There is never a dull moment when hiking in South Carolina. From one side of the state to the other, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by everything from a beach hike that delivers views of an abandoned lighthouse in the sea to mountaintop views that span for miles and miles. Earlier this year we compiled a popular list of hikes that lead to extraordinary ruins in the Palmetto State. Now take a look at this list of hikes and short walks that lead to abandoned cemeteries.
Located in the woods alongside the road and only a few hundred feet from the entrance to Landsford Canal State Park, the Old Stone Cemetery sits abandoned behind a primitive stone wall on the perimeter of this state park. You'll find markers dating as far back as 1804 and some graves marked with simple unnamed field stones. Other markers have carvings that are no longer readable.
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2. Abandoned cemetery in the woods by Mt. Pleasant Church - Batesburg
Not far from Quattlebaum Road in Batesburg, sits the decaying remains of Mt. Pleasant Church. Passersby may actually get a glimpse of the relic during the winter season when the leaves are gone. In the woods just beyond the old church, sits the remains of an abandoned cemetery that may convince even the bravest of souls to turn on heel on run.
3. Southside Loop Trail - Croft State Park, Spartanburg
The most popular trail at this state park, the Southside Loop Trail winds 7.8 miles through forested areas and also winds along the river. The trail dishes up many unique things including an abandoned cemetery deep in the woods. It can be creepy even if you are expecting to find it, but when you're just enjoying a hike and discover old headstones - it's a little unnerving.
Alongside a rural road in Leesville a headstone has been partially consumed by a nearby tree. It's the gravemarker of Patience Dent, born in 1782 and died in 1853. Step into the woods at this point to discover more abandoned graves in this cemetery. Note, this may or may not be private property so be sure to look for no trespassing signage and if you see it, don't enter without permission.
From within the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia you can take a hike around the ruins of the old Saluda Factory Mill. According to the findings in a detailed report by the Chicora Foundation in 2001, an abandoned cemetery with as many as 700-900 graves sits adjacent to the ruins in the vicinity of the area that's been cleared for the overhead power lines. We're not sure if this land is accessible, so be certain to look for no tresspassing signs before entering.
Did you find these creepy or simply intriguing? Or were they both? For more abandoned South Carolina, check out this shuttered tuberculosis sanatorium hiding in plain sight and covered with trees and vines.
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