Exploring the wilds of the Palmetto State doles out many surprising rewards: waterfalls, scenic overlooks, beach views, long-range views of the mountains and so much more. But there’s only one trail in the state where you’ll pass by the remains of two abandoned railroad tunnels from the 1850s. Set aside some time to explore the little-trafficked hike known as the Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail. This railroad trail in South Carolina combines a lot of history with a wonderful 3.9-mile walk through the forest near Walhalla.

If you've spent any time at all exploring South Carolina's history, then you've likely heard of the unfinished railroad tunnel known as Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel.
Flickr/David Ellis
The City of Walhalla maintains a lovely park that features, among other things, a walk several hundred feet inside the old tunnel as well as a nature trail to Issaqueena Falls. (Read more about both of those here and here.)
But did you know there's also a subtly marked trailhead found near Issaqueena Falls that leads to two more tunnels that were part of the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel project that was abandoned during the Civil War?
AllTrails/Faith EnYart
Look carefully for the small trailhead sign for the Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail and be sure your phone is charged (for photos!). There's much to see and learn on this hike!
The first tunnel you'll encounter is Middle Tunnel. It was the only tunnel actually completed in the 13-tunnel project that included Stumphouse Tunnel.
AllTrails/Tracy Robar
That's because the soil here was mostly earthen and not rock, making it easier to excavate BY HAND during the 1850s. The tunnel has since filled in quite a bit but don't let this small opening deter you from taking a peek inside. But please do so without climbing down into the hole. The photo here depicts the SW entrance of the tunnel.
Down inside that small opening you'll see a portion of what's left of Middle Tunnel. In total, Middle Tunnel was 365 feet long.
AllTrails/Faith EnYart
In its original finished state it would have been excavated to about 25 feet in height. Today, when peering down into the entrance, you'll find only a little clearance is left and you'll also see an interesting fence covering the entrance. While this fence may serve to keep curious hikers from exploring further, it was actually put into place to protect the bats that now call Middle Tunnel home. (Yet another reason not to climb down into the tunnel's entrance hole!)

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Further along the trail you'll encounter a huge pile of debris. Just below that pile is what was the original NE entrance to Middle Tunnel.
AllTrails/Danie Jones
There's not much to see here other than the pile of debris.
You'll find the trail has a few challenging points. One of them is a very steep section that can get slippery when wet. It's a challenge when it's not wet and even more so after a heavy rain. That section, alone, could make some parents want to leave small children at home.
AllTrails/Jefferson Giles
For the most part, however, the Blue Ridge Railway Historical Trail is a moderate hike with a total elevation change, out and back, of only 432 feet. Next up: Saddle Tunnel - and it's a beauty after a rainfall!
Saddle Tunnel is located approximately 1.5 miles north of Middle Tunnel. This one is mostly under the water of a small lake now but the entrance is clearly visible.
AllTrails/Faith EnYart
Enjoy the hike and the beautiful forest canopy as you make your way to the second abandoned tunnel. Like its larger counterpart, Stumphouse Tunnel, Saddle Tunnel was never completed.
Along the trail you'll find some informational kiosks telling more about the abandoned tunnels on this hike.
AllTrails/Jefferson Giles
In total, the entire hike is doable in under two hours. While you're in the area, go ahead and add a visit to Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls to the agenda, too!

Have you already hiked this railroad trail in South Carolina? Do tell! If not, learn more about the trail and download a trail map from our friends over at AllTrails!

 

 

 

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