Welcome to Fall 2020!!  Now is the time of year when thousands of people seek out the beauty of fall foliage as well as an escape from the summer heat.  Living in Texas, summer extends well into September and October so many of us are seeking a reprieve.

This year my family had a grand plan for a 10-day road trip across the Northeast into Canada but Covid and some significant health issues put the trip on hiatus.  Still, I am going to share a couple of great options in South Carolina for viewing fall foliage as well as some of the local things you can do for fun.

Fall foliage viewing points: 

1.  Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site 

2.  Oconee Station State Historic Site

Battle of Musgrove Mill Historic Site

The Musgrove Mill State Historic Site is in Clinton, SC, roughly 70 miles northwest from the capital city of Columbia.  The nearest local airport is Greenwood County Airport (25 miles) while the nearest international airport is Greenville – Spartanburg (45-ish miles).

The Battle of Musgrove Mill took place in August 1780.  The British had almost complete control over South Carolina so the Patriots sought to weaken it by staging an attack despite being at a huge disadvantage.  The battle was a short one however the casualties laid upon the Loyalists was significant.

Things to do at Musgrove Mill:

• Fishing;

• Boating;

• Bird watching;

• Geocaching;

• Tours; and

• Education center.

There is no mention regarding accessibility so I would expect that there is likely none. 

Local Ghost Stories:

While researching the site, I came across some reports of paranormal activity at Musgrove Mill.  Visitors have reported hearing marching, screams, and disembodied voices in various locations.  Some believe the spirit of Mary Musgrove, a Patriot sympathizer, remains at the site.  It was alleged that she was a spy and that she hid at least one soldier under a waterfall.

Another ghost story occurs at the Lydia Mill ruins.   The spirit of a woman is seen near the mill and sometimes the train tracks.  People have reported hearing footsteps and voices in addition to seeing her. I was unable to get a name for the woman, nor was I able to determine if she was a former employee at the mill or someone completely unrelated to the mill.

 Hotel recommendations:

• Comfort Suites in Clinton, SC – indoor pool with a lift, suites with kitchenettes, & accessible rooms; and

• Hampton Inn in Clinton, SC – suites available; indoor pool

Oconee Station State Historic Site

The Oconee Station Historic Site is roughly 150 miles northwest of Columbia, much further away than the Georgia - South Carolina border.  The two closest local airports are Oconee County Regional Airport (less than 20 miles) and Toccoa Airport (25 miles).   The nearest international airport is Greenville-Spartanburg (60 miles). 

Built originally as a military outpost to protect from Indian attack, Oconee Station had troops stationed there throughout most of the 1790’s.  It served as an Indian trading post until 1809 during which time William Richards built a two-story home in 1805.  The two remaining structures are a stone blockhouse (built in 1792) and the William Richards House.

This site is listed as not accessible due to the hill being steep and challenging to those with mobility issues.

Things to do:

• Fishing;

• Nature trail;

• Campground; and

• Station Cove Falls at the terminal point of the nature trail.

 Local Ghost Stories:

The Stumphouse Tunnel is an unfinished tunnel about miles from the Oconee Site.  It was started before the Civil War and meant to connect the port of Charleston to the Midwest by train.  The project was stopped however when the Civil War began…..but not before at least two miners died in an accident.  I was unable to confirm the deaths however there are reports from visitor of voices, footsteps, and a creepy feeling while in the tunnel.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Bolt Farm Treehouse - unique, fun, has a fireplace and an outdoor shower.  It accommodates two people so it is not a good fit for families or groups.

• Hampton Inn Seneca - has suites available.

• Best Western Seneca - has suites available and an accessible pool.

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So there you have it.  South Carolina may not be on your short list of fall foliage hotspots but, if it isn’t, it is absolutely a contender.  There are many more places in South Carolina to check out but for today, I’ll keep it to these two.  Musgrove Mill and Oconee Station both have majestic scenery, some interesting history, and intriguing ghost stories.  Fall foliage peaks in November so you still have time to take the family on a road trip!  Don’t forget:  check the state website for travel restrictions and Covid protocols!

Make this beautiful day count!