South Carolina's Lovely Waterfall Is A Hidden Gem With A Rich History And Quiet Beauty

Drive less than two hours from the skyscrapers, stately historic homes, and busy boutiques of Charlotte, North Carolina, cross the border to South Carolina, and head close to the edge of the lush Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests. There, you'll find nearly 400 acres of little-known natural landscape known as Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. This hidden South Carolina gem is sure to delight and intrigue nature-lovers, history buffs, and hiking enthusiasts. It is known for its rich forests; the pretty cascading waterfall, Horseshoe Falls; and a unique slice of American Revolutionary War history .

While you might picture destinations like Boston's Freedom Trail or Philadelphia's Independence Hall when you think about places to learn about American history, South Carolina has no shortage of Revolutionary War sites hidden along its wooded trails. Musgrove Mill State Historic Site stands out because of a grisly battle that occurred here nearly two and a half centuries ago. The people of South Carolina were divided about British rule, and nowhere is that more obvious than in these verdant woods, where colonists from this region clashed in a deadly combat. Here, about 200 patriot soldiers won an unlikely victory against around 500 British soldiers and colonist fighters loyal to the crown. When you walk these trails, listening to the songs of birds and the rushing river flowing in the distance, you can imagine what it would have been like to hear the sounds of muskets firing. As you walk between the trees, you will be visiting the places where people fought and died to determine the fate of the American colonies.

If you want to explore the best that Musgrove Mill State Historic Site has to offer, you'll need to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. The most popular route at the site is certainly Horseshoe Falls and Battlefield Trail. This partially paved route is about four feet wide in most places and has a gentle grade, so it can be a good hiking trail for wheelchair users, families pushing strollers, and anyone else who enjoys a beautiful walk through the woods but isn't looking to expend too much energy on the hike. It leads to a viewing platform with an excellent view of the small but very pretty Horseshoe Falls. Along the way, you can pause and read signs telling the story of the battle. Expect to spend around an hour exploring here.

You should also make time to hike the British Camp Trail. You'll hear the flowing Enoree River all the way through the dense forest. As you walk between the towering old trees along rustic wooden boardwalks and rough dirt trails, you'll catch glimpses of the river and have opportunities to read more of the story of the battle. While you won't get to see the falls along this trail, it can be the perfect quiet spot for those hoping to spot some wildlife. If you walk briskly along this loop, you can probably complete it in under half an hour, but to fully enjoy it, plan to spend closer to an hour meandering along this woodsy trail.