Driving around North America you’ll encounter the occasional tunnel that’s been carved through some huge mountain because it was an easier feat to go through the mountain than construct a road over or around it. But South Carolina is void of any fun tunnels you can drive through. However, there is this one historic tunnel in South Carolina that not many people know exist.

The Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel, located just outside of Walhalla, is steeped with history.
Panaramio/herdintheupstate
It's also very cool, both metaphorically and literally.
Cut into solid blue granite more than 150 years ago, the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel is now part of a park.
Panaramio/herdintheupstate
You can visit, walk through it and feel the rich history inside these cold hard walls. In the 1950s Clemson used a part of the tunnel to age cheese. You'll see evidence of their work when you visit.

You're going to love exploring this one-of-a-kind place. It's one of the most unique hiking trails in South Carolina.

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According to the 1970 Nomination Form submitted to the National Register of Historic Places, the tunnel complex at the time consisted of 40 acres of land and 2 acres of water.
Flickr/David Ellis
The section of tunnel you can visit and walk through is 1,617 feet in length and usually damp and sometimes filled with some standing water. It's 25 feet high and 17 feet wide.
Construction on this historic landmark in South Carolina began in the 1850s. The total project would have cut rail lines and tunnels through a total of four states in an effort to connect South Carolina's coast to Tennessee. But the project ran out of money and work came to a halt. Attempts to revive the project failed.
Flickr/David Ellis
During the height of the tunnel project, a town grew on top of the mountain. It was referred to as "Tunnel Hill." In 1858 the population of Tunnel Hill was 1,232. Today only minor remnants of the town remain such as a block from a building foundation.

In 1970, when the nomination was presented to the National Register of Historical Places the only remains of Tunnel Hill town were described as an occasional headstone, some building foundations and a footpath leading to the tunnel.

Take this three minute virtual walking tour through this historic landmark of a tunnel, South Carolina's ONLY tunnel. It's amazing.



Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel in South Carolina was accepted into the National Register of Historic Places on April 7, 1971.

Have you heard of or visited Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel near Walhalla? You’ll find the park about 7 miles west of Walhalla on Highway 28. The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to sunset. No camping is allowed.

What are your favorite historic landmarks in South Carolina? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Are you an explorer? You may enjoy reading: Hiking To This Above Ground Cave In South Carolina Will Give You A Surreal Experience.

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More to Explore

historic tunnel in South Carolina

Elisa Regulski | January 30, 2020

What are the best historic landmarks in South Carolina?

There are so many fascinating historic landmarks in South Carolina. Harbourtown Lighthouse in Hilton Head is one of the most beautiful. Even though it was never used an official sanctioned lighthouse, it still works to this day. Stop by the pier and take a photo of this lovely landmark. The Beaufort National Cemetery is another historic place that’s worth a visit. Many Union soldiers were laid to rest here, and it’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Americans during the Civil War. To learn more about the historic landmarks in South Carolina, read our article here.

What are the most unique hiking trails in South Carolina?

Neusiok Trail is one of the most gorgeous hiking trails in South Carolina. The wooden boardwalk isn’t just picturesque, it also makes this path incredibly unique. At 22 miles long, it’s one of the longest boardwalk hikes in the country. If you loved this trail, you should also hike to the Colonial Dorchester Ghost Town in Summerville. This incredible destination will give you a fascinating glimpse into the past.

What are the best little-known attractions in South Carolina?

Not many people know there’s a hidden garden at the South Carolina governor's mansion. And the best part? It’s free and open to the public. Come by and see why it’s one of the best little-known attractions in South Carolina. For even more fun, visit South Carolina’s fountain of youth at God’s Acre Healing Springs. Yes, some people think drinking this water will make them look and feel ten years younger. Come and see if it works!

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Featured Addresses
Stumphouse Tunnel, Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA