Open full screen to view more . The Stumphouse Tunnel is the result of many failed attempts to connect a simpler railroad route from Charleston, South Carolina, to the nations interior through the formidable Stumphouse Mountain. On Saturday, a woman was critically injured after slipping at Issaqueena Falls. She and Allen then made their way to safety in a canoe he had hidden at the base of the falls. Feature/Archival Maps. Still others tell a much darker tail with Issaqueena falling in love, not with a white trader, but an Oconee Brave. Other versions of the story introduced Issaqueenas lover as a silversmith named David Francis, who took shelter with Issaqueena in a hollow tree near the present-day Stumphouse Mountain to escape the Cherokee after her betrayal. After leaping off of the falls, Issaqueena and David relocated together to Alabama. Issaqueena Falls is located a few short miles outside of Walhalla, and next to another attraction known as Stumphouse Tunnel. Man dies after lake trail fall; Woman critically injured in separate fall. [8], "Walter Gassaway Victim of Short Illness at Home,", Sharon Todd, "Gassaway Mansion Still Empty,", Alyce Atkinson, "Gassaway Mansion: 'Something Magnificent,'", U.S. National Register of Historic Places, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Isaqueena&oldid=1119548002, This page was last edited on 2 November 2022, at 04:17. Thats why it is no stretch to lump this 100-foot cascade among the most popular in Oconee County, and among the most beautiful. It was a pleasant fall day, very peaceful and quiet. Copyright 2023 Visit Oconee SC. The best and most agreed-upon version of the tale has her leading them to Issaqueena Falls, where she cleverly made them believe she jumped to her death. Clemson University no longer cures cheese in the tunnel, but you can view some brown bats andaccording to someghosts. Allen enjoyed accompanying his father on expeditions to trade with the Cherokee, and on one of these trips he met and fell in love with an Indian maiden. [7] The building once again became a private residence in the 1990s, and it has since been maintained through rentals as a wedding venue. We are trying to get the City of Walhalla to go through the process of editing the listing on Apple Maps, but so far it hasnt happened. The park can be confusing to new visitors, so we hope these insider tips help you navigate the area upon arrival. The landmarks of Mile Creek, Six Mile town (and mountain), Twelve Mile River, Eighteen Mile Creek, Three and Twenty Creek, Six and Twenty Creek, and Ninety Six were supposedly named for their proximity from the area of a trading post (perhaps the same post as the Cherokee settlement of Keowee that was located near present-day Clemson University) and later location of Fort Prince George. She hid on the ledge below the top of the waterfall where she remained until it was safe to rejoin her family. The tribesmen, believing her to be dead, call off their chase and Issaqueena, who had landed on a ledge, was able to return safely to her family. A short easy walking trail leads from Stumphouse Mountain Park to Issaqueena Falls, a beautiful 200-ft. cascade. It is rumored that at least ten workers died during the dynamiting and construction of the Stumphouse Tunnel, and there are unexplained paranormal activities as a result. |Sitemap. Very nice place to go with kids. Addis said the terrain where Sprouse fell is very rocky. 4.) A legend accompanies the waterfall which tells the story of a Native American woman who betrays her tribe to protect a white settlement and then fakes her death at the falls. Issaqueena Falls in South Carolina. So with so many waterfalls in South Carolina to choose from, which one was named the most beautiful? Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. The drive up was nice . The waterfall is named after the Creek maiden named Issaqueena who is said to have used the fall's ledges to hide or get out of sight from the Cherokee warriors. Thanks to her warning, the settlers where able to repel the attack, and afterwards she and Allen Francis where married. Specializing in Dentistry for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care. The park offers family-friendly activities and amenities, including a covered bridge over a creek, an eerie Civil War-era tunnel, dual-use hiking/mountain biking trails, picnic areas, and plenty of nature! For the purposes and clarity of this telling, we will use Cateechee primarily as her name, as it is commonly used in the references themselves. The Clemson Experimental Forest Trail system is divided into three primary areas: Fant's Grove (approx. What about other versions? LENGTH 0.2 MILES. Have 45 Sec? Nonetheless, it is a part of local folklore and should not be forgotten. The legend surrounding Issaqueena Falls tells of a Cherokee maiden who jumped from the top of the waterfall with her lover, an Oconee warrior. Issaqueena Falls. Falls is short hike to viewing platform. For the next 2 and a half years, she and Allen lived among the Cherokee, but longed to be free. Other versions of the story introduced Issaqueenas lover as a silversmith named David Francis, who took shelter with Issaqueena in a hollow tree near the present-day Stumphouse Mountain to escape the Cherokee after her betrayal. After leaping off of the falls, Issaqueena and David relocated together to Alabama. TripAdvisor/Franklin B From the top of the falls you may feel like a king surveying your kingdom. Issaqueena Falls is an attraction in the same park as Stumphouse Tunnel. South Carolina governor Robert Hayne wanted an alternate route for the Blue Ridge Railroad because, at that time, the route bypassed the mountains of South Carolina, extending . The trail to Issaqueena Falls is wide, nicely maintained, and very