Uncover the Mysterious Underground World Hiding in South Carolina’s Forest

Compared to other regional states like Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky, South Carolina has relatively few caves to explore. But if the idea of a subterranean adventure thrills you, I've got some good news. Tucked away along the Palmetto Trail in Walhalla, Stumphouse Tunnel promises a cave-like adventure, and although it's manmade, you'll still feel in awe of the experience of going through a mountain.

First, a bit of background on the Palmetto Trail. It's an epic, 500-mile cross-state trek created for bikers and hikers, leading through mountains, past lakes, through forests, and even into small towns. It's an incredible resource for those looking for convenient access to the great outdoors, and I can think of no better introduction to South Carolina's natural landscape. (If you're interested in learning more, you can take a look at the comprehensive list of all the trails that make up the Palmetto Trail.)

Now, back to Stumphouse Tunnel. It's quite a feat of engineering, and its history dates back to 1835, when a shorter route for the Blue Ridge Railroad between Charleston and the Ohio River valley was proposed. Construction started in the 1850s but stalled in the mountains near Walhalla. By 1859, the project was abandoned after the state decided not to fund it anymore. Only 1,617 of the planned 5,863 feet had been completed. From here, the story takes an unexpected turn.

In the 1950s, Clemson University used Stumphouse Tunnel as a place to grow blue cheese. As legend has it, a Clemson A&M College Professor first had the idea to cure the cheese inside the tunnel in 1940. The college's dairy department began experimenting with it, and after the war, production of blue cheese inside the tunnel was ramped up. This Roquefort-style blue mold cheese was wildly popular, but operations were moved to Clemson's Agricultural Center in 1956. Today, the university is still renowned for its iconic cheese.

Today, you won't find any cheese growing within the tunnel, but it still promises to be quite an adventure. From the parking area, you'll take a short and steep incline trail to the entrance of the tunnel. I'd recommend bringing a headlamp or flashlight, as the tunnel is very dark and damp. As soon as you reach the entrance, the temperature drops considerably, so it's worth bringing an extra layer with you. There are some resident bats in the tunnel, but they prefer staying up toward the top, so you likely won't spot them unless you're looking for them.

By all accounts, it's a worthwhile adventure, attracting history buffs, hiking enthusiasts, and even a few cheese aficionados. So, what do you think? Are you up for a bit of an underground adventure? Or at least one that takes you through a mountain? If so, be sure to share this article with a fellow traveler and begin planning your adventure!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.