South Carolina, with its rich history and numerous accounts of hauntings, is a treasure trove of spooky experiences waiting to be explored. From eerie cemeteries and spectral bridges to ghostly apparitions that haunt hotel guests, this haunted road trip through the Palmetto State promises thrills and chills as you uncover some of its most notorious haunted sites.
This spine-tingling adventure spans just over nine hours of drive time, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking supernatural encounters. Click here for a convenient Google Map that marks all the must-visit locations on your journey. So, fuel up your vehicle and embark on this chilling expedition through South Carolina’s haunted landscapes!
Embark on a spine-chilling road trip through South Carolina, beginning in the picturesque upstate and winding down to the enchanting Lowcountry. Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure filled with eerie tales and haunted sites. Gather your bravest friends, but remember: venturing alone is not for the faint of heart!
1. Gist Bridge – Union, SC
One of the infamous “crybaby bridges” in South Carolina has gained attention for its eerie occurrences. According to local legend, the Gist Bridge is haunted by the ghost of a baby who was allegedly thrown from the structure, now expressing its anguish through haunting cries for assistance. In addition to this chilling tale, the bridge is known for another oddity: if you find yourself driving away from Union, stop your vehicle in the center of the bridge and shift it into neutral, you may experience an extraordinary event where your car rolls uphill. Many believe this strange phenomenon is the work of the child’s spirit, attempting to push you away from the bridge.
2. Crybaby Bridge – Anderson, SC
One of the most notorious haunted locations in South Carolina is situated in Anderson County, commonly referred to as “Crybaby Bridge.” This eerie site is said to be haunted by the spirit of a woman clad in white, believed by many to be searching for a lost loved one. The legend surrounding the bridge tells the tragic story of a mother who, in a moment of despair, threw her unwanted child from its heights. Visitors to the bridge have reported hearing the sounds of a baby crying, adding to the chilling atmosphere of this infamous spot.
3. Graniteville Cemetery – Graniteville, SC
No spooky road trip is truly complete without a stop at South Carolina’s most haunted cemetery. Graniteville Cemetery boasts chilling tales, including a ghostly witch who is said to wander the grounds at night, leaving flowers on the graves of children. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions even in the daylight, making this eerie location an unforgettable experience for anyone brave enough to explore it.
4. The tomb of Julia Legare – Edisto Island
Embark on a captivating road trip to the historic Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, where a haunting tale from the mid-1800s awaits. This is the site of a tragic incident involving a young girl named Julia Legare, who was inadvertently buried alive. Julia’s family interred her in a tomb, but when they returned years later to lay another relative to rest, they were startled to find Julia’s remains haphazardly piled near the door. The story takes an eerie twist—each time the tomb’s door was replaced after this discovery, it would mysteriously be displaced, as if driven by unseen forces. Eventually, the caretakers decided to abandon the door altogether, unable to combat the specter of Julia’s tragic fate.
5. Jacksonboro Light -Jacksonboro, SC
Many years ago, a preacher was seen wandering the streets of Jacksonboro late at night, lantern in hand, searching for his missing teenage daughter along Parkers Ferry Road, close to the railroad tracks. Tragically, he was struck by a train during his relentless search and lost his life. To this day, both locals and visitors claim to witness his spirit roaming the area, still clutching the lantern. People often describe experiencing the sound of a train as they spot the preacher’s eerie light. The haunting of the Jacksonboro Light is a spine-chilling tale that continues to send shivers down the spines of those who encounter it.
6. Battery Carriage House – Charleston, SC
Charleston’s Battery Carriage House is reputedly one of the most haunted inns in the city. Overlooking White Point Gardens, a location steeped in ghostly folklore due to its history with pirates who met their end there, the inn boasts at least three rooms that are said to host ethereal visitors. One guest recounted a chilling experience of encountering a headless apparition that appeared unexpectedly in his room during the night. For those daring enough to experience the supernatural, rooms at this haunted establishment can be reserved any night of the week.
7. The grave of Alice Flagg – Murrells Inlet, SC
Conclude your South Carolina road trip by visiting one of the state’s most renowned haunted legends, Alice Flagg. Sent away to a boarding school in her teenage years due to her family’s disapproval of her romantic relationship, Alice’s fate took a tragic turn. Shortly after her departure from her beloved, she fell gravely ill and returned home, only to slip into a coma. Upon regaining consciousness, Alice realized that the cherished ring from her sweetheart was missing from the chain that hung around her neck. Unfortunately, she passed away soon after. Today, her spirit is said to wander the locale in search of her lost ring. Visitors to her grave, believed to belong to Alice, often leave behind coins and rings as tokens of remembrance.
Throughout the year, South Carolina is home to some of the most captivating haunted locations that thrill those who seek them out. Is there anything else we should include in this haunted road trip through the state? For those craving even more spine-chilling adventures, consider taking a scenic drive down the Haunted South Carolina Road! And if you’re looking for additional exciting journeys, don’t miss our curated list of adventurous road trips around South Carolina.