Railfanning is a real thing – just ask any train enthusiast. We’ve put together another one of our signature OnlyInSouthCarolina road trips in South Carolina that are guaranteed to turn you and your family into railfans for a day. From a scenic train ride to a historic train restaurant and even a charming model train museum, this road trip promises to deliver a railfanning adventure appealing to everyone from the most novice of train buffs to expert rail enthusiasts. Check out the route in the details below and then start planning your railfanning road trip in SC.

Google Maps [enhanced]
Get everyone loaded up and let's goooo! The trip is just under four hours of driving time. Add in the stops along the way, and this should be a full and FUN day. Here's a link to the interactive Google Map to get you started.
1. The Rockton, Rion & Western
South Carolina Railroad Museum/Facebook
The Rockton, Rion & Western, 110 Industrial Park Rd., Winnsboro, SC 29180
N2RNN/TripAdvisor
Take a scenic ride on the only running historic train in the Palmetto State. Located in Winnsboro at the South Carolina Railroad Museum, the Rockton, Rion & Western rolls through the countryside and dishes up just under an hour of breathtaking views. It runs seasonally, and during special events. Occasionally, the museum hosts steam locomotives (shown immediately above).

Take a look at the South Carolina Railroad Museum and a train tour through Winnsboro in this video from Traveling the Southeast:
2. Peak Trestle Bridge
Sarah Webb/AllTrails
tracey smith/AllTrails
Peak To Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail, Palmetto Trail, Pomaria, SC 29126, USA
Google Maps [enhanced to add location markers]
In the early days, the Peak trestle bridge, measuring 1,100 feet long, was the only crossing of the Broad River in a 40-mile stretch. Locals would often cross the railroad trestle on foot to get to the other side of the river. It sounds risky. But today, the bridge is part of the Palmetto Trail's Peak to Prosperity Passage. And lucky for you, it's at the start of that passage. You can access it from either side, but in this case, we're sending you to the Alston side of the trestle. You can read more about the Peak to Prosperity Passage (for an epic hiking adventure) in this article. The coordinates for the parking lot are programmed into the Google Map for this road trip.

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3. The Whistle Stop at the American Cafe
teresahaynes791/TripAdvisor
Whistle Stop at The American Cafe, 109 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, USA
Joe H/Yelp
Make a stop to refuel at this train-themed upstate eatery located in a historical whistle stop for the old Swamp Rabbit Railroad. From the outside, the location may look like a newer building, but the owners have taken extra steps to preserve the past. You'll love the original barstools, the beamed ceiling, the train that circles the room high above your head - and of course, the food!

Stop by Travelers Rest, SC at the Whistle Stop Cafe for some of its iconic Fried Green Tomatoes:
4. Stumphouse Tunnel Park
Nicole B/TripAdvisor
Stumphouse Tunnel, Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
scoutdreams/TripAdvisor
Although a train never passed through Stumphouse Mountain, this unfinished gigantic tunnel was begun to create a rail passage from the coast to the Ohio River Valley. However, due to timing and a lack of funding, the tunnels (there were three) were never finished. You can explore this portion of the 1,600+ feet that was excavated BY HAND. A part of the tunnel has been sealed off, but you'll still get pretty far inside and you'll need a flashlight. Find this tunnel at Tunnel Park just north of Walhalla. Find out more about the tunnel's haunted side in this article.

Let's Go Liz takes us on a tour of the unfinished Stumphouse Tunnel in this video of a tunnel that leads to nowhere:
5. Central Railway Museum
Central Railway Museum - Central Railway Model & Historical Association/Facebook
Central Railway Model and Historical Association, 108 Werner St, Central, SC 29630, USA
Central Railway Museum - Central Railway Model & Historical Association/Facebook
Just when you thought this South Carolina road trip couldn't get any better... your last stop is at a railway museum that has dedicated a considerable amount of effort to recreating a model scale of railroading in the Western Carolinas and Georgia in the 1950s. You'll be mesmerized by the details—and if you arrive when the trains are running, you may never want to leave! The museum is located at 108 Werner St., Central, SC 29630. Plan ahead and call to make sure they'll be open. (864) 508-7126

Of all the road trips in South Carolina, this one certainly toots its own horn. That’s because South Carolina’s railroad history is alive and well in many places throughout the state. Where’s your favorite spot for railfanning? Let us know in the comments.

For another adventurous road trip in South Carolina, check out this waterfall trail in the national forest.

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More SC road trips and things to do in South Carolina

Chris Muras | February 10, 2023

What are some fun things to do in SC?

There are numerous fun things to do in South Carolina - it just depends on what your idea of fun is. Here is a selection of a few fun things to do in SC that will certainly pique your interest:

  • Hilton Head Island Bike Trails: If you enjoy a cool bike riding experience this trail is definitely a great family-friendly experience. Hilton Head Island, SC is a scenic island in the Atlantic Ocean right off the coast of South Carolina with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and plenty of trails to explore.
  • Coligny Beach Park: One such beach on Hilton Head Island is Coligny Beach. With 14 miles of coastline to explore along Hilton Head this beach is one of many places to get your ocean fix in. And the evening sunsets can be pretty amazing.
  • Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville, SC: This beautiful area right in the heart of Greenville is a truly breathtaking way to spend an afternoon. The curved Liberty Bridge is an outstanding way to catch a glimpse of these stunning waterfalls.
  • Lake Jocassee: If you are looking for fun things to do in SC that are a little more adventurous, kayaking Lake Jocassee comes with beautiful mountain views and a good workout.

 

What is the best road trip in South Carolina?

The best road trips in South Carolina are about as interest-specific as you can imagine. From beautiful natural areas to historic towns, and even some of the best foodie stops. Here are a few of the best road trips in SC:

 

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