Issaqueena Falls

The story of Issaqueena Falls confirms its eternally treacherous nature – Use caution!

Twenty-five miles south of Highlands on Route 28 you’ll find Issaqueena Falls in Walhalla’s Stumphouse Park.

The falls can be partially viewed from an easily accessed platform above the falls. A better view can be found at the bottom of the falls. Many people hike the short trail to the bottom but it’s steep and can be dangerous, particularly when the trail is muddy. If you choose to descend to the bottom, sturdy hiking boots and extreme caution are recommended.

Issaqueena falls was named after a Choctaw maiden who had been captured by the Cherokee. She was in love with a settler from a nearby white settlement. When she learned of a Cherokee plan to attack the settlement, she ran to warn the settlers. With the Cherokee in pursuit, she hid on a ledge behind the waterfall. Her pursuers thought she had fallen to her death. Issaqueena successfully reached the settlement and warned the settlers of the imminent attack.

The Stumphouse Tunnel in the same park is well worth a visit. The tunnel was part of the Blue Ridge Railroad. The project was an attempt to connect Charleston with cities in the Midwest during the 1850s. Construction was halted at the beginning of the Civil War. The first quarter mile of the one-mile tunnel is open to the public. Be sure to bring a flashlight as there is no lighting inside.

Driving Directions:

From North Carolina 28 in Highlands, drive 25 miles to Stumphouse

Tunnel Road on the left. The park is a short distance from the national forest ranger station. Follow the road to the waterfall parking lot. There’s a $5 parking fee.

Trail Directions:

From the parking lot the trail will be obvious as you will see the boardwalk crossing the creek. The viewing platform is approximately a quarter-mile from the parking lot.

by Ed and Cindy Boos