Walhalla, South Carolina Travel Guide
Welcome to Walhalla, South Carolina! Walhalla is in the South Carolina upstate in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Originally colonized by German immigrants, the town is now home to about 4,000 permanent residents. Walhalla is close to Lake Keowee and Clemson University. The quaint downtown area has storefronts, coffee shops, and a taproom. Walhalla is home to several museums and outdoor recreation spots, like the local favorite Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaquena Falls. Walhalla is perfect for a stop on the drive through town, a day trip, or a weekend getaway! Walhalla is close to a few major cities including Greenville, SC (1hr 15min, 45 miles), Ashville, NC (2hr, 94 miles), and Atlanta, GA (2hr 45min, 120 miles). The closest major airport is the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
While visiting downtown Walhalla is a must, the true must-see attractions are Issaquena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel. Issaquena Falls is a 100ft drop waterfall home to legend of a Native American woman using it as a place of refuge to escape her tribe. The rest of the story is for you to find out! Next to the falls is Stumphouse Tunnel, a fourth of a mile deep tunnel mined by the Blue Ridge Railroad. The tunnel was never finished and is now a popular destination for visitors. Stumphouse Tunnel has a constant temperature of 50F year-round, strangely making it ideal for curing blue cheese! In the 1950s, Clemson University used the tunnel to make blue cheese, which is still discussed today. In addition to these attractions, Oconee State Park is nearby and offers visitors fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping.
For history buffs, Walhalla has you covered. Visit museums such as the Museum of the Cherokee of South Carolina, the Oconee History Museum, and the Oconee Military Museum. Stop by Oconee Station, the site of an old blockhouse used by the South Carolina frontier.
Downtown Walhalla is beautiful to drive or walk through. See a concert or show at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center. Go on a shopping spree at Sunni Ann Mercantile Company for unique gifts, shop at the Walhalla Boutique on Main for a new outfit, and score some antiques at Middle of Main Antique and Gem Mine.
While enjoying downtown and the surrounding area, there are plenty of places to stop and fuel up. For breakfast, stop by Kountry Kupboard for southern-style dishes or grab coffee and a pastry at Alexander’s Work & Wander. For lunch, stop by Steph’s Steaks for a cheesesteak or ShugaBear’s for a burger and baked good. For dinner, grab classic American eats with live music at Trailhead Tavern or grab a beer and a dinner at Stumphaus Taproom.
Need a place to stay during your visit? There are several options nearby, including Rodeway Inn and Suites downtown. There are a few chain hotels nearby including Days Inn, Fairfield Inn, and Best Western. Looking to commune with nature? Consider camping in Oconee State Park. Try renting a unique stay in a Vrbo! Some of our favorites include a rustic loft on Main for 2, a charming home for 8, and a tiny house for 4.
Not sure when to visit Walhalla? Consider visiting their Oktoberfest, as the town honors its German heritage. Whatever you’re into, Walhalla, South Carolina has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gave you a glimpse into life in Walhalla that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
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