FORT HILL,
PAINT VALLEY
SOUTH WALL
The Earthwork Trail follows the long western flank of the hilltop, with several especially prominent gateways, before the sharp turn at the southwestern corner (the trail drops through here to descend and meet the Gorge Trail). The especially monumental southern flank of the earthwork overlooks the trails below, and culminates in another projecting prow to the southeast, aiming out towards the park’s southern meadow, where ancient ceremonies and workshops were located.
Like other Hopewell-era hilltop enclosures, there is no evidence of warfare, or defensive requirements. Instead, this artificially-encircled hilltop was about some other purpose.
The wall and ditch along the western side of the hilltop earthwork.