short. TripAdvisor/oceanbound81 The trail to the top of the falls is a mere .03 mile from the parking area and is well maintained. Issaqueena Falls This incredible 200-foot cascade is steeped in legends and surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Located within walking distance of Stumphouse Tunnel, the easy trek to the observation deck offers a great view of the falls. Mifflintown, PA 17059. The following year his widow abandoned Isaqueena for a smaller home (which she also designed) closer to downtown Greenville. PHOTOS DIRECTIONS VIDEO MORE INFO Be warned though, the trail is steep and depending on the weather can be very slippery. OCONEE CO., S.C. (WSPA) - A 12-year-old was injured after falling near the falls at Issaqueena Falls Saturday, according to Walhalla Fire Department. Park admission is $5.00 and can be paid via a drop box near the park entrance. They are named after the Native American woman who jumped off of them. They urged anyone enjoying trails or spending time near water to use caution, especially as the Fourth of July holiday approaches. Issaqueena Falls. For the purposes and clarity of this telling, we will use Cateechee primarily as her name, as it is commonly used in the references themselves. The three "hotspots" as county officials called them where the most calls originate from in Oconee County are Issaqueena Falls, Jocassee waterfalls and Whitewater Falls. It is also pet-friendly. Many people use these falls as a place to cool down and swim on a hot day. Sources for todays story are: Many! They found a makeshift shelter in a hollow stump near the location of todays Stumphouse Mountain. After the final failed attempt, a professor in the dairy department at nearby Clemson University (known as Clemson A&M College at the time) proposed using the tunnel to cure blue cheese, due to its stable and ideal temperature and humidity properties. Sometimes it takes a boat. Casey was able to film overhead and really captured the splashing water and lush green forest surrounding the waterfall. Cateechee and the baby dodged arrows and outran the Cherokee warriors until they were backed up against the edge of the falls with nowhere else to go. In a hail of arrows, she jumped from the top of the falls, but miraculously didnt plunge to her death. All of the legends differ slightly in their renditions but agree on the detail that although Issaqueena was a Native American, she was not a member of the Cherokee tribe. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Now, I hope you enjoy the Legend of Issaqueena. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Bring your flash lights or head lamps for the tunnel. Youll definitely get a better view in the winter months when the leaves have fallen and they arent obstructing the line of sight. This is a great picnic spot with several nearby attractions. Two of the most interesting stops in the South Carolina Upstate are just a few feet apart. Issaqueena Falls is named for a local legend about a young Native American woman who fell head over heels for a white settler. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Oconee County Emergency Services officials said the woman fell about 20 feet at the falls trailhead around 5 p.m. Officials said rescuers were able to airlift the woman to Greenville Memorial Hospital a little more than an hour after she fell. Legend states that Stumphouse Mountain received its name from moonshiners who hid and dropped off their illegal wares inside tree stumps, or was named after stories from the Cherokee Native Americans, namely a story involving a Native American maiden, Issaqueena or Cateechee, and her lover, whom well talk about today. Stumphouse Tunnel Park and Issaqueena Falls Located about 7 miles northwest of Walhalla on Hyw 28, the 1,617 foot long Stumphouse Tunnel is an oddity. Stumphouse Tunnel, located near the Oconee County community of Walhalla, was designed in the early 1830s with the goal of connecting rail lines in Charleston to Knoxville, Tennessee, and eventually Cincinnati, Ohio. Andy Woods drives you home weekday afternoons. Issaqueena Picnic Areas (2010) CEF Map (2012) CEF Headquarters (2015) CEF North Area (2015) CEF South Area (2015) Oconee Point (2015) Issaqueena & Lawrence Chapel Trails (2015) Lawrence Chapel NE (2015) Lawrence . The 40-room house was built between 1919 and 1924 by Walter L. Gassaway, a banker and textile mill owner; his wife, Minnie Quinn Gassaway, designed the structure after taking a correspondence course in architecture. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Fant's Grove. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. Daniels that was published in 1898. The first 911 call was made at 1:19 pm., Addis said, about 30 to 45 minutes after Sprouse fell. Stay with WYFF News 4 as we work to learn more information. One fateful night they put their escape plan into motion. They settled down in Ninety-Six and began to plan their lives together, but their story wasnt over yet. Issaqueena Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Stumphouse Tunnel Park. In the winter months, youll be able to get a pretty good view of the falls from the platform. The hike departs southbound from the parking area and quickly crosses a small wooden covered bridge over Cane Creek. . by J.W. Archives & Manuscripts Collection Guides Search within Issaqueena is her Choctaw or true name, while Cateechee or Kitichee is considered to be her name while living with the Cherokee. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Issaqueena Falls. Turn right for Issaqueena Falls, picnic tables, bike trails, and the Blue Ridge Railroad Trail; continue straight to park closer to the entrance for Stumphouse Tunnel. The falls are named after the legend of Issaqueena, a Native American woman who pretended to go over the falls to escape persecution after she warned a nearby fort of an impending attack from her tribe. THEY USED A ROPE SYSTEM TO TELL US THE CHILD FELL ABOUT 10 FEET THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES ANYONE HIKING OR SPENDING TIME NEAR WATER TO USE CAUTION, ESPECIALLY AS WE MOVE INTO. The Falls Park Guide and Activity Book (PDF) is a self-guided tour of Falls Park. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The trails are a component of a working forest used for teaching . This was a series of skirmishes between the Cherokee and British, who had previously been allies against the French during the French and Indian War. Issaqueena Falls is located on the South side of the park downstream of Cane Creek. You can get to amenities from either parking area, but the parking lot on the right is closer to Issaqueena Falls and the trailhead for the Blue Ridge Railroad Trail. There she hid from her tribe in the recessed area below where hikers are still able to enter today. into the face of Stumphouse Mountain, and is the result of many failed attempts to make a railway tunnel through the mountain. It wasnt until 1951 that Clemson purchased the tunnel and used it to develop the Souths very first blue cheese. Guided Hike to 3 Amazing Waterfalls - 2.5 Hour Hiking Tour 67 Recommended Adventure Tours from $89.00 per adult Greenville City Segway Tour 145 Recommended Segway Tours from $69.00 per adult Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast 27 Recommended Walking Tours from $72.00 per adult A relaxing 0.3-mile walk brings you to a pavilion overlooking the falls. Read. Reverend Daniels popular legend of Cateechee/Issaqueena is considered to be just thata work of fiction. We looked up directions for a family member on Apple Maps and it is showing the falls are permanently closed. Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter. Stay with WYFF News 4 as we work to learn more information. Fearing her betrayal would be discovered, the maiden stayed in the settlement and the two married. Issaqueena Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls in South Carolina to visit. He died at GHS at 6:15 p.m. from a closed head injury, Addis said. by Abbeville, South Carolina, minister Dr. James Walter Daniel, published in 1898. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Issaqueena Falls is open! Not that we know of. The settlers were able to prepare and ward off the attack due to Cateechees bravery, and she and her lover, Allan Francis, were able to marry. True Or Not, The Eerie Legend Behind Issaqueena Falls At South Carolina's Tunnel Park Is Fascinating For those who spend the majority of their time in the midland or coastal regions of South Carolina, it may come as a surprise to learn that the Palmetto State is home to hundreds of waterfalls. She hid on the ledge below the top of the waterfall where she remained until it was safe to rejoin her family. You may want to drop off anyone in your group with limited mobility, then park in the lot on the left side (this wont set you back much as it is a short walk between parking areas). Fort Prince George wasnt built until 1753, however, was abandoned by 1768, and was lost for good when the entire area was flooded to build Duke Energys Oconee Nuclear Station in 1968. This map was created by a user. Most versions of the legend say that Issaqueena, who is occasionally called Cateechee, fell in love with a white settler, but learned that her tribe was planning a surprise attack on a white encampment. Issaqueena saw them coming and ran toward the waterfall to escape capture. Menu. From the parking lot (right side), its an easy 5-minute walk to a viewing platform that looks out over the top of Issaqueena Falls. 47 miles) and Todd's Creek (approx. Issaqueena Falls, Sumter National Forest, Oconee County Source: Robert D. Howell / shutterstock Issaqueena Falls. For full functionality please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Cateechee and the baby dodged arrows and outran the Cherokee warriors until they were backed up against the edge of the falls with nowhere else to go. In each case, the falls are named after an Indian maiden who allegedly jumped from the falls. Visitors can park at the Stumphouse Tunnel, walk in and view the uncompleted tunnel (be sure to bring your muck boots and flashlightsits dark and wet! She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Coroner Karl Addis said Sprouse apparently fell along a trail adjacent to the Thompson River near Lake Jocassee while on a family outing. Issaqueena Falls Trail Activities: t Walk Hike Length: 0.4 miles Type: Round Trip Surface: Natural, Boardwalk Difficulty: Easy Trail Features: t Waterfall Parking Pets No Fee No Camping Summary: A well-maintained trail leads from the parking area to a platform for viewing this 100-foot cascade of Cane Creek. Issaqueena Falls resides in the Sumter National Forest near Walhalla, South Carolina. Please note that this source is the most popular version of the legend in South Carolina, but is a highly romanticized and anglicized tale. Walhalla Fire Chief Brandon Burton said that . Not only are many trails, churches, neighborhoods, and natural landmarks named either "Issaqueena" or "Cateechee.". Why do you think Issaqueena Falls is closed? http://upcountryhistorical.org/items/show/93, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, https://www.newberryobserver.com/news/3006/legend-of-issaqueena, https://www.scpictureproject.org/oconee-county/issaqueena-falls.html. But when the leaves return in spring and summer, you wont be able to see as well. She pretended to leap to hear death, hiding on the ledge below the top of the waterfall until they left and rejoined her family. 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