For history fanatics, animal lovers, and nature lovers alike, we think a visit to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in West Columbia, South Carolina is a trifecta of delight. From the many species of creatures (more than 350), to a botanical garden displaying a diverse variety of 10 different gardens on 70 acres, the Zoo and Gardens alone make for a fun-filled day of adventure. But, if you'd like to explore a bit more, we suggest reading on to learn what you'll find along the nearby Saluda River.
To get started on your adventure, take the trailhead that's located on the Saluda River. It can be accessed via the Saluda River Interpretive Center near the river crossing in the zoo.
Lovers of South Carolina history will find this short 0.3-mile trail past factory ruins that are nearly 200 years old fascinating.
The trail is user-friendly and leads to some extraordinary ruins of the former Saluda Manufacturing Factory that opened in 1834.
Visitors on one of the most unique South Carolina hiking trails don't need to look very hard to find evidence of the granite foundation of the old mill.
The walls of the foundation of the once-busting factory that operated for 50 years along the Saluda River are easy to spot.
Other clues along what's considered one of the best trails in South Carolina are equally impressive, like this stone arch.
The remains of what was likely a sluice along the river take visitors back to the days when the water of the river served as fuel for the mill's inner workings in Saluda, South Carolina.
Any visit to Riverbanks Zoo will be made more memorable by making sure to venture onto the factory ruins trail that leads from the Saluda River Mill Interpretive Center. Don't you agree?
Admission to the zoo and gardens is required to explore this particular interpretive historic trail. You can learn about the zoo's current hours of operation, admission costs, and any other current policies regarding the pandemic, by visiting the official website for Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens. More information about the Saluda Factory Interpretive Center and the Saluda Factory Ruins is also available on the zoo's website.
If you'd like to explore more ruins, take a look at these archeological sites in South Carolina. We also recommend referring to AllTrails to learn about more the best hikes in Saluda and other parts of South Carolina.
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