A Delightful Detour through Upcountry South Carolina
It’s funny how driving the same way led to something different one day that I never knew about. Just a short drive off the main highway helped me discover the quaint little town of Walhalla and some beautiful scenic areas in Oconee County.
After having to take a dusty gravel road from a detour off the main highway, due to a bridge being out; it helped me discover an unexpected alternate drive back home. Although it was about fifteen minutes North on Hwy. 28, to my surprise it was a delightful day to explore a new part of South Carolina’s “Upcountry”.
Many people never think of South Carolina having an Appalachian Mountain region and normally drive through the flat roads of it’s mid region or coastline. I always enjoy traveling places to enjoy other views, waterfalls, plus more and this Highroad mountain area is known to the state as “Upcountry”!
The town of Walhalla is directly located in the center of Oconee County which is located in the top corner of the Western South Carolina Mountain region. To my surprise driving through this quaint little town had a “Main Street” with many charming restaurants and shops. It had a historic vibe of beautiful architecture in churches from the Lutheran’s tall steeple to the Presbyterian’s old stained glass windows. The historic museums and performing art center were built in the early 1900’s and Walhalla’s small population of 4,000 residents have a strong pride and heritage.
After some friendly conversation with the visitors center, I learned that Walhalla was founded in 1850 by German immigrants and helped to create a charming town that helped blend the Appalachian foothills with their influence. Each Fall they celebrate an Oktoberfest with storefronts decorated in fall motif. The fun event includes exhibits, live music, Bavarian dancers and lots of bratwursts, German pastries & beer!
Oconee County has many sights to see from Historic sites, a State Park, lakes, rivers, plus numerous outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, hiking and biking trails. I could have stayed a weekend as the area is a playground with over a dozen waterfalls to explore! With so many to choose from and having to finally get back from my extended detour I chose one of the nearest waterfalls and attraction.
As Hwy. 28 winded up the mountain, I followed signs to a Gated entrance of the park where I discovered two sights at once. I first looked at Stumphouse Tunnel, because I’m always curious about historical sights and this was an an unfinished railway tunnel. As I parked and walked up to the sight markers explained that Stumphouse Tunnel was dug using hand tools carving through granite prior to the Civil War, but only 1600 ft. of the planned 5600 ft. were completed. It was dark & barely seeing light to the back that ends w/a brick wall, I decided to turn around, as I was not prepared without a flashlight.
Driving further on the road signs led me to the beautiful Issaqueena Falls that has a 100-foot cascade surrounded by lush greenery. Just a short walk led down a boardwalk to see views of breathtaking distant mountains. The park was nice, had benches, picnic areas to bring lunch plus several surrounding trails for hiking and biking.m Issaqueena Falls were gorgeous from the observation deck but I would recommend caution for hiking to bottom of the waterfalls because it is very steep. During my visit a couple of professional photographers had their tri-pods and hiking gear ready for the trek.
As I left the waterfalls, I stopped to gaze at how far the mountain range went deep into the Sumter National Forest and viewed a hawk flying overhead. It was a fitting end to remind me of the bigger picture, trusting your instincts, navigating around the detour and enjoying taking the time for nature!
