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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Horseshoe Falls

SC PICTURE PROJECT 13 Comments

SC Picture Project / Laurens County / Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls may be one of South Carolina’s most intriguing landmarks, not only because of its beauty but also because its name. Back in the 1700s, it was known as Gordon’s Mill Falls, after an early owner, George Gordon. Today it is named in honor of one of our state’s most intriguing characters – James “Horseshoe” Robertson.

Horseshoe Falls

Sarah J. Brown of Fountain Inn, 2011 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism says that in 1780, Edward Musgrove – who once owned these lands – allowed British Loyalists to use his property for their hospital during the Revolutionary War. However, Musgrove’s daughter Mary helped a Patriot soldier hide from the British troops in a small cave near these falls.

Musgrove Mill Horseshoe Falls Clinton

Jim Dollar of Indian Land, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Folklore holds that the soldier was called “Horseshoe” because he was a blacksmith, and the information he gathered about the British during his time in the cave helped the Patriots plan an attack. These cascades were eventually named in his honor.

To reach the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, travel I-26 westbound until you reach exit 52 to SC 56 Cross Anchor/Clinton. Turn right onto Highway 56 and drive north for six miles. The park entrance will be on your left.

Reflections on Horseshoe Falls


Photographer Sarah J. Brown says that Horseshoe Falls is “a nice surprise after a beautiful short hike. These several small cascades were worth the drive on a Sunday afternoon.”

Leonard Vaughan says, “Horseshoe Falls (aka Gordons Mill Falls) are located on Cedar Shoals Creek just above where it meets the Enoree River. The falls are part of the Musgrove Mill Historic Site along the border of Laurens and Spartanburg counties. The falls are nearly 10 feet high, which is unusual to be found in the Piedmont region. Legend has it that an American Revolutionary soldier and his horse hid from British soldiers in the cavern to the left of the waterfall.”

Add your own reflections here.

Plan Your Trip: Horseshoe Falls

Where is Horseshoe Falls located?
Address: 398 State Park Road, Clinton, SC 29325
GPS Coordinates: 34.596406,-81.854101
Website: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/musgrovemill/musgrovemill-unique.aspx
What else should I see?
Musgrove Mill Historic Site 0.4 mile
Cross Keys House 8.4 miles
Duncan's Creek Presbyterian Church 9.4 miles
Lanford 11.9 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Clinton Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Military
  • See other South Carolina Waterfalls
    Horseshoe Falls Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tonya Luther says

      June 15, 2021 at 4:04 PM

      Can anyone swim there? I’ve never been, so I was just asking.

      Reply
    2. Mary Elizabeth Coker says

      September 20, 2020 at 4:13 PM

      Is park closed? Thinking about getting married there. Please message me information – beautiful place.

      Reply
    3. David Panther says

      March 18, 2020 at 10:11 AM

      I went here with my son on March 17, 2020 and they have an admission fee to walk the trails. I’ve been coming since I was a boy, and thought it was the greatest place, and wanted my son to experience and love this place as I have for over 40 years. I let them know how disappointed I was that they now are charging to walk down and just see the scenery. I shouldn’t be so critical but just another racket.

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        March 18, 2020 at 6:05 PM

        Hi David, thank you for this updated info, and we don’t blame you for being a bit disappointed. While we understand the park’s position, it is sad that there has to be yet another barrier to being able to spend time in nature these days.

        Reply
    4. Alison says

      March 15, 2019 at 8:33 AM

      Are dogs allowed?

      Reply
    5. Nancy Mcgrady says

      October 31, 2018 at 10:49 AM

      Are the leaves starting to change yet? I will be visiting in a couple of weeks. Thanks!

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        October 31, 2018 at 12:37 PM

        They have! Should be a nice color going on by the time you visit, we hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Lisa Fee says

      October 7, 2018 at 3:22 PM

      Is there an admission price?

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        October 7, 2018 at 7:33 PM

        Great question! We are happy to say there is no admission fee to enjoy the site.

        Reply
    7. Elizabeth Hanley says

      April 5, 2017 at 11:53 AM

      Alternate route to Horseshoe Falls: I-26 to exit 44. Exit toward Cross Anchor/Union. Take 1st road on right (Horseshoe Falls Road). Follow road to park entrance on left (just as you cross narrow metal bridge).

      Reply
    8. Tanya Martin says

      April 12, 2015 at 10:11 PM

      Love going to there, it’s my favorite place to go an just relax. I hope to see if I can get some info about getting married there, but not sure if they allow it..great spot to layout in sun an relax why the kids play and a beautiful place to take pictures…

      Reply
    9. Ashley Boheler says

      August 20, 2012 at 8:57 PM

      Hi! I was wondering if any has gotten married at Horseshoe Falls before, and if so I was wondering if we could get married there?

      Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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