Scaling Mound Key
In the middle of Estero Bay nestled between the Estero River and Big Carlos Pass is an archaeological wonderland called Mound Key. The main trail, known as the Eco-Archaeo Trail, divides the island and is a 15-20 minute hike from one end to the other. It will visitors amazed, out-of-breath and mosquito-bitten (especially during summer months) all at once.
Mound Key is a secluded island without facilities. It is known to be the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians when the Spaniards first attempted to colonize Southwest Florida in 1566.
The trail’s undulating surface terrain wanders through high shell mounds, watercourts and a tropical forest which boasts roughly 2,000 years of history on the island, now maintained by the state park system.
The approach to Mound Key can be made by boat or paddle craft. Boaters can depart from Lover’s Key Boat Ramp on the bay side of the state park or from other various points in the area. Paddle-crafts can be put in near Big Carlos Pass, Little Carlos Pass or Black Island for a hour-long excursion.
Mound Key is accessible from north or south side entrances. The half-mile shell path traverses the island from southwest to northeast through a tropical hardwood hammock natural community as well as three mounds. A vast variety of tress includes Gumbo Limbos, Stoppers, Privets, buttonwoods and red, black and white mangroves.
From the trail’s south side, the path quickly dips below treeline into the hammock and away from the sun’s heat. Just steps in, a diverted, short course leads to a concrete/shell foundation used as an old cistern which is believed to be evidence of Euro-American occupation during the early part of the 20th Century.
Soon — once back on the main trail — you’ll come across the first of the three mounds and its gradual slope. After ascending and descending that hill, you’ll meet the second mound, known as Mound One. More than 30 feet above Estero Bay, it is the highest point of the 125-acre island and is believed to be ancient home of the Calusa Indian king. Florida flat-landers may need extra effort to scale this slope, but the view of the Back Bay and the Bonita Beach landscape usually worth the hike.
Along Mound One’s descent is a private fenced-in property owned by the McGee family since 1914. Goats have roamed on that 9-acre parcel since the beginning of the year. The trail continues to gradually descend into the tropical vegetative canopy. Spider webs can be expected if the trail hasn’t been traversed in a while.
Keep an eye open for wooden kiosks that are informative on the Calusa culture and a description plaque on their origin as the first people to live in Florida at the end of the Ice Age 12,000 years ago. .Fiber technology, dugout canoe making and crafted shell tools such as adze and celt are also highlighted points of interest.
The trail widens to where the north entrance awaits boat traffic. What is known as the north landing, contains a timed light post and a visitor log.
After a brief rest –or longer one if desired-plan for a 20-30 minute return trip.