Discover South Charleston through Adena history, park activities and ice sports. Criel Mound is the largest of around fifty conical mounds of the Adena culture in an area stretching west from Charleston to Institute. It is located on US 60 in a city park.
Criel Mound and Adena History
About 2,000 years ago, Criel Mound was the burial site of an Indigenous village at the present-day site of South Charleston. Archaeologists believe the mound dates from the same period as Grave Creek Mound in Moundsville; its exact age is unknown. Once known as South Charleston Mound, it was surrounded by extensive earthworks that stretched for several miles on both sides of the Kanawha River. The mound therefore brings together an archaeological site, an approximate date and a far-reaching historic landscape.
The South Charleston Interpretive Center & Museum features models, artifacts, brochures, pictures, films and an information board. It also has maps of other Adena mounds in the area and maps of the six counties along the Midland Trail. The Center informs visitors about the beauty, history and significance of the Midland Trail and the Adena Indians. Visitors interested in history can explore archaeological exhibits alongside broader information about the mounds and the trail.
Hiking and Park Activities at Little Creek Park
Little Creek Park has numerous hiking trails. While hiking in the park, you can see Devil’s Tea Table, a natural rock formation. It gives a hike a specific natural landmark to seek out. Those more interested in disc golf can find a different focus in the same park: the course is mostly wooded, has changes in elevation and features several narrow fairways. The course starts and ends at Shelter 12. The two activities offer different ways to spend time in the park: hiking with a view of a rock formation or playing disc golf on a wooded course with changes in elevation and narrow fairways.
There is also a specific option for a picnic: ten picnic shelters are available to rent. The park also has a soapbox derby track. It is the only known illuminated track for nighttime competitions.
Ice Sports at the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena
The South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena offers six-week Learn-to-Skate classes as well as freestyle sessions for practicing advanced figure-skating skills. The program also includes adult and youth hockey leagues. Class cycles, available sessions and league details may change, so check the latest schedules and program information before making plans. This lets you weigh culture, park activities and ice sports as different highlights for your stay.
Discover more destinations: St Albans, Elkview, Dunbar, Cross Lanes, Charleston, East Bank
See the regional travel overview: Kanawha.
