Glendale Shoals is a 13-acre preserve near downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina. Remains of the old cotton mill are still standing. The town was called Bivingsville in the 1800s when the mill was built. Check out this postcard which shows the mill around 1910.
They closed the mill in 1961. A fire tore through the complex in 2004, destroying all but some of the exterior walls.
There is a 1-mile trail through the property, which includes a pedestrian bridge from 1928. The bridge crosses Lawson’s Fork Creek. It is free to explore the preserve. The trail is an easy hike, but it is on grass and uphill to get closer to some ruins.
Getting to the Preserve
You can park on either side of the bridge – there is more space to park behind Glendale Post Office. Or you can drive 0.25 miles down Emma Cudd Road to a small community park (on the left) like I did. There is a small gravel pull-off which can accommodate about 4 cars comfortably.
Lawson’s Fork Creek
Below the bridge, there is a dam on the creek which creates a wide waterfall. There is also a small set of cascades farther downstream. To check out the creek, descend a set of stairs from the bridge.
Another option is to approach from the community park, take the dirt trail and then carefully make your way across the shoals. This is only safe in low water levels, but I loved being able to walk on the rocky surface through the creek bed. Because the creek curves around the shoals, I could stand directly in front of the dam without getting wet.
Cross the bridge for views from above. You might also see some locks added to the bridge. I am unsure if this is encouraged or not.
Exploring Glendale Shoals Preserve
Enter the preserve on the trail behind the post office. The first thing you’ll come across is Goodall Environmental Studies Center which has a teaching garden open to the public. There is a native grape vineyard and pollinator garden. Across from the vineyard is a sunken amphitheater with picnic tables and a little free library. I was able to spy a few butterflies and bees in the garden.
Also in this area is the first tower, which is fenced off. You can still see the mill’s name on the brick near the top.
An opening in the trees next to the trail offers views of the cascades on the creek. Then you will see a shorter structure on the hill, but it is covered in graffiti. Most of the remaining structures have graffiti and trash surrounding it which is disappointing.
A round, stone labyrinth is next on the trail. An information sign explains the many ways to experience it and three stages of a walk – Stage 1 (entrance to center) is to still your mind; Stage 2 (at the center) you are in a receptive and meditative state to open your heart; and Stage 3 (path out) is becoming grounded to integrate the experience.
After the labyrinth, head uphill on the grass to get closer to the other building ruins. The second tower is not fenced and has openings.
You can enter it to see inside – watch for broken glass and sharp metal. It was spectacular to be able to look up and out!
The last two big structures are another closed tower and a smokestack, which is fenced in.
Waterfall Trail
There is a short waterfall trail next to the labyrinth which goes to Lawson’s Fork Creek. The dirt trail is narrow and surrounded by undergrowth. At the bend in the river, there is a tree swing but trust it at your own risk. Turn right to continue the trail closer to the cascades.
This is an easy day trip while in the Spartanburg area. It is a great spot for nature, history, and architecture lovers!