Whether you believe in ghosts and spirits or not, this haunted hike in South Carolina may send you running for the hills - or you'll just truly enjoy the ruins and learning some Hilton Head history. Either way, true believers will tell you: South Carolina has some pretty creepy hauntings. It makes sense. Our history is long and bound to be smattered with events that trapped spirits and energies here.

Take this short hike through the ruins of Baynard Plantation after dusk on Hilton Head Island for thrills and chills - and all-around creepiness. And don't forget the flashlight!

Local lore surrounding the ruins of Baynard Plantation (a.k.a. Stoney-Baynard Plantation) says that in 1838 "Saucy" Jack Stoney lost his family's 1,000-acre plantation that had been in the family since his Grandfather, a war hero, built it shortly after the American Revolution.

One version of the story says "Saucy" Jack lost the plantation in a late-night poker game when he literally bet the house and lost.

The winner of that game was William Baynard, who already owned more than one plantation around the area.

Baynard, a wealthy man, lived in the house with his wife and children from 1840 until his death in 1849.

He died in the house and was laid to rest in the family mausoleum not far away. During the Civil War, it's believed Union solders used the big house at Baynard for a headquarters. It subsequently got raided and burned by the Confederates.

William Baynard was known to be a very wealthy plantation owner, Union soldiers heard rumors about how the Baynard mausoleum was filled with gold, jewels and other valuables. So they broke in to steal the goods.

Perhaps that's why some visitors to Baynard Plantation after dusk or nightfall have reported seeing the ghost of William Maynard wandering the property.

Others report seeing his funeral procession and horse-drawn carriage hearse similar to the one above rolling through the property and past his house.

Whatever people see or experience, it's enough to earn this plantation and the trails leading from the different parking areas a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots on Hilton Head Island.

Baynard Plantation (a.k.a. Stoney-Baynard Plantation) is located at 88 Plantation Drive, Hilton Head, SC inside Sea Pines Plantation. There is a small gate fee to get into Sea Pines. In addition, there are no maps at the ruins or facilities. There are several small parking areas, one of them is only steps away from the main house ruins, the others require a walk through the haunted woods.

Have you visited Baynard Plantation ruins on Hiltion Head Island? We'd love to know.

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