My husband, Tim, and I recently spent a day exploring Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls near Walhalla, South Carolina, along with the Blue Ridge Railroad Trail. An old railroad tunnel, a waterfall, and a walk through the woods made a pretty good combination for a day outside.
All three are accessible from Stumphouse Park, making it convenient to combine a few different stops without spending the day driving between them.
If you’re looking for an Upstate outing with a little history and room to explore, here’s what to know before you go.
Start With Stumphouse Tunnel
Stumphouse Tunnel is an unfinished railroad tunnel dug into the mountain before the Civil War. Workers used hand tools to excavate it, but the project was never completed. Later, Clemson University used the tunnel to cure blue cheese. That’s a piece of local history I wouldn’t have guessed!
The tunnel entrance is a short walk from its nearby parking area, so this stop doesn’t require a long hike.
During our October 2026 visit, a good portion of the tunnel was blocked off. We could explore the accessible section, but I wouldn’t plan a visit expecting to walk its full length. Follow the barriers and posted signs, and check with the park before your trip if tunnel access is your main reason for going.
I recommend bringing a flashlight or headlamp and wearing shoes with good traction so you can see where you’re stepping.
Walk to the Issaqueena Falls Overlook
Issaqueena Falls is another stop within the park. The park describes the walk from the falls parking area to the observation deck as an easy quarter mile. You can walk between the tunnel and waterfall areas or move your car for easier access.
When we visited in October, the peak fall colors hadn’t arrived yet, but the waterfall was still a beautiful stop.
There is a rough path leading down from the observation deck, and we started down it. But between the steep slope and all the exposed tree roots, Tim was concerned I might twist an ankle. I’ve done that enough over the years that we decided to turn around before reaching the bottom.
We also passed a couple older than us who took one look and decided there was no way they were heading down there. They were happy to enjoy the waterfall from the overlook!
If you’re unsure about the descent, you can still enjoy the waterfall from the observation deck. The park warns that the path below the overlook is unmaintained and dangerous and discourages visitors from using it.
Add the Blue Ridge Railroad Trail
If you want more walking after the tunnel and waterfall, the Blue Ridge Railroad Trail begins at the top of the Issaqueena Falls parking lot.
Visit Oconee describes it as 2.5 miles of easy-to-moderate hiking through the forest. Check the trail map and your planned route before setting out rather than assuming that figure is your total round-trip distance.
Having the trail nearby gives you a way to adjust the outing to your day. You can keep your visit shorter with the tunnel and waterfall overlook or allow more time for a walk through the woods.
Practical Details Before You Go
- Location: Stumphouse Park near Walhalla, in Oconee County, South Carolina.
- Admission: The park currently lists an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle.
- Hours: The park website lists spring and summer hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and fall and winter hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check current notices before leaving, especially after bad weather.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables and restrooms. During our visit, there were quite a few small flies throughout the restroom, including on the toilet, so I opted not to use it. That was our experience that day, but I’d recommend making a bathroom stop before arriving.
- Cell service: Service can be unreliable within the park. Download directions and any maps you need before arriving.
For current information, visit the Stumphouse Park website. The park directs visitors to its Facebook page for weather-related closure updates.
What to Bring
- Walking or hiking shoes with good traction
- A flashlight or headlamp for the tunnel
- Water and a snack or picnic lunch
- Downloaded directions and a trail map
- A light layer for exploring the tunnel
Check the forecast and current access notices, then choose how much walking you want to do. The tunnel and waterfall overlook give you a couple of interesting stops even if you aren’t planning a longer hike.
Exploring the Area You Call Home
Getting outside with Tim has become one of my favorite ways to spend time away from work. I’m still finding places around the Upstate that make me glad we moved here.
As a local Realtor, I also enjoy sharing that side of life with people considering a move. Along with finding a home, there’s the fun of discovering where you’ll spend your weekends.
I help buyers and sellers throughout Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg counties. If you’re thinking about moving to the Upstate, I’d love to help you explore your options.
Visitor information checked October 23, 2026. Hours, fees, trail conditions, and tunnel access can change.
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