Most believe that South Carolina has exactly one abandoned train tunnel and it’s been turned into a park by the Town of Walhalla. Stumphouse Tunnel (and Tunnel Park) are a regular stop for those heading to the Upstate for some outdoor recreation. But what many people don’t realize is there were two more (abandoned) sections of tunnel that were part of the same rail line, the Blue Ridge Railway.
And from Tunnel Park, just steps away from Stumphouse Tunnel, you can follow a 2.5 mile trail to discover the other two tunnels that were part of this same unsuccessful 1800s attempt to connect South Carolina with middle Tennessee.
Google Maps/Debi Griffith
After checking out Stumphouse Tunnel (bring a flashlight, and a second pair of dry shoes), head over to Issaquenna Falls.
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To the left of the Issaqueena Falls trail, you will find the Blue Ridge Railroad Historic Trail.
alltrails/Rebecca Blankenship
It’s 2.5 miles, one-way, and not as well maintained as the trails in Tunnel Park. However, you will easily locate and stay on this trail that follows what was to be a rail bed connecting the three tunnel segments.
alltrails/Rebecca Blankenship
The first abandoned tunnel you’ll encounter is Middle Tunnel. Unfortunately although it WAS completed, this segment of the tunnel collapsed at one point. Consequently, at some point in the 1900s, it was also partially blocked off. But you will still feel a twinge of excitement upon discovering it here in the middle of the woods. Keep walking.
alltrails/Angie Smith
Approximately one mile past Middle Tunnel, you’ll encounter the southernmost tunnel of the three. It’s called Saddle Tunnel, and is now partially under water.
alltrails/Angie Smith
As of recently, neither of the two additional tunnels on this historical railroad were marked along the trail, but they make fun discoveries for this short hike leading from the Tunnel Park area.
Google Maps
Have you explored Stumphouse Tunnel yet? And did you know about these two other abandoned tunnels in South Carolina?
Google Maps/Debi Griffith
TripAdvisor/scoutdreams
alltrails/Rebecca Blankenship
alltrails/Angie Smith
Google Maps
Stumphouse Tunnel and Tunnel Park are located on Stumphouse Tunnel Road just north of Walhalla, SC. The park is open daily at 7:00 a.m. and closes at dusk. Learn more about the Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail at this link on alltrails.com.
For more fun discoveries in the Palmetto State, take a look at this old gold mine you can actually walk through.
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