Glendale Shoals Preserve

Glendale Shoals is probably one of my favorite “hidden gems”. Located on Emma Cudd Road in Glendale, South Carolina, it’s a short drive from downtown Spartanburg. It sits on 13 acres managed by SPACE, and you can get art, history, and beautiful scenery all in one spot!

During the mid-1700s, this spot on Lawson’s Fork Creek was the site of Wofford Iron Works (click the “history” link above to learn more), but that was destroyed by British Troops during the American Revolution. In 1831 the land was purchased by James Bivings, and he established the mill town of Bivingsville and the Bivingsville Mill. Due to an economic downturn, Bivings fell on tough times and in 1854 he sold his share of the mill.

In 1856, Dexter Converse purchased the mill at auction, and under his leadership it became successful again. In the late 1870’s, he changed the name of the mill and the surrounding village to Glendale. Converse was also known for founding Converse College in 1890.

Like most businesses, Glendale Mills suffered during the Great Depression. Finally, due to the pressures of advancing technology and cheap overseas labor, the mill closed its doors in 1961.

The mill was destroyed by fire in 2004, but luckily some of the ruins were left standing. These remaining structures, along with the iron bridge, make for some dramatic photographic opportunities. Almost every weekend you can see wedding and prom/graduation pictures being made.

Ok, enough history. For now.

Glendale Shoals Preserve is home to a waterfall that cascades over a man-made dam. When the water is low, you can climb around on the rocks that form the creek bed and get a great view of the bridge and waterfall. (Click here for a live webcam view!) The Preserve also hosts scenic river walks, short hiking trails, an amphitheater, a pretty cool labyrinth, picnic tables, and a lush garden area.

This is a slideshow of some of the photos I took on a recent trip there. Keep in mind that since we are blessed with varying seasons, the view is always changing so you will want to visit often! And don’t forget your camera!