Historians and scholars of architectural ruins, this hike is for you. Tucked away in an old plantation in Hilton Head you can take a short trail leading you straight into the past! This might be the creepiest hike in South Carolina – in fact, some say the area is haunted. Yes, the Stoney-Baynard ruins may hold more history than simply walls and foundations. In addition to your camera, bring a tape recorder and see what sounds you might capture in this supposedly haunted corridor to one of the spookiest places in South Carolina.

The Stoney-Baynard Plantation ruins remain amid the luxuriant Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, in Beaufort County.
urbanguy/TripAdvisor
Located on Plantation Drive in Sea Pines, Baynard Ruins Park is on the right just after passing Baynard Cove Road and Marsh Drive, offering a dramatic contrast to modern life. This path is easily accessible by bike or on foot, but watch out for the ghost of William Baynard.
According to legend, Baynard's ghost has also been spotted here.
Aaron H/TripAdvisor
Take the short hike if you dare, but watch out for old William, usually at night. And there may be more with him, as some have spotted his entire funeral procession.
It all started between 1793 and 1810 when Revolutionary War hero Captain John "Saucy Jack" Stoney built the plantation, a 1,885-square-foot home crafted from a mixture of oyster shells and timber, as part of Braddock’s Point Plantation.
Bob S/TripAdvisor
In 1811, the home went to Stoney's sons, James and John, inheriting the outbuildings, slaves, and approximately 1,200 acres.
Here is a detailed look at the "tabby" cement used in the construction of these buildings that were once the Stoney-Baynard Plantation.
HimalayanSnowLeopard, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The mixture is made from the lime of burned oyster shells, mixed with whole shells, fresh water, and sand.

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Each of the building ruins offers signage sharing the detailed history.
Sara C/TripAdvisor
As the information tells you, William Baynard acquired the estate from the bank and was known as a successful cotton planter. He lived in the home from 1840 to 1849.
After Baynard’s death, Union Forces raided the plantation during the Civil War, where many of the soldiers stayed. The family fled, and the home burned down in 1867.
Joseph Robba/TripAdvisor
As you gaze at the surviving ruins, imagine what that fire might have looked like way back then.
podrozniczka/TripAdvisor
This fascinating study presents the results of two years of archaeological research at Stoney-Baynard Plantation by the Chicora Foundation.
Sara C/TripAdvisor
The study is called, "In the Shadow of the Big House: Domestic Slaves at Stoney/Baynard Plantation, Hilton Head Island."
The archaeological investigations focused on the house slaves' quarters and the kitchen. In addition, testing was performed inside the main house and at a depression where locals believe a well was located.
Sara C/TripAdvisor
Pictured are the surviving ruins of the foundation of the domestic slave quarters. Before the Civil War, two families of slaves lived in a 336-square-foot wooden house built on these footings.

 

The Baynard Plantation ruins certainly have quite the history! And to think that some of the history might still be lingering…well, we’ll leave that up to you to decide. Take the creepiest hike in South Carolina if you dare, but be prepared to chase away a few ghosts! Go see what others are talking about, and then share your adventure with us.

Next, you’ve got your haunted hiking urges satisfied. But are you ready for one of the most unique hikes in SC? This adorable cottage in Columbia would make the perfect base camp for a national park adventure.

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Stoney Baynard Ruins & Related Info

Chris Muras | January 02, 2023

Are there any haunted houses in South Carolina?

South Carolina is rich in history, so, of course, there are definitely a few houses that are considered haunted. From old plantation homes to haunted hotels, there are plenty of abandoned structures to explore if you are feeling adventurous. Here are a few haunted houses in South Carolina for your next ghost-hunting expedition:

  • South Carolina Lunatic Asylum: Columbia, SC
  • Admiral's House: Charleston Naval Base
  • Baynard Plantation: Hilton Head, SC
  • Cypress Garden Ruins: Monck's Corner, SC
  • Hell's Gate/Oakwood Cemetery: Spartanburg, SC
  • The Abandoned Mansion: Santee, SC
  • Old Train Buildings and Trestle: Smoaks, SC
  • Salem Black River Church: Sumter, SC
  • Greenville's Tuberculosis Hospital: Greenville, SC

 

These are only a few of the haunted places in South Carolina. Then plan a road trip to check out as many of them as you dare.

What are some hiking trails that lead to ancient ruins?

The Stoney Baynard ruins aren't the only ancient ruins you can find on a hiking trail in South Carolina. In fact, we have seven hiking trails that lead to ruins for you to explore on your next spooky adventure hike. Here are a few of the hiking trails in SC that lead to ancient ruins:

  • Fire Tower Residence: Greenville, SC
  • Landsford Canal: Catawba, SC
  • Old Railroad Trestle: Alston, SC
  • Old US Highway 378 Bridge: McCormick, SC
  • Saluda Mill: Columbia, SC
  • Whitestone Springs Resort ruins: Spartanburg, SC

 

Read more about these hiking trails to old abandoned ruins in South Carolina. Then set out on an adventure like a famous archaeologist seeking long-lost treasure.

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Stoney Baynard Ruins, Plantation Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, USA