Naturally, South Carolina is a hotbed of history. With these seven hikes, you can combine your love of history with your love of the outdoors. Explore the remains of the old fire tower residence on Paris Mountain, or follow a trail along a river to discover the ruins of an old mill. Prefer old railroads? This list has you covered too. If you love adventure, then check out these seven trails to ancient ruins in South Carolina that lead to amazing sights.

1. Fire Tower Residence - Greenville (Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609)
Flickr/Marks Photo Travels
Yelp/Robin S
South Carolina State Parks
After last fall's massive fire it seems perfectly fitting to trek up to the ruins of the old residence of the fire tower at Paris Mountain. The trailhead spurs off from another trail. The above map should help you figure out your best route of getting to the trailhead to see the ruins. The trail to the fire tower is only four-tenths of a mile long once you reach the trailhead, but you'll hike another trail just to get to the trailhead. More information about the state park, including hours and admission fees, can be found at this link.
2. Landsford Canal - Catawba (Landsford Canal State Park, 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC 29704)
TripAdvisor/jlantern3
TripAdvisor/jlantern3
Wikipedia/Public Domain
South Carolina Parks
Explore the ruins of a defunct canal once used to bypass the rapids on the Catawba River. The canal was no longer needed once the railroad arrived. Explore the remnants of this canal which are still embedded in the ground -- and then walk around the remains of the lockkeepers house. The trail to the canal site is 1.25 miles one-way and is flat terrain. Head out on this one in May or June and you won't be able to miss the largest stand of spider lillies in the nation. They practically cover the river here. More information, including park hours and admission fees, can be found at this link.
3. Old Railroad Trestle - Peak to Prosperity passage of the Palmetto Trail - Alston (Location)
Palmetto Conservation
Flickr/Dennis Jarvis
Palmetto Conservation
Follow along a trail bed of an old railroad on this passage of the Palmetto Trail. You won't need to walk the entire 10.8 miles to discover ruins. From the trailhead in Alston you'll cross an 1,100 foot former rail trestle and enjoy incredible views of the Broad River. From there, the next 10 miles includes 13 more wooden trestles. More information about this hike is available here and here.
4. Old US Highway 378 Bridge in the woods - McCormick (Trailhead at this Google link)
Flickr/C Hanchey

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Flickr/C Hanchey
Google Maps [enhanced]
Google Maps [streetview enhanced]
A short trail through the woods leads to this now earthen-covered bridge that used to be the only way to cross Hard Labor Creek at this point on US 378. Enjoy the creek bed below and the general shadiness and protected cove this spot offers. You can access the bridge from either side of the trail. One of the trail entrances is marked with a red arrow in the above photo. Find the entrance here.
5. Saluda Mill - Columbia (Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210)
Riverbanks Zoo
Tucked away inside the zoo in Columbia is a trail that leads to the extraordinary ruins of Saluda Mill. You'll see the mill’s granite foundations, picking house and millrace -- as well as this amazing keystone arch that's survived since this mill was built in the early 1800s and burned in 1884. There used to be a tavern, grist mill and several boarding houses at this site as well. Access to this trail requires admission to Riverbanks Zoo. Once you're in, head over to the Gardens River Trail to start your hike. Zoo hours and admission fees are listed at this link.
6. Whitestone Springs Resort ruins - Spartanburg (Croft State Park, 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302)
Flickr/MarksPhotoTravels
Flickr/MarksPhotoTravels
Flickr/MarksPhotoTravels
South Carolina State Parks [map enhanced with red arrow and text indicating location of whitestone springs]
Access the Whitestone Springs Spur (approximately 3/4 mile long) from the 3.4 mile Rocky Ridge Trail at Croft State Park in Spartanburg. At just over 4 miles each way, it's no short hike. But the payoff is, you get to visit the ruins of a once-famous hotel that sat on the ridge next to White Springs.

Built in 1901, the huge hotel could host 350 guests at a time. Visitors would arrive by train and then ride via carriage to the resort. Sadly, it burned a long time ago. Croft State Park has more than 50 miles of trails. We've marked the above map with the location of the ruins of this grand old resort. More information is available at this link.
7. Colonial Dorchester Ghost Town - Summerville (Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, 300 State Park Rd, Summerville, SC 29485)
TripAdvisor/jlantern3
TripAdvisor/Caitlin W
TripAdvisor/jlantern3
Drive all the way into this state historic site, park in the lot at the end and then hike all over this ghost town. Colonial Dorchester originally was divided into 114 quarter-acre lots and had a town square. You'll find many notable ruins here, including the old bell tower from the church and an old cemetery. More information can be found at this link.

BONUS HIKE: Want to hike to the most haunted ruins in the Palmetto State? Here’s The Haunted Hike In South Carolina That Will Send You Running For The Hills. It’s a little more intimidating than these trails to ancient ruins in South Carolina, but worth it for those brave enough!

Have you explored any of these trails to ancient ruins in South Carolina? If so, we want to hear all about your adventures! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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More to Explore

Trails To Ancient Ruins In South Carolina

Leah | October 09, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in South Carolina?

There are many amazing, unique hiking trails in South Carolina that will take you to some beautiful views. One that easily comes to mind is the Table Rock trail at Table Rock State Park. It's 6.5 miles total for the round trip up to the top and back, and it's worth every step once you get to the top. The view is magnificent in every sense. Another one of the stunning South Carolina trails is the Yellow Branch Falls Trail. At just 3 miles, you'll be treated to a jaw-dropping view of a waterfall at the end. It's a picture-worthy spot, so be sure to bring your camera to snap a few pics and hold this memory forever.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in South Carolina?

Everyone in your family can enjoy these short and sweet South Carolina trails. The Sandhills Hiking Trail in Sesquicentennial State Park, located near Colombia, consists of a 1.9-mile loop with boardwalks and sandy trails that treat you to a view of a waterfall. It's easy for hikers of all skill levels. Speaking of boardwalks, the Congaree National Park has easy-to-traverse boardwalk trails that'll take you through a lovely forest. The shortest hike in the park is only three-tenths of a mile long, but you can also take a trail that's nearly 12 miles long. Located near Hopkins, South Carolina, it makes for a great hiking spot in general.

Can I hike to historical sites in South Carolina?

There are historic trails in South Carolina that'll take you to other ruins, fascinating historic sites, and more. There is a trail to a spot called the Stoney-Baynard Ruins, located on Hilton Head Island. The trail is short and sweet but you'll be rewarded with a look at 200-year-old ruins that have been remarkably well-preserved. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus, the scenery is lovely, too.

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Explore South Carolina

Featured Addresses
Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609, USA
Landsford Canal State Park, 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC 29704, USA
Peak To Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail, Palmetto Trail, Pomaria, SC 29126, USA
McCormick, SC 29835, USA
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Croft State Park, 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302, USA
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site, 300 State Park Rd, Summerville, SC 29485, USA