Some estimates place Native Americans in South Carolina for the last 4,000 years, many living along the coast before the first European settlers arrived. Much of the evidence of their existence is long gone. And soon, this place the first residents of the area left behind may be gone too! That’s all the more reason to check it out in person asap.
The Spanish Mount Trail, accessible from Edisto Beach State Park, ends up at an ancient Indian mound.
The trail is 1.7 miles and is considered an easy hike. In addition, it has some amazing views as you meander through a forest of live oak and palmetto trees.
Along the way you'll have some beautiful vistas of the water as you make your way through the maritime forest.
As far as composition goes, shell middens included the community's waste, which could be anything, really. Most middens are found to be primarily the waste of meals eaten by the Native Americans.
Because of their composition, the shells make the midden high in alkaline, slowing the normal rate of decay. Unfortunately, the storms in the last couple of years have taken their tole on this ancient deposit.
Where once you could actually travel to the very end of the trail to an observation deck located nearly on top of the midden, that part of the trail is now closed.
Recent trekkers out to the mound report you can still see it, however. There is no word on whether the retaining wall that collapsed due to the storms will be replaced.
The trailhead to this remarkable part of South Carolina's history is located within Edisto Beach State Park.
If you decide to hike the trail, bring plenty of water and consider some kind of insect repellent.
Edisto Beach State Park is located at 8377 State Cabin Rd., Edisto Island, SC 29438. Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Entry fee is $5 adults; $3.25 SC seniors; $3 child 6-15; free for children 5 and younger. Get more information from the official website of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
