Calming...

Pat standing on the shoals below the spillway.

We visited Glendale Shoals Preserve and Waterfalls while we were in South Carolina. This was the most beautiful and peaceful stop, as well as being very historic.  It includes trails, a dam, a 1928 bridge, spillway, waterfall, ruins of an old textile mill and more.

The Iron works was located on one side of the 1928 bridge crossing Lawson's Fork Creek. Several skirmishes were fought here during the Revolutionary War.

In the 1800's James Bivings built a large cotton mill on the other side of the creek and pioneered the concept of a mill village. He had houses built for employees and a variety of businesses opened. Powered by a 26 foot water wheel it started production around 1835 and operated until 1961.

Couples, kids and families were relaxing and enjoying the area on Sunday.

Looking at the waterfall. In the background is the lone cotton mill tower that remains after a devaststing 2004 fire. 

When the water is low you can walk across the shoals. On the left a log was stuck on the bridge above the spillway.

There is a garden by the old mill that includes grape vines,

a butterfly garden,

and a Little Free Library. Story time is once a month at the ampitheater.

A labrynth added some peace to my life.

Don't be a Bob!

Where are the Piepers now? Cincinnati, OH