Cape Fear River Archaeological Trace

The Cape Fear River Archaeological Trace winds through 14,000 years of human history along the river’s ancient terraces, where Woodland Period shell middens rise like small hills from the coastal plain. The route connects the Town Creek Indian Mound site with colonial rice plantation ruins, following sand roads that plantation slaves once walked between the fields and river landings. Deep sand sections near Brunswick Town challenge traction, while the maritime forest canopy opens to reveal centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss and the occasional glimpse of indigo bunker foundations from the Revolutionary War.

This is easy to moderate terrain suitable for stock 4WD with good ground clearance, though the sand can trap unwary drivers after rain. No permits required, but respect the archaeological sites—disturbing artifacts is a federal crime. Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer bugs, though winter provides clearer views of the earthworks. The payoff is a living timeline of the Cape Fear region, where you can camp among the same trees that sheltered Tuscarora hunters and Revolutionary War partisans, connecting with layers of history most folks drive right past on Highway 17.