a historic site is a great way to learn about history while reaping the benefits of a hike. Georgia has numerous historic sites that preserve and honor the important places in the state's history. Of critical importance are Georgia's indigenous historic sites. Many tribes lived in the region, including the Cherokee, Creek, Guale, Yamasee, Timucua, Hitchiti, Oconee, Apalachee, and Miccosukke. The Etowah Indian Mounds Interpretive and River Walk Trails is a fantastic hiking trail near Cartersville, Georgia, that honors the indigenous people of the Mississippian culture who lived near the Etowah River.

The trail starts at the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site Museum, with a parking lot for visitors. From there, hikers travel southeast to the Etowah River. Following the river, hikers will see beautiful water views. They can also enjoy birdwatching and wildflowers in spring and summer. After following the river, hikers continue north and return to where they started. 

Hikers must pay a small entry fee to access the grounds. The trail is a relatively short loop trail at 1.1-miles. It is family-friendly and open year-round. Leashed dogs are welcome.

The loop trail circles an area once home to thousands of indigenous people from 1000 to 1550 A.D. On the 54-acre property, visitors can climb atop earthen mounds, which were immensely significant to the community members who lived there. There are six mounds on the property in total. One mound was dedicated to the burials of noble persons, and another was likely where the priest chief lived. The largest mound is an incredible 65 feet tall; visitors climb more than 100 steps to the top and enjoy an astonishing view of the property below.

In addition to walking the trail and visiting the mounds, visitors can enjoy the site's picnic tables and riverside benches. There's also a bathroom and gift shop. 

Have you visited the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site? What is your favorite trail in Georgia connected to the region's history?

For more information, visit the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site website and the AllTrails listing for the Etowah Indian Mounds Interpretive and River Walk Trails.

Cartersville, Georgia, is home to about 23,000 people. The lovely city is known for its fantastic museums, including the Booth Western Art Museum and Tellus Science Museum. It's also home to the Pine Mountain Recreation Area, which hosts a monthly moonlit hike to the Allatoona Lake and a lookout over the Etowah River Valley.

Before setting out on your next historic hike in the Peach State, peruse our list of must-have hiking supplies.