Near the top of the steep Earthwork Trail, the pathway becomes strewn with huge sandstone blocks and passes through one of the earthwork’s 33 gateways. Inside, the natural plateau comes to a sharp point, with the earthwork rimming it on three sides.

These giant walls were built nearly 2000 years ago, to enclose the entire level hilltop with a system of ditches, walls, pavements, and gates. This half-mile perimeter includes three other especially dramatic “prow” shapes, like this northern one.

The walls were built in three stages and made extensive use of sandstone for both ballast and paving.

Fort Hill, Paint Valley

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