Discovering the natural wonders of South Carolina, often referred to as the Palmetto State, unveils a treasure trove of unexpected delights: from cascading waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints to stunning coastal sights and breathtaking mountain vistas. Among these hidden gems lies a unique hiking experience that features not one, but two deserted railroad tunnels dating back to the 1850s. Take a day to hike the relatively secluded Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail, which offers both a journey through history and a beautiful 3.9-mile trek through lush forests near Walhalla.
If you have delved into South Carolina’s rich past, you may have come across the intriguing story of the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel, an unfinished railroad project that adds to the area’s historical significance.
The City of Walhalla is home to a beautiful park that offers a variety of attractions, including a pathway that takes visitors deep into an old tunnel and a scenic nature trail leading to Issaqueena Falls.
What you might not be aware of is that there is a discreetly indicated trailhead close to Issaqueena Falls, which provides access to two additional tunnels that were originally part of the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel project, a venture that was halted during the Civil War.
Keep an eye out for the modest trailhead marker for the Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail, and ensure your phone has a full charge for taking pictures! This hike offers a wealth of sights and knowledge.
As you embark on your journey, the initial tunnel you will arrive at is the Middle Tunnel. It’s noteworthy as the sole tunnel finished in an ambitious project that originally aimed to create a total of thirteen tunnels, including the famous Stumphouse Tunnel.
The soil in this region primarily consisted of earth rather than rock, which facilitated hand excavation during the 1850s. Over the years, the tunnel has collapsed somewhat, but don’t let the narrow entrance discourage you from taking a look inside. However, please refrain from climbing down into the opening. The image showcases the southwest entrance of the tunnel.
Within that tiny gap lies a section of what remains of Middle Tunnel, which originally spanned a total length of 365 feet.
Originally, the Middle Tunnel would have been excavated to reach a height of approximately 25 feet. However, at present, the entrance only offers a limited amount of clearance, and visitors will notice a distinctive fence surrounding the opening. This fence isn’t just a barrier for curious adventurers; it has been installed to safeguard the bats that have made Middle Tunnel their home. This serves as another incentive to refrain from venturing down into the entrance!
Continuing along the trail, you’ll come across a large accumulation of debris. Just beneath this mound lies what used to be the northeastern entrance to Middle Tunnel.
There isn’t much to observe here aside from a heap of rubble.
The hiking path features several difficult areas. One particularly steep stretch can become quite slick if it’s raining. Even under dry conditions, this section poses a challenge, and after a heavy downpour, it could deter parents from bringing young kids along.
The Blue Ridge Railway Historical Trail offers a generally moderate hiking experience, featuring a total elevation gain of just 432 feet for the round trip. One of the highlights of this trail is the Saddle Tunnel, which truly comes to life after a rain shower!
Located about 1.5 miles north of Middle Tunnel, Saddle Tunnel is partially submerged beneath a small lake. However, hikers can still easily spot its entrance, making it an intriguing stop along the trail.
Take pleasure in your hike through the stunning forest as you head toward the second of the abandoned tunnels. Similar to the more well-known Stumphouse Tunnel, Saddle Tunnel also remains unfinished.
Throughout your journey on the trail, you’ll encounter several informational kiosks that provide additional insights into the history of these abandoned tunnels.
You can complete the entire hike in less than two hours. While you’re exploring the area, don’t miss the opportunity to check out Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls as well!