Walhalla (South Carolina)
Walhalla is a small town of 4,500 people (2019) in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of the Upcountry of South Carolina. Walhalla is a charming southern town with historical homes, churches, and the beautifully restored Walhalla Civic Auditorium where regional and local theater events are held. With antique shops, cafes, shops, and tree-lined streets, Walhalla is a delightful town to explore on foot.
Understand
History and culture
Walhalla, South Carolina is a town with rich heritage and the county seat of Oconee County in the upstate of South Carolina. In 1850, a group of immigrants from northern Germany arrived in Charleston and were unable to find land that suited their pocketbook or their idea of home. They formed the German Colonization Society led by General John A. Wagener and found what they were looking for here, in the garden of the Gods.
Climate
Walhalla has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Precipitation does not vary greatly between seasons. Snowfall does occur occasionally in the winter months of December and January. In the summer, thunderstorms are quite common in the afternoon and evening. January is the coldest month with an average high of 50°F (10°C) and an average low of 28°F (-2°C). July is the hottest month with an average high of 90°F (32°C) and an average low of 65°F (18°C).
See
- 🌍 Stumphouse Tunnel, Stumphouse Tunnel Road, ☏ +1 864-638-4343. Man-made tunnel built in during the Civil War open to the public.
- 🌍 Issaqueena Falls, Stumphouse Tunnel Road, ☏ +1 864-638-4345. A waterfall northeast of downtown Walhalla offering scenic views and numerous trails.
- 🌍 Yellow Branch Falls. Waterfall surrounded by dense hardwood forest and numerous hiking trails.
- 🌍 Station Cove Falls, Oconee Station Road, ☏ +1 864-638-9568. Scenic spot with cascading waterfall at the end of a 1.5-mile Trail.
- 🌍 Riley Moore Falls, Cobb Bridge Road, ☏ +1 864-638-9568. Small, isolated waterfall in the wilderness of Sumter National Forest northeast of downtown Walhalla offering swimming.
- 🌍 Oconee Station Historic Site, 500 Oconee Station Road. A historical site in Sumter National Forest, northeast of downtown Walhalla.
- 🌍 Historic Downtown Walhalla, Main Street. The historic downtown in the heart of Walhalla with historic buildings home to a few restaurants.
Do
- 🌍 Hike at Sumter National Forest, 112 Andrew Pickens Circle, ☏ +1 864-638-9568. Large protected area spanning across most of Oconee County in the Upcountry of South Carolina. Check website for list of trails and maps.
- 🌍 Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, ☏ +1 864 638-5353. Daily 7AM-9PM. Mountainous parkland with hiking trails and lake for recreating.
- Take part in Oktoberfest, in October naturally.
Eat
- 🌍 Dakota Grill, 2911 Highlands Highway, ☏ +1 864-718-0553. Tu-Sa 5-9PM, closed Su M. Locally-owned restaurant offering burgers, steaks and seafood.
- 🌍 Pete’s Drive In, 107 E Main Street, ☏ +1 864-638-3002. 11AM-9PM. Locally-owned dive offering burgers, shakes, chicken, BBQ and fries.
Drink
- 🌍 Last Chance Saloon, 2519 Highlands Highway, ☏ +1 864-810-8980. W-Su noon-2AM, closed M Tu. Mountainside bar offering happy hour drinks and karaoke. Cash only.
Sleep
- 🌍 Camp at Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Road, ☏ +1 864-638-5353. Rustic mountain park with a lake and offering camping, fishing and hiking.