3 Reasons to visit Poinsett Bridge in South Carolina

Photo: Debra Roinestad, Poinsett Bridge, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

If you are visiting South Carolina or live within the area make sure to visit the Poinsett Bridge. This is an amazing historical site that dates back to 1820 and is the oldest surviving bridge in the state.

Photo: Kurt Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here are 3 reasons to visit the Poinsett Bridge.

Hiking
The Bridge is the centerpiece of 120-acre Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve. You can walk under the majestic 14-foot Gothic arch stone structure. Be sure to wear sturdy boots because there is a set of stone stairs with a partial railing as you walk down toward the bridge. The bridge was part of the State road that connected Charleston and Columbia with the North Carolina mountain communities. There is a beautiful stream of water, Little Gap Creek, with large rocks where you can stand and enjoy the architecture of the bridge and nature around you.

Stone stairs at Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Photo: Kurt Roinestad, Majestic Archway- Poinsett Bridge, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

History of Poinsett Bridge Traffic by Mann Batson

Mann Batson shares the history of Poinsett Bridge

Perfect for Photos
I have seen many people have photo shoots by the bridge. The rustic stone structure makes a lovely background for wedding pictures or any friends and family get-togethers. Also, it’s a popular destination for locals and visitors from out of town.

Photo: Debra Roinestad, Perfect for Photo shoots. Little Gap Creek, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Photo: Debra Roinestad, Moss covered rocks at Little Gap Creek (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Photo: Debra Roinestad, Beautiful Moss on Poinsett Bridge, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Lovely Sounds of the creek. Little Gap Creek Video by Dan The Mountain Man
Short Video about Poinsett Bridge by Dave Seminara
Photo: Kurt Roinestad, Panoramic of tree at Little Gap Creek, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Carolina Sweetshrub, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Ghost Stories
For the paranormal fans like myself, many stories of ghosts and paranormal activity have been reported in the area. Late at night, many have said that they see red, white, or green orbs floating around the area and some have heard voices from the bridge. Professional ghost hunters have reported EMF activity within the area.

Photo by: From Past To Future

Overall, A fun place to visit during the day and for the brave-hearted at night.

Address: 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Travelers Rest, SC 29690

Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Warm Wishes,
Debra Roinestad 🍃

Maps for Reference

➡️ Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve (click on the link below)

https://mapcarta.com/W308398725

➡️ Little Gap Creek (click on the link below)

https://mapcarta.com/21298368/Map

Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, S.C.

Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Debra Roinestad, Blogger.
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

On Sunday, I enjoyed a short and soul-cleansing hike at Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve. The area has a high vibration and calmness that clears away any stress. The trail is an easy hike about a 0.4 mile lightly trafficked loop located near Cleveland, South Carolina on Persimmon Ridge Road. The trail is used for hiking, walking, bird watching. Dogs are allowed on the trail too. What is magical about this place is that you can get to the top of the Blue Ridge cliff and have a wonderful view looking South into Northern Carolina.

Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Trees, Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve. (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Moss shaped like a foot-print. (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022


Credit: Map from SC Trails Program

Eva Russell Chandler is home to several rare plant species including Grass-of-Parnassus, Indian paintbrush, and Divided-Leaf Groundsel. I found another rare species not yet identified on this trail, ‘Dimple Trout Lily’. More information on Dimple Trout Lily is in this link.

Dimple Trout Lily. (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here is more information from a fellow blogger, Mark’s Photo Travel in this link.

I would put this on my visit list for anyone here in South Carolina or just visiting!

➡️ Address: Persimmon Ridge Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635
It is located about 7 miles from the entrance where Persimmon Ridge Rd connects to 276 highway. Once up drive up a hill, there is a large sign that clearly marks the preserve.