Criel Mound — Attraction in South Charleston

If you're cruising through South Charleston and spot a big grassy hill tucked between antique shops and quiet streets, that's the Criel Mound. It's worth a stop. It's not flashy, but there's something grounding about standing next to a structure built over 2,000 years ago by the aboriginal people. The steps leading up are wide and gentle, and once you reach the top, you get a surprisingly peaceful view of the neighborhood. It's a quick visit.

The mound itself is steeped in mystery and history. Archaeologists found 13 skeletons inside, including a central figure surrounded by others. There's a small park around the mound with interpretive signs that give you just enough context to spark curiosity. Some locals say horse races were once held around it, and there's even talk of burials that might represent alliances between different tribes. It's wild to think about how much has happened on that patch of earth, and how little we still know.

The Criel Mound stands to quietly anchor the town. Kids run up the steps, people are walking dogs, and there's me, pausing to read the plaques. There is a sense of reverence here if you feel it. It's not at all...

Great place to see a view of South Charleston. Sure, it doesn't capture the totality of South Charleston, but it's high enough to see it and still be in it.

The stairs spiral up both side of the mountain to better reach the top (I just walked straight up the side. Idk if you're supposed to). There are no handrails, so bring a friend who can help you, if you are not comfortable climbing alone. Stands at least 24+ft tall.

I went late fall and the colors of leaves and buildings highlighted one another in the setting sun. It's a good thinking spot, too. No benches at the top, so bring camp chairs when you go. Or just sit right down on it. That's what it's...

It's an Interesting little part of our History for Charleston. It's a decent sized Mound where people pay there respects for the Indians that have been burried there. It's very clean around it, people keep their trashed picked up and cleanup after their animals. It's also a calm, peaceful place to go and sit on one of the many benches to read or just take 5 minutes to just get away and breathe in the air outside of the hustle and bustle of busy everyday Life. Also for it being right inside of Town and surrounded by the very busy and Main Street of Traffic through South Charleston and a small Strip Mall directly on the other side of it, it's a pleasantly...