Stumphouse Tunnel is an unfinished railroad tunnel in Stumphouse Mountain Park, Oconee County, South Carolina. If you love quirky, offbeat attractions (like I do!), it’s definitely worth the detour—especially since it’s in the same park as Issaqueena Falls (more on that later).
The Backstory: A Tunnel to Nowhere
There are a few historic signs at Stumphouse Tunnel that share all kinds of fascinating facts, but here’s the gist:
Stumphouse Tunnel was part of the Blue Ridge Railroad’s plan to connect Charleston to the Midwest by cutting a 1.5-mile railroad tunnel straight through the mountain. Simple in theory—not so much in practice. Workers were cutting through blue granite using nothing but chisels, hammers, hand drills, and black powder.
The project quickly became more expensive than anyone expected. South Carolina had already invested around a million dollars before calling it quits. With funds running low and the Civil War looming, the tunnel was left unfinished, and the entire plan was abandoned.
Later, the tunnel found a second, unexpected purpose: cheese. Clemson University used it to age blue cheese, thanks to the tunnel’s naturally cool and humid environment—basically perfect for mimicking European cheese caves. (Yes, Stumphouse Tunnel was once a massive underground fridge. Amazing.)
These days, the tunnel is part of a public park—no trains, no cheese, just a dark and mysterious passage carved into the mountain. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and visitors can walk about a quarter mile into the tunnel.
What It’s Like Inside
With natural light pouring in from the entrance, I could finally see the rough, jagged tunnel walls—and really take in just how much blood, sweat, and sheer determination it must’ve taken to carve through solid blue granite. The fact that it was all done by hand? Honestly, hard to wrap my head around.
As I walked further into the tunnel, it got really creepy. I was alone, it was cold and clammy (a consistent 50 degrees year-round), and all I could hear was the steady drip of water echoing through the dark. My phone flashlight barely cut through the blackness, and the whole time I felt like I was one step away from a horror movie jump scare. Fun? Yes. Relaxing? Not even close.
Never has a quarter-mile felt so long. I turned around twice before finally convincing myself to push through—and I’m glad I did. That gate at the end, though? Super unsettling.
But reaching it meant I could finally head back toward the light, which felt weirdly joyful. Mission accomplished.
Bonus: While you’re here, don’t miss Issaqueena Falls, also located in the park just a short walk (or drive) from the tunnel. It’s a stunning waterfall with a legendary backstory.
Know Before You Go
- Address: Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691
- Admission: There’s a $5 per vehicle fee to enter Stumphouse Tunnel Park—cash or pay-by-app.
- Bring a real flashlight. Your phone light might technically work, but it won’t cut through the pitch-black tunnel. A regular flashlight or headlamp is your best bet.
- Expect mud. The floor can get messy, especially after rain, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Watch your step. The tunnel floor is uneven and slippery in spots—stay alert, especially near puddles.
- Family-friendly (mostly). The short walk and tunnel make it a fun stop for kids, but it gets very dark inside, so keep little ones close.
- No restrooms at the tunnel. If nature calls, plan ahead—there are restrooms near the picnic area, not by the tunnel itself.
- Accessibility: The main path to the tunnel entrance is a short, uphill walk on a pedestrian-only road. While manageable for many, it may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues. The tunnel itself has an uneven and potentially slippery floor, which could be difficult to navigate.
Final Thoughts
Stumphouse Tunnel is a cool, offbeat stop and a fascinating glimpse into a forgotten project. While the dark, cold tunnel might be a little eerie, it’s definitely worth the visit. Just bring a good flashlight, sturdy shoes (and maybe a buddy), and you’re all set.
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