The Tar Heel State is awash with recent historical sites dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War. However, it’s a little more rare to find a site dating back to the Woodland period of North American pre-Columbian culture (dating from as early as 8000 BC up to as recent at 1600 CE). But take a short little hike down a path in what used to be a corn field not far from Sylva, and discover for yourself an astounding petroglyph left behind by the first residents of our fair lands.
The trail begins at the end of Judaculla Rock Road in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It's an easy few minutes on a gently sloping trail before you arrive at a nicely-placed semi-circular platform perfect for viewing a rock that's shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
The rock contains more ancient petroglyphs that any known rock face east of the Mississippi. With precisely 1,548 motifs, it has scores of presumed messages and symbols chiseled into the rock face. The Cherokee Indians believed the unique carvings were created by slant-eyed giant who was the Master of Game. They referred to him as Judacullah and presumed he had great mystical powers.
It's said the Cherokee still consider the rock a spiritual place. Alongside the decking, there is a kiosk that displays a drawing of some of the most prominent motifs found on the rock. Opinions vary greatly as to what each one means.
But thanks to the efforts of Jackson County and those of many contributing organizations, this site is receiving great accolades for the efforts to preserve this rare archaeological find.
Want to see it for yourself? There's a nice little bonus for your efforts: you'll enjoy the scenic charm of a lovely road leading out into the countryside.
The address for Judaculla Rock is 552 Judaculla Rock Rd., Cullowhee, NC 28723. The site is owned by Jackson County and is accessible free of charge seven days a week from dawn to dusk.
Keep reading here for six more trails that lead to extraordinary ancient ruins in North Carolina!
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