Battlefield Trail - Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

I visited the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site near Cross Anchor, South Carolina in late April 2017. Driving directions and my short synopsis of the Revolutionary War battle that took place on August 19, 1780 can be found here.

The Battlefield Trail follows the short, concrete Horseshoe Falls Trail to the falls overlook before continuing toward the battlefield. I wrote about that part of the trail and Horseshoe Falls here.

From the falls, the trail heads northeast as a dirt path. After climbing the hill separating the Cedar Shoals Creek watershed from the watershed of an unnamed intermittent stream, about 0.4 miles from the trailhead a short side trail to the right leads to three benches on a small ridge. I didn't see any signs noting the main trail heads left or that the trail to the right was a dead end. Continuing on the main trail, a junction is reached at 0.5 miles from the trailhead. The signpost at this junction was down, but it would have pointed to the right if standing. This begins the loop portion of the trail on the site of the Revolutionary War battle. The trail heads southeast and climbs another hill. When the trail turns north, it continues up the hill following the old colonial wagon road to the open field where the Patriots waited to ambush the Loyalists. There are numerous wayside signs that interpret the battle. After leaving the battlefield, the trail uses a series of switchbacks to return down the hill to the junction. Another right turn here allows you to retrace your steps back to the trailhead. The complete trail is listed as 1.5 miles in park literature, but the current route is closer to 1.7 miles according to my GPS receiver.

Other than benches, there are no facilities at the trailhead or along the trail.

To reach the trailhead from the visitor center on the south side of the Enoree River, drive out the park road to SC 56. Turn left (north) and drive 2.1 miles crossing the river on the way. Make a sharp left onto Horseshoe Falls Road. Drive south for 1.4 miles. A large gravel parking area is located on the right before the road crosses the pony truss bridge over Cedar Shoals Creek. The trailhead and two handicap parking spaces are located across Horseshoe Falls Road.

Topographic map with GPS route

Elevation profile

Bridge and sign visible from the falls overlook

Typical trail conditions and wayside sign

There are a number of timber steps along the trail

One of several benches along the trail

The shortcut around the bridge seems more used than the bridge

Another shortcut through the forest

The real trail includes stairs to negotiate the hill

Another view of the trail

At this junction, the trail to the right is a dead end

Benches at the dead end

Lots of ferns in a ravine

Notice fallen signpost at the trail junction (turn right here)

Bridge crosses an unnamed stream

Due to recent rain, the intermittent stream has plenty of water

Heading southeast and climbing

Continuing to climb

Another bench

The colonial era wagon road

Sawn logs have been rolled into the old road

A hazardous low branch

Entering the open field of battle

Patriot militia formed up at the treeline on the far side of the field

The trail is easy to follow along the edge of  the field

Trail crosses the colonial road 

View from near the Patriot position

Memorial to the fallen Patriots

Remnant of the old colonial road in the middle of the field

Timber steps and another bench as the trail begins its descent

Switchback visible through the woods

Recrossing the intermittent stream

The trail follows the stream for a short distance...

...before arriving back at the junction

Entry to the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site is free.

The park website is http://southcarolinaparks.com/musgrovemill/.